Effect of post-weld heat treatment on microstructure and properties of electron beam welded joint of Ti2AlNb/TC11

Abstract

The present paper reports the influence of post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) on microstructure and properties of electron beam welded dissimilar joint. Ti₂AlNb and TC11 alloys were used to fabricate the joints. Three PWHTs were applied to the welded joints. The structures were analysed using optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The results show that weld metal of the fusion zone is mainly composed of α₂ and β phases. As the energy input increases under different PWHTs, the decomposition degree of metastable phases (α′/β) rises, but the tensile strength and impact toughness of the joint reduce. Under each condition, the tensile strength of the joint is higher than that of the TC11 base metal.