Microstructure and properties of vacuum electron beam welded WE43 magnesium alloy joint

Abstract

AbstractThis study presents the microstructure and properties of vacuum electron beam welded WE43 magnesium alloy joint. The process parameters of acceleration voltage 150 kV, electron beam current 120 mA and welding speed 35 mm/s are used for vacuum electron beam welding of WE43 rare earth magnesium alloy plate. In this study, the main compositions of the weld are α-Mg and a small amount of eutectic rare earth phase β-Mg24Y5. The mass fraction of the rare earth phase β-Mg24Y5 in the weld area is more than that of the base metal. Segregation of Zr-rich particles can occur in weld zone. The average hardness of the weld is about 27% higher than that of the base metal, and the hardness near the center line of the weld is the highest. The yield strength, tensile strength and elongation of the joint are higher than that of the base metal by approximately 17%, 14% and 41%. Tensile fracture morphology of the welded joint is characterized by ductile and brittle mixed fracture. So, electron beam welding can achieve the connection of WE43 magnesium alloy plate with excellent microstructure and performance. It may be of great significance for this study to expand the application of rare earth magnesium alloy.