3-sheet structure of Inconel 718 superalloy processed by LBW/SPF and its load response

Abstract

The 3-sheet structure of Inconel 718 superalloy will be used in flying vehicles as heat resisting and shielding structure due to its lightweight, high strength and stiffness. The 3-sheet structure of Inconel 718 superalloy processed by LBW/SPF (laser beam welding/superplastic forming) technology exhibited good configuration and uniform thickness distribution. The LBW parameters for 3-sheet structure were as follows: Pulse frequency was 32 Hz, impulse duration 3 ms, peak power per pulse 4500 W, and welding speed 180 mm/min. The SPF parameters were as follows: Temperature T=965°C, forming pressure P=4.2 MPa, and forming time t=130 min. The microstructure in weld fusion zone was constituted of austenite dendritics and Laves phase precipitated in interdendritics. After the SPF process, austenite dendritics in the weld fusion became coarser and most of Laves phases were dissolved and turned into δ precipitated phase, but a few of Laves phases were still reserved. And Nb concentration in dendritics increased to 5.42% compared to 2.82% in as-weld condition. Weld metal Vickers-hardness increased from 331.63 in as-weld condition to 391.74 in post-SPF condition which was closed to the base material Vickers-hardness of post-SPF. Grain size of base material grew slightly and an amount of precipitated phase appeared in the base material undergoing SPF process. The tensile test results of base material showed that tensile strength increased obviously and the ductility decreased slightly after SPF process. Load response test results indicated that the 3-sheet structure possessed good resistance to compression and bending load. Accordingly, the LBW/SPF technology is an appropriate forming technique for the 3-sheet structure of Inconel 718 superalloy.