The Development of the Rotational Friction Welding Process for the Welding of γ-TiAl-Casting Alloy Ti-47Al-3.5(Mn+Cr+Nb)-0.8(B+Si) to Ti6Al4V

Abstract

Abstract This article reports on the development of the rotational friction welding process for the welding of γ-TiAl- casting alloy Ti-47Al-3.5(Mn+Cr+Nb)-0.8(B+Si) to Ti6Al4V base metal and on the characterisation of the mechanical and microstructural properties of dissimilar metal friction welding. Pre- and post welding heat treatment is necessary in order to reduce the occurrence of bonding defects. The mechanical behaviour of friction welded joints under tensile loading at room temperature is primarily determined by the properties of the inter-metallic γTiAl- casting alloy base metal and not by the bonding zone itself. At the relevant service temperature of 700 °C, failure by fracture does not take place on the Ti6Al4V side of the dissimilar metal friction welded joint due to the super-plastic deformation of this alloy.