Microstructure, mechanical properties and residual stress distribution in pulsed tungsten inert gas welding of Ti–5Al–2.5Sn alloy

Abstract

Pulsed tungsten inert gas welding with full penetration was performed on 1.6 mm thick Ti–5Al–2.5Sn alloy sheet. Hole-drill strain measurement method was employed to measure the distribution of residual stresses across the weld line. Tensile tests were performed on the specimens sectioned in transverse direction of the welded sample. The evolved microstructure in the welded zone was investigated by metallography and X-ray diffraction. Transverse residual stresses of tensile nature were present at different depths below the surface and decreased the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength. However, this decrease was not dependent on the maximum value of transverse residual stress. Fracture location was found to be dependent on the micro-hardness profile and fracture took place in base metal where micro-hardness was the lowest. Furthermore, the presence of tensile residual stresses in the welded sample had no influence on the fractured surface morphology. Peak current and background current had a significant influence on the fusion zone width, heat-affected zone width, and fusion zone grain size.