The MPAW of Ti-3Al-2.5V Thin Sheets and Its Effects on Mechanical and Microstructural Properties

Abstract

This research work deals with joining of Ti-3Al-2.5V titanium alloy thin sheets by means of microplasma arc welding (MPAW). An experimental set-up was developed to produce specimens welded in butt joint under controlled welding parameters, such as voltage, current, travel speed, and shielding gas flow rate. The performance of MPAW process was examined by mechanical properties tests and microstructural characterization. Results show that tensile strength and elongation of the welded specimens for a range of specific input heat are comparable to those of the base material (BM). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the fracture surface presented characteristics of ductile rupture. Studies on microstructure morphology of the specimens at the fusion zone (FZ) and heat-affected zone (HAZ) reveal occurrence of phase transformation from high temperature β phase to acicular $$ \alpha^{\prime} $$ phase, while the BM is of equiaxed α with intergranular β. An increasing variation in hardness was measured at the HAZ and FZ, which can be attributed to the presence of acicular $$ \alpha^{\prime} $$ phase and decreasing the amount of β phase at these regions. Based on the experimental results, it can be stated that MPAW process is an effective method for joining Ti-3Al-2.5V thin sheets provided appropriate welding parameters are used.