The effect of post-weld heat treatment on the microstructure and notched tensile fracture of Ti-15V-3Cr-3Al-3Sn to Ti-6Al-4V dissimilar laser welds

Abstract

A CO2 laser was applied for dissimilar welding of Ti–15V–3Cr–3Al–3Sn (Ti–15–3) to Ti–6Al–4V (Ti–6–4) alloys. The microstructures and notched tensile strength (NTS) of the dissimilar welds were investigated in the as-welded and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) conditions, and the results were compared with Ti–6–4 and Ti–15–3 homogeneous laser welds with the same PWHT. The results indicated that predominant α″ with a few α and β phases was formed in the as-welded fusion zone (FZ). Furthermore, the FZ hardness was susceptible to the PWHT and showed a plateau for the specimens aged in the temperature range from 426 to 482 °C/4 h. In comparison with the homogeneous Ti–15–3 weld under the same PWHT conditions, the dilution of Ti–15–3 with Ti–6–4 caused a slight increase in the Al equivalent (AlEQ) of the FZ, resulting in a further rise in FZ hardness. With the PWHT at/below 538 °C, the dissimilar welds were associated with low NTS or high notch brittleness.