Tensile properties and failure analysis of Ti–6Al–4V joints by electron beam welding

The microstructural and mechanical characterization of electron beam welded joints of forged Ti–6Al–4V were investigated. Microhardness tests indicate that the hardness of the fusion zone (FZ) is higher than that of the heat-affected zone (HAZ) and base metal. The tensile results show that the mechanical properties of the welded joints are comparable with those of the base metal in terms of static strength and are in accordance with the relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties of welded joints. The ultimate tensile strength of the weld is equal to that of the hourglass joint, which indicates that the mechanical properties of the longitudinal FZ and those of the transverse FZ are the same. Macromechanical behavior and macrofracture and microfracture of the base material, joint, and weld specimens are observed. A comparison among the three types of specimen fracture phenomena reveals the following distinctive differences: (1) the fracture mode, (2) the micrograph of the dimple pattern at the central region, and (3) the size of the dimple at the central region and the transition region.