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Nd:YAG laser weldability of RS/PM Al-8Fe-2Mo sheet

Lienert, T.

The microstructure, mechanical properties and fracture characteristics of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser weld in a rapid solidification/powder metallurgy (RS/PM) Al-8 wt % Fe-2.3 wt % Mo alloy have been investigated. Results showed the high power density but low total energy input associated with pulsed Nd:YAG laser welding to promote extremely rapid fusion zone (FZ) cooling rates in the vicinity of 10/sup 5//degree/C/s. The weld FZ microstructure consisted primarily of submicron-sized spherical dispersoids in a matrix of fine dendritic-alpha aluminum. A dispersoid-coarsened heat-affected zone (HAZ) was also observed in the boundary between successive, overlapping melt zones. Transverse-weld tensile testing found fracture to occur in the unaffected base metal indicating 100% weld joint efficiency. Longitudinal-weld bend ductility testing revealed fracture initiation and propagation to be associated with the HAZ between successive melt zones at a bend ductility level only marginally below that of the base metal. 12 refs., 7 figs.