ELECTRON BEAM WELDING OF TITANIUM AND ALUMINUM ALLOYS WITH A VANADIUM FILLER

Abstract

This work demonstrates the influence of using a V filler as an intermediate layer between Ti₆Al₄V and Al6082T6
plates. The study focuses on the microstructure and some mechanical properties of the weld seams created by electron
beam welding. The microstructure of the specimens was examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron
microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses. The study measured microhardness
and tensile properties of the samples. A weld seam rich in titanium was formed. This resulted in the presence of
γ-TiAl (L10) and α₂-Ti₃Al (D019) intermetallic phases. Using the V interlayer improved the distribution of Ti-Al
intermetallic in the fusion zone. The microhardness of the samples did not change substantially with the addition of
a V interlayer. In the fusion zone, it was 537 ± 43 HV0.05. With a V layer, it was 548 ± 50 HV0.05. However, tensile
properties showed a slight increase. The sample without a filler had an ultimate tensile strength of 45 ± 6 MPa. With
a V filler, it increased to 71 ± 11 MPa. This work proves that using V as an interlayer between Ti64 and Al6082T6
alloys is feasible for improving the structure and some mechanical properties. However, future studies are needed
to optimize the V integration procedure.