Gas tungsten arc welding of titanium tube: Microstructure, mechanical properties and numerical prediction of tensile strength Wolframinertgasschweißen von Titanrohren: Gefüge, mechanische Eigenschaften und numerische Vorhersage der Zugfestigkeit

Abstract

Commercially pure titanium-grade 2 tube was fabricated using gas tungsten arc welding, which yielded perfect welds suitable for usage in several industries. Through conducting extensive testing and determining the optimal process parameters, this approach was optimized. The welded microstructure of the material was analyzed using optical microscopy which revealed columnar and equiaxed dendrites that were primarily composed of α and β-Titanium phases. These microstructural modifications, the product of constitutional supercooling and thermal histories, have significantly improved the mechanical properties of the welded pipe. The tensile strength increased by 3 % to 360.52 MPa ±2.5 MPa, while the strength of the base metal was 350.01 MPa ±2.5 MPa. Significantly, the welded pipe outperformed the base metal in terms of mechanical strength, and a 180° bend test demonstrated its ductility by obviating any signs of fracture. Microhardness evaluations showed that the weld metal had maximum values (172 HV 0.5 to 195 HV 0.5) while the base metal area had lower values (150 HV 0.5 to 157 HV 0.5). This in-depth examination demonstrates potential of commercially pure titanium-grade 2 for a range of industrial uses and offers insight into effective production of the material via gas tungsten arc welding.