Microstructural Evolution in Friction Stir Welding of Ti-5111.

摘要

Titanium and titanium alloys have shown excellent mechanical, physical, and corrosion properties. To address the needs of future naval combatants, this research examines an alternative joining technology, friction stir welding (FSW). Friction stir welding uses a non-consumable tool to generate frictional heat to plastically deform and mix metal to form a consolidated joint. This work focuses on FSW of Ti-5111 (Ti-5Al-1Sn-1Zr-1V-0.8Mo), a near alpha ( ) alloy. This study aims to gain a fundamental understanding of the relationship between processing parameters, microstructure, and mechanical properties of experimental 12.7mm and 6.35mm Ti-5111 friction stir welds. The resulting weld microstructure shows significant grain refinement within the weld compared to the base metal. The weld microstructures show a fully lamellar colony structure with peak welding temperatures exceeding transformation temperature. Transmission electron microscopy results of the base metal and the stir zone show a lath colony-type structure with low dislocation density and no lath grain substructure. In situ TEM heating experiments of Ti-5111 friction stir welded material show transformation to the high temperature phase at significantly lower temperatures compared to the base metal. Thermal and deformation mechanisms within Ti-5111 were examined through the use of thermomechanical simulation. Isothermal constant strain rate tests show evidence of dynamic recrystallization and deformation above transus when compared with the FSW thermal profile without deformation. Subtransus deformation shows kinking and bending of the existing colony structure without recrystallization. Applying the friction stir thermal profile to constant strain rate deformation successfully reproduced the friction stir microstructure at a peak temperature of 1000 C and a strain rate of 10/s.