Publications Details
Fusion welding of refractory metals
The refractory metals of Groups 5B and 6B and their alloys display a variety of unique physical and mechanical characteristics in addition to their high melting points. In turn, these characteristics make these materials strong candidates for severe service and specialized applications. However, these materials also present a variety of challenges with respect to both fabrication weldability and the in-service behavior of weldments, many of which are related to the dominant effects of interstitial impurities. This work reviews current understanding of the physical and joining metallurgy of these metals and their alloys with emphasis on fusion welding. Of specific interest are the role of impurities and alloy chemistry in fabrication and service weldability, the material processing route, eg. vacuum melting vs. powder metallurgy, the importance of welding process procedures and variables, weldment mechanical properties, and fracture behavior. Specific examples from the various alloy systems are used to illustrate general metallurgical and joining characteristics of this class of materials. 34 refs., 14 figs., 3 tabs.