Friction Welding of a Titanium Matrix Composite Ti-6AI-4V+10TiC

摘要

Titanium matrix composite (TMC) has demonstrated high strength-to-weight ratio as well as good properties at high temperature. The successful application of such materials depends on a suitable joining technique. Friction welding seems to be an excellent choice because it is a solid state welding (TMC's have shown to be sensitive to fusion joining processes) achieving good mechanical properties and it is readily automated. The aim of this work is to investigate the feasibility of joining TMC by conventional friction welding. A parameter matrix has been devised in order to determine the optimised joining condition. The integrity of the joints has been investigated by optical and electron microscopy and the mechanical assessment include tensile test. Microstructural examination has revealed distinct zones across the joining line. Tensile tests have indicated no detrimental effect of the joining parameters to the tensile properties.