Effect of Multi-Pass Power Spinning on Microstructure Homogenization and Mechanical-Property Strengthening of Ti2AlNb-Based Alloy Using Welded Tube Blank

Abstract

Long seamless tubes of Ti2AlNb-based alloys are difficult to manufacture through conventional forming methods. In this study, a multi-pass power spinning process was first utilized to fabricate thin-walled tube of Ti-22Al-24Nb-0.5Mo alloy using welded thick tube blank, assisted by on-line electro-magnetic induction heating to maintain high spinning temperature during the whole spinning process. After six-pass hot power spinning at 950 ± 30 °C, the microhardness difference of BM (base metal), HAZ (heat affect zone) and FZ (fusion zone) became much smaller, and the microhardness fluctuation ΔHV dropped to 32 from 122 of the as-welded joint due to the phase composition and microstructure homogenization. The grain size of B2 phase was refined to 0.4/0.6 μm from 2.7/10.8 μm of the as-received BM/FZ, respectively. Meanwhile, the B2 phase <111>B2//ND texture of the as-received rolled sheet weakened during multi-pass spinning due to recrystallization, which co-existed with <001>B2//ND texture in final pass. The ultimate tensile strength in axial/tangential direction was increased to 1245/1299 MPa from 1206/1010 MPa of the as-received rolled sheet, respectively, mainly due to the effect of fine grain strengthening. This study provides an effective way to manufacture high-performance tubular workpieces with low cost and high efficiency.