Abstract
The effect of electron beam welding process on the microstructural and mechanical characteristics of newly developed 3rd generation AW2099 heat treatable aluminium lithium (Al-Li) alloy was investigated. Non-dendritic equi-axed zone (EQZ) is formed at the heat affected zone (HAZ) – weld metal (WM) interface. This zone consists of fine equi-axed grains, while the eutectics based on α-aluminium + θ-Al2Cu are preferentially precipitated at the grain boundaries (GB). Increased content of iron, silicon and manganese was detected in some inter-dendrite sites. Furthermore, β-AlLi and γ-Al2Li3 compounds were recorded in the columnar dendritic zone (CDZ). Electron beam welding (EBW) resulted in dissolution of strengthening precipitates, thus the decrease in nano-indentation hardness in EQZ was observed in comparison to HAZ.
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