Transverse Superplastic Deformation of Laser Welded Ti-6Al-4V Sheet

Abstract

Uni-axial hot tensile tests were used to investigate the transverse superplastic deformation of laser welded Ti-6Al-4V sheet. Microstructures of the weld bead before and after superplastic deformation were observed by optical microscope. The maximal deformation of 46% was obtained on weld joint at strain rate of 10−2s−1 and temperature of 1173K. A coefficient K was introduced to evaluate the non-uniform deformation of weld joint. After superplastic deformation the microstructure of weld bead transformed into lamellas from original acicular structure.