Influence of welding process on the properties of dissimilar titanium alloy weldments: a review

Abstract

The extensive use of titanium alloys in a variety of complex industrial applications may be attributed to their properties of high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance and high temperature strength. Recently, the use of dissimilar titanium alloys has become popular to achieve contrasting characteristics in a single unit. In the fabrication of the structures, joining methods such as welding hold the key in the attainment of the desired characteristics. The present study is aimed at reviewing various state-of-the-art processes used for welding of dissimilar titanium alloys. In particular, the influence of different welding methods such as gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), laser and electron beam welding on the microstructure, mechanical properties and other characteristics of dissimilar weldments of α, α + β and β titanium alloys has been emphasized. The underlying phenomena that govern the effect of weld processing parameters on the mechanical strength, microstructure and weld joint quality of the alloys were exploited. Moreover, detailed investigations on the fusion zone porosities and evolution of intermetallic concept at the interfacial regions have been examined. Furthermore, different remedial approaches to enhance the joint quality such as beam offsetting, process hybridization, aging and post-weld heat treatments are investigated thoroughly. The latest trends in dissimilar welding of titanium alloys to upheave further research in this area have been reported in the context of their application in industrial applications.