Microstructure and Properties of TA31 Alloy Magnetically Controlled Narrow Gap TIG Welded Joint
In order to address the issue of sidewall non-fusion during narrow gap welding of TA31 titanium alloy,the wetting mechanism of the sidewall induced by magnetically controlled arc swing is investigated.The successful completion of welding a 42 mm-thick TA31 titanium alloy plate is achieved,followed by microstructure and mechanical properties analysis of the welded joint.The results demonstrate that magnetic-controlled arc swing enhances the wettability of liquid melt towards the sidewall,re-sulting in the formation of concave groove.This improvement in wettability primarily arises from alterations in temperature gra-dient between the molten pool and sidewall due to arc swing,as well as utilizing arc pressure and shear force to drive molten pool towards the sidewall.Microstructure analysis reveals the equiaxed β grains at the bottom layer is due to low heat input,and that the middle and cap layers exhibit large columnar β grains due to the competitive growth and epitaxial growth mechanisms in the cause of multi-layer welding.The α microstructures inside the β grains exhibit a typical basket weave morphology where theα plates overlap.Influenced by thermal cycle,the α phase coarsens significantly in the bottom layer.The average impact absorp-tion energy of the weld zone is 55 J,approximately 74%of that of the base metal,and the heat affected zone demonstrates an average impact absorption energy value of 62 J,around 84%of that of the base metal.The magnetic control narrow gap welding technology can effectively resolve issues related to sidewall non-fusion and obtain TA31 titanium alloy joint with good micro-structure and comprehensive mechanical property.