Effect of Heat Input on Evolution of Microstructure and Tensile Properties of Gas Tungsten Constricted Arc (GTCA) Welded Inconel 718 Alloy Sheets

The significant effect of heat input on the microstructural characteristics and tensile properties of 2-mm-thick Inconel 718 alloy sheets joined by gas tungsten constricted arc welding process was investigated systematically. It involves the application of magnetic arc constriction technique to solve the heat input-related metallurgical problems in gas tungsten arc welding of Inconel 718 alloy such as segregation of Nb and laves phase evolution in weld metal region which drastically reduces the weld mechanical properties. Heat input range was used from 495 to 585 J/mm by varying Main Current from 60 to 80 A at distinct levels of 5 A. The average secondary dendrite arm spacing was increased from 6.31 to 8.92 μm, revealing the corresponding cooling rate between 2087 and 720 °C/s. Superior tensile properties were obtained at an optimum heat input of 518 J/mm. It exhibited 98.16 and 78% of base metal strength and ductility. It is attributed to the grain refinement in fusion zone microstructure and the evolution of lower amount of laves phase with finer and discrete morphology. The average size and volume fraction of laves phase for the current sample were 3.12 μm and 7.68%. The benefits of magnetic arc constriction and Delta Current pulsing were not achieved at higher heat input.