A Study on Rotary Friction Welding of Titanium Alloy (Ti6Al4V)

Abstract

The selection of high-strength titanium alloys has an important role in increasing the performance of aerospace structures. Fabricated structures have a specific role in reducing the cost of these structures. However, conventional fusion welding of high-strength titanium alloys is generally conducive to poor mechanical properties. Friction welding is a potential method for intensifying the mechanical properties of suitable geometry components. In this paper, the rotary friction welding (RFW) method is used to study the feasibility of producing similar metal joints of high-strength titanium alloys. To predict the upset and temperature and identify the safe and suitable range of parameters, a thermomechanical model was developed. The upset predicted by the finite element simulations was compared with the upset obtained by the experimental results. The numerical results are consistent with the experimental results. Particularly, high upset rates due to generated power density and forging pressure overload that occurred during the welding process were investigated. The performances of the welded joints are evaluated by conducting microstructure studies and Vickers hardness at the joints. The titanium rotary friction welds achieve a higher tensile strength than the base material.