Weldability of a rapid solidification/powder metallurgy aluminum-8iron-2molybdenum alloy

Fusion weldability of a RS/PM Al-8Fe-2Mo alloy was investigated from a metallurgical perspective viz. optimize welding conditions to "recreate" a high performance as-solidified microstructure in FZ and "retain" base metal microstructure in HAZ. The investigation utilized EB and Nd:YAG pulsed laser welding processes to produce autogenous, full-penetration welds with a high depth-to-width ratio FZ and minimal HAZ; characterized weld microstructure using light microscopy, SEM and TEM; evaluated weld mechanical properties; established inter-relationships between weld microstructure, mechanical properties and fracture characteristics, and determined FZ solidification behavior.;The results revealed significant microstructure variations across EB and pulsed Nd:YAG laser weld FZ. High FZ cooling rates (...