Microstructure Of Fusion Zone Research Articles

Microstructure–hardness relationship in the fusion zone of TRIP steel welds

Abstract Fusion zone of three TRIP steels, categorized as AT: C–Mn–Al, AST: C–Mn–Al–Si and ST: C–Mn–Si, in resistance spot welding was characterized with respect to microstructure, phase analysis, and hardness. The fusion zone microstructure was found to depend on chemistry: (i) AT steel contained ferrite phase surrounded by bainite and martensite regions, (ii) AST steel showed a bainite structures along with martensite laths and interlath retained austenite, whereas (iii) ST steel constituted single phase martensite laths with interlath austenite. X-ray diffraction study indicated that retained austenite fraction in the fusion zone increases with increase in Si content in it. The AST fusion zone hardness lies between those of the AT and ST steels; the ST fusion zone hardness was higher than that of AT steel because of the single phase martensite microstructure. Comparison of fusion zone microstructure and hardness to earlier study on laser welding of the TRIP steels with similar chemistries revealed that higher cooling rate in resistance spot welding led to higher fusion zone hardness compared to laser welding; which was attributed either to decrease in softer ferrite phase (AT steel) in the microstructure or refinement of martensite laths (ST steel).

Influence of Shielding Gas on Aluminum Alloy 5083 in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

The influence of shielding gas parameter was affect to mechanical properties and microstructures of heat-affected zone and fusion zone on gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) in aluminium alloy AA 5083. The factorial experiment was designed for this research. The factors of AA 5083 weld used in the study types of shielding gas in argon and helium, gas flow rate at 6, 10 and 14 litres per minute. Then the results were using microstructure and vickers hardness test. The result showed that types of shielding gas and gas flow rate interaction hardness at heat-affected zone and fusion zone with a P–value < .05. The factor which was the most effective to the hardness at heat-affected zone and fusion zone was argon with a flow rate of 14 litres per minute at heat-affected zone with 74.27 HV and fusion zone with 68.97 HV. The helium was high thermal conductivity, resulting in a large amount of heat. The grain size was grain growth in larger grain size. This can result in decreased of hardness. Experimental results showed that the argon condition provided smaller grain size, suitable size resulting in higher hardness both in weld metal and HAZ. This research can be used for data on considering on gas tungsten arc welding of aluminium alloy 5083.

Investigation on Microstructure and Mechanical Property of the A7N01 Aluminum Alloy Welding Joint

The A7N01 aluminum alloy was welded by MIG welding in test, and the microstructure and mechanical property of joint were investigated. The results of experimentation show that the feature of the A7N01 aluminum alloy MIG welding joint is perfect with a gentle transition. The microstructure of fusion metal in A7N01 joint is as-cast grain. The microstructure of fusion zone consists of the fine columnar grains. It is rolling structure in the parent metal. In HAZ, the rolling structure is disappearing. The η′ (MgZn2) strengthening phases were precipitated in the grain boundary of the A7N01 aluminum alloy. The size of η′ strengthening phase is about 5-10 nm. There is no precipitation phase in welding metal of A7N01 joint. The fine η′ transitional phases of the primeval parent metal are turned to the coarse η (MgZn2) stable phases of the HAZ. The size of η strengthening phase is about 50 nm. The tensile strength and the percentage elongation after fracture of A7N01 welding joint is below the parent metal.

Laves Phase Control in Inconel 718 Weldments

The detrimental laves formation in fusion zone during welding of Inconel 718 is controlled with compound current pulsing technique along with helium shielding gas. Also solid solution filler wire is used to minimize the niobium segregation. Welds were produced in 2mm thick sheets by GTA welding process and subjected to the characterization techniques. The results show, refined fusion zone microstructure, reduced amount of laves phase, minimum niobium segregation and softer fusion zone in the as welded condition.

Microstructural analysis of laser weld fusion zone in Haynes 282 superalloy

Abstract Analytical electron microscopy and spectroscopy analyses of the fusion zone (FZ) microstructure in autogenous laser beam welded Haynes 282 (HY 282) superalloy were performed. The micro-segregation patterns observed in the FZ indicate that Co, Cr and Al exhibited a nearly uniform distribution between the dendrite core and interdendritic regions while Ti and Mo were rejected into the interdendritic liquid during the weld solidification. Transmission electron diffraction analysis and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis revealed the second phase particles formed along the FZ interdendritic region to be Ti–Mo rich MC-type carbide particles. Weld FZ solidification cracking, which is sometimes associated with the formation of γ–γ' eutectic in γ' precipitation strengthened nickel-base superalloys, was not observed in the HY 282 superalloy. Modified primary solidification path due to carbon addition in the newly developed superalloy is used to explain preclusion of weld FZ solidification cracking in the material.

Comparação do desempenho operacional e das características do cordão na soldagem com diferentes arames tubulares em polaridade negativa

Este trabalho objetivou o estudo comparativo das características do cordão produzido por arames tubulares nacionais dos tipos rutílico (ASME SFA-5.20: E71T-1/E71T-9/E71T-9M), básico (ASME SFA-5.20: E71T-5/E71T-5M) e "metal cored" (ASME SFA-5.18: E70C-3M) com 1,2 mm, destinados à soldagem de aços estruturais de baixo e médio teor de carbono. Realizaram-se testes de soldagem com o eletrodo na polaridade negativa (CC-), na posição plana, sobre chapas grossas (espessura de 12 mm) de aço carbono comum de baixo carbono utilizando-se uma fonte operando no modo "tensão constante" e com monitoração dos sinais de corrente e tensão do arco e velocidade de alimentação (fusão) do arame. Variaram-se, na soldagem com cada tipo de arame tubular, a composição do gás de proteção (75%Ar-25%CO2 e 100%CO2) e a velocidade de alimentação do arame (7 e 9 m/min). Os demais parâmetros foram mantidos fixos, incluindo-se, além da polaridade negativa do eletrodo, os comprimentos energizado do eletrodo (16 mm) e do arco (3,5 mm). Para os diferentes arames tubulares, avaliaram-se comparativamente as principais características do cordão, incluindo a sua geometria (penetração, reforço, largura, área fundida, área depositada e diluição), presença de descontinuidades, microestrutura e dureza. Levantaram-se as condições operacionais associadas a um cordão com características adequadas à soldagem de chapas grossas de aços estruturais com a polaridade do eletrodo negativa.

Laser beam welding of dissimilar stainless steels in a fillet joint configuration

This paper investigates laser beam welding of dissimilar AISI 304L and AISI 430 stainless steels. Experimental studies were focused on effects of laser power, welding speed, defocus distance, beam incident angle, and line energy on weld bead geometry and shearing force. Metallurgical analysis was conducted on a selected weld only to show various microstructures typically formed at different zones and consequent change in microhardness. Laser power and welding speed were the most significant factors affecting weld geometry and shearing force. All the bead characteristics but radial penetration depth decreased with increased beam incident angle. The focused beam allowed selecting lower laser power and faster welding speed to obtain the same weld geometry. Weld shape factor increased rapidly due to keyhole formation for line energy input ranging from 15 kJ/m to 17 kJ/m. Fusion zone microstructures contained a variety of complex austenite–ferrite structures. Local microhardness of fusion zone was greater than that of both base metals.

Mechanical properties and microstructure of resistance spot welded severely deformed low carbon steel

► Resistance spot welding is successfully used for severely deformed steel sheet. ► Microstructures of FZ and HAZ are refined to lower sizes at higher pass number. ► Mechanical properties in FZ and HAZ are increased with increasing the pass number. ► Electrode dip and nugget diameter are increased with increasing the pass number. The welding of nanostructured low carbon steel sheets produced by severe plastic deformation (SPD) has been considered in the present paper. Constrained groove pressing (CGP) method is used for imposing the severe plastic deformation to the steel sheets as a large pre-strain. The SPDed sheets are joined using resistance spot welding (RSW) process. The results show that severe plastic deformation can effectively increase the electrical resistivity of steel sheets; therefore it can affect the microstructure and mechanical properties of spot welds. Microstructure and mechanical properties of fusion zone, heat affected zone (HAZ), recrystallized zone and base metal of SPDed sheets are investigated and the results are compared with those of as-received specimens. The results show that with increasing the large pre-strain in sheets, at constant welding parameters (welding current and time), the fusion zone size, electrode indentation and nugget diameter are increased. Thus, peak load and hardness in fusion zone and HAZ are increased with increasing the CGP pass number. Also, the microstructures of fusion zone and HAZ are refined to lower sizes for larger pre-strained specimens.

Resistance spot weld fatigue behavior and dislocation substructures in two different heats of AZ31 magnesium alloy

Abstract Fatigue life and dislocation substructure were evaluated in two groups of AZ31 Mg alloy resistance spot welds (heats SA and SB respectively, which had similar chemical compositions but different fusion zone microstructures). The results showed that the SA welds with a refined microstructure displayed a higher fatigue resistance than the SB welds when tested under conditions of higher cyclic load range causing interfacial failure across the fusion zone. TEM examinations revealed that typical dislocation configurations in the coarse-grained SB welds were parallel dislocation lines and parallelogram dislocation cells produced by basal slip, while elongated dislocation cells arising from basal and pyramidal multiple slips occurred in the SA welds. Twinning was observed to occur in both SA and SB welds, with more twins present in the SB welds. The strong slip incompatibilities between adjacent dendritic grains led to high local stress concentrations that activated twinning in the coarse-grained SB welds, while pyramidal slip together with twinning occurred in the fine-grained SA welds. This resulted in increased number and dispersion of slip systems which improved fatigue life in the SA welds.

Effect of joint gap on the quality of laser beam welded near-β Ti-5553 alloy with the addition of Ti–6Al–4V filler wire

Ti–5Al–5V–5Mo–3Cr (Ti-5553) sheets were welded using a Nd: YAG laser system and Ti–6Al–4V filler wire. The effect of joint gap on weld geometry, defects, microstructure, and hardness was investigated. Fully penetrated welds up to a joint gap of 0.5 mm were produced. The two main defects observed were porosity and underfill. The addition of filler wire reduced underfill but increased porosity, especially at large joint gaps. The fusion zone (FZ) microstructure at low joint gaps consisted of retained β with a dendritic morphology. At a joint gap of 0.3 mm, regions of orthorhombic α″ martensite were observed in the weld zone which increased in proportion as the joint gap increased from a volume percentage of 4.9% at 0.3 mm to a volume percentage of 44% at 0.5 mm. Despite the differences in microstructure with increasing joint gap, the FZ hardness remained relatively constant for all joint gaps evaluated.

Dissimilar Spot Welds of AISI 304/AISI 1008: Metallurgical and Mechanical Characterization

AbstractThis paper aims at investigating structure‐properties relationships in dissimilar resistance spot welding of AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel (SS) and AISI 1008 low carbon steel (CS). Microstructural characterization, microhardness test and the tensile‐ shear test were conducted. It was shown that the shape of the SS/CS fusion zone (FZ) is unsymmetrical and the final fusion line shifts from sheet/sheet interface into the higher resistivity side (i.e. AISI 304). FZ microstructure was ranged from ferrite‐austenite to full martensite depending on the dilution ratio of the base metals. The variation of SS/CS dissimilar welds failure mode was explained in terms of hardness/microstructure characteristics. It was concluded that to ensure pullout failure mode, welding parameters needed to adjust so that the FZ size is sufficiently large and dilution is sufficiently high to produce a martensite FZ. Fusion zone size at CS side proved to be the most important controlling factor of SS/CS peak load and energy absorption. Finally, the mechanical properties of SS/CS dissimilar welds were compared with SS/SS and CS/CS similar welds.

Effect of Post Weld Heat Treatment on Fusion and Heat Affected Zone Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Inconel X-750 Welds

The Inconel X-750 indicates good hot corrosion resistance, high stability and strength at high temperatures and for this reason the alloy is used in manufacturing of gas turbine hot components. The objective of this research was study the effect of post weld heat treatment (PWHT) on fusion zone and heat affected zone microstructure and mechanical properties of Inconel X-750 weld. After welding, samples were solutionized at 1500 0C. Various aging temperature and times were studied. The results show that aging temperature and time during PWHT can greatly affect microstructure and hardness in fusion zone and heat affected zone. As high aging temperature was used, the grain size also increased and M23C6 at the grain boundary decreased. This can result in decreased of hardness. Moreover excessive aging temperature can result in increasing MC carbide intensity in parent phase (austenite). It can also be observed that M23C6 at the grain boundary decreased due to high aging temperature. This resulted in decreasing of hardness of weld metal and heat affected zone. Experimental results showed that the aging temperature 705 0C aging time of 24 hours provided smaller grain size, suitable size and intensity of MC carbide resulting in higher hardness both in weld metal and HAZ.

Effect of Laser Beam Welding Parameters on Microstructure and Properties of Duplex Stainless Steel

The present study is concerned with laser beam welding and its effect on size and microstructure of fusion zone then, on mechanical and corrosion properties of duplex stainless steel welded joints. In this regard, influence of different laser welding parameters was clarified. Both bead-on-plate and autogenously butt welded joints were made using carbon dioxide laser with a maximum output of 9 kW in the continuous wave mode. Welded joints were subjected to visual, dye penetrant and radiography tests before sectioning it for different destructive tests. Accelerated corrosion test was carried out based on tafel plot technique. The results achieved in this investigation disclosed that welding parameters play an important role in obtaining satisfactory properties of welded joint. High laser power and/or high welding speed together with adjusting laser focused spot at specimen surface have produced welded joints with a remarkable decrease in fusion zone size and an acceptable weld profile with higher weld depth/width ratio. Besides, acceptable mechanical and corrosion properties were obtained. Using nitrogen as a shielding gas has resulted in improving mechanical and corrosion properties of welded joints in comparison with argon shielding. This is related to maintaining proper ferrite/austenite balance in both weld metal and HAZ in case of nitrogen shielding. As a conclusion, laser power, welding speed, defocusing distance and type of shielding gas combination have to be optimized for obtaining welded joints with acceptable profile as well as mechanical and corrosion properties.

Multisheet structure of Inconel 718 superalloy processed by LBW/SPF technology and its microstructure

Multisheet structure of Inconel 718 superalloy will be widely used in vehicles as heat resisting and heat shielding structure due to its lightweight, high strength and stiffness. Multisheet structure of Inconel 718 superalloy was processed by laser beam welding and superplastic forming (LBW/SPF) technology in the present paper. Multisheet structure of Inconel718 superalloy processed by LBW/SPF technology exhibits good configuration and uniform thickness distribution. Laser beam welding parameters for multisheet structure were as follows: pulse frequency was 32 Hz; pulse duration 3 ms; peak power per pulse 4500 W; welding speed 180 mm min–1; SPF parameters were as follows: temperature Tf=965°C; forming pressure Pf=4·2 MPa; forming time tf=130 min. Microstructure of multisheet structure was studied carefully. Microstructure in weld fusion zone was constituted of austenite dendritics and Laves phase precipitated in interdendritics. After 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% under as welded condition. Weld metal hardness increased from 331·63 under as welded condition to 391·74 under post-SPF condition which was closed to the base material 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 show that tensile strength increased obviously and the ductility decreased slightly after SPF process. Therefore, LBW/SPF technology is an appropriate forming technique for multisheet structure of Inconel 718 superalloy.

Influence of Welding Speed on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AZ31 Magnesium Alloy Laser Weldments

Abstract CO2 laser welds were prepared on 3 mm thick sheets of continuous cast and rolled AZ31 magnesium alloy, using different welding speeds (3 m/min, 4 m/min and 5 m/min). The microstructure and composition analysis of weld metal was examined using optical and scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM, EPMA and EDS/X). Room temperature hardness and tensile properties of the weldments in the as-welded condition were studied and correlated with the microstructure. The microstructure of fusion zone consists of two parts: the equiaxed zone in the middle part and the columnar zone adjacent to fusion boundary. It has been shown that the average width of columnar grains in the fusion zone is increased with decreasing the welding speed. Microstructural examination showed that the equiaxed grain size in the fusion zone was the least in the welds made using 5 m/min welding speed. It has been shown that welds prepared with 5 m/min welding speed exhibited increase in hardness, yield strength and ductility when compared with other welds.

전자빔 용접된 Cu / STS 304강의 미세조직에 관한 연구

Abstract According to the research report for the recent a few years, the dissimilar welding of Cu and STS 304 alloy have been presented that a weldability is very poor. This article present a study on Lap joint by Electron beam welding dissimilar materials. The weld metals was constituted between pure copper and STS 304 steel. The experiment was performed with 125㎃ welding current, 520㎃ focusing current. The Vacuum condition of chamber is 5x10-5torr and welding speed is 300mm/min. Showing the bead shape of weld metal, the thickness of the stainless 304 using as the protect materials is 3mm and the thickness of a copper is 15mm. The analysis about the microstructure were carried out in which it was observed with SEM. The results showed that complex heterogeneous fusion zone microstructure characterized both by rapid cooling and mixing of the molten metal, however the liquation crack was formated in the fusion line.Key Words : Electron beam welding, STS 304, Cu, Dissimilar, Materials, Microstructure

Strengthening effect of nickel and copper interlayers on hybrid laser-TIG welded joints between magnesium alloy and mild steel

AZ31B magnesium alloy and Q235 mild steel were lap joined with Ni and Cu interlayers using hybrid laser-TIG welding technique. Microstructure and mechanical properties of joints were examined. The results showed that the shear strength of Cu-added joint was a little higher than that of Ni-added joint, and the strength of both joints exceeded that of base material AZ31B Mg alloy. Microstructure in fusion zone of the both joints was in great difference and the comparison of microhardness profile in the fusion zone indicated that the morphology and distribution of intermediate phases played a vital role in strengthening the joints, and the strengthening effect of them on Cu-added joint was better than that on Ni-added joint.

Microstructure and its Formation Mechanism of Weld Metal of Al-Bearing TRIP Steel

A transformation-induced plasticity steel was welded by gas tungsten arc welding. The microstructure of fusion zone was analyzed by means of optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with EDS. It is found that fusion zone may be classified into two zones, the completely melted zone and the partially melted zone. The microstructure of completely melted zone consists predominantly of martensite and bainite, and that of partially melted zone consists mainly of martensite, bainite and ferrite. The formation mechanism of fusion zone microstructure is analyzed. The micro-hardness distribution of the joint was measured by microhardness tester. Test results show that the partially melted zone is softened, which is resulted from the formation of 20.6% ferrite. During the bending test, crack occurred at 125 degree bending angle. It is found that the crack originates from the partially melted zone because of deformation concentration.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 9Cr-1Mo Steel Weld Fusion Zones as a Function of Weld Metal Composition

Modified 9Cr-1Mo steel, designated as P91, is widely used in the construction of power plants and other sectors involving temperatures higher than 500 °C. Although the creep strength is the prime consideration for elevated temperature applications, notch toughness is also important, especially for welded components, as it is essential to meet the pressure test and other requirements at room temperature. P91 steel weld fusion zone toughness depends on factors such as welding process, chemical composition, and flux composition. Niobium and vanadium are the main alloying elements that significantly influence the toughness as well as creep strength. In the current work, weld metals were produced with varying amounts of niobium and vanadium by dissimilar joints involving P9 and P91 base metals as well as filler materials. Microstructural studies and Charpy V-notch impact testing were carried out on welds to understand the factors influencing toughness. Based on the results, it can be concluded that by reducing vanadium and niobium weld metal toughness can be improved.

Resistance Spot Welding Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Galvannealed HSLA 350 Steel

Galvannealed high strength low alloy steel 350 (GA HSLA 350), because of its high strength-to-weight ratio, is particularly attractive in transportation applications. The GA HSLA 350 steel was spot welded at different welding currents to identify a suitable welding current giving good spot welds. Failure loads in the tensile shear increased with increasing welding current. There was a concomitant increase in the nugget diameter and the failure mode changed from interfacial fracture to button pull-out failure. Cross tension and microhardness tests were also carried out. The fusion zone microstructure was martensitic with a microhardness that was twice that of the base metal.