Dissimilar friction welding of titanium alloys to alloy 718

Conference · Sat Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:115482

Kuo, M; Albright, C E; Baeslack, III, W A

The design of advanced, high-performance gas-turbine engines will require the utilization of elevated-temperature titanium-based materials, including conventional alloys, titanium aluminides, and titanium metal-matrix composites. The most efficient utilization of these materials in the engine compressor section would be achieved by directly joining these materials to existing nickel-base superalloys, such as Alloy 718. To date, the dissimilar welding of titanium alloys to nickel-based alloys has not been common practice because intermetallic compounds form in the weld and cause embrittlement. Special welding techniques must be developed to inhibit this compound formation and to provide high strength welds. In this investigation, a friction welding process was developed for joining titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo and Ti-6Al-4V) to nickel-based superalloy Alloy 718. An interlayer system comprised of copper and niobium sheet layers was employed as a diffusion barrier and weld deformation enhancer. A postweld heat treatment (PWHT, 700{degrees}C for 20 min in vacuum) under axial pressure (Ksi) was used to improve the joint strength consistency. The following conclusions can be drawn from this investigation: (1) A friction welding technique has been developed for joining titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo and Ti-6Al-4V) to Alloy 718 using an interlayer system of niobium and copper. Joint strengths averaging approximately 50 Ksi were achieved. (2) Deformation was concentrated in the interlayers, especially the copper interlayer, during friction welding. Increased reduction in length (RIL) during friction welding resulted in a decrease in the interlayer thicknesses. (3) The EDS results showed that the niobium and copper interlayers prevent interdiffusion between the two parent metals, producing formation of detrimental phases.

• OSTI ID: 115482
• Report Number(s): CONF-9404233--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
DEFORMATION
FRICTION WELDING
GAS TURBINE ENGINES
HEAT RESISTING ALLOYS
MICROSCOPY
NICKEL BASE ALLOYS
TENSILE PROPERTIES
TITANIUM BASE ALLOYS
WELDED JOINTS
YIELD STRENGTH