Influence of magnetically constricted arc traverse speed (MCATS) on tensile properties and microstructural characteristics of welded Inconel 718 alloy sheets

The magnetically constricted arc technique was implemented to mitigate the heat input related metallurgical problems in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding(GTAW)of Inconel 718 alloy particularly Nb segregation and subsequent laves phase evolution in fusion zone.This paper reports the direct effect of magnetically constricted arc traverse speed(MCATS)on bead profile,tensile properties and microstructural evolution of Inconel 718 alloy sheets joined by Gas Tungsten Constricted Arc Welding(GTCAW)process.The mechanism amenable for the microstructural modification and corresponding influence on the tensile properties of joints is investigated both in qualitative and quantitative manner related to the mechanics of arc constriction and pulsing.It is correlated to the solidification conditions during welding.The relationship between MCATS and Arc Constriction Current(ACC)was derived.Its interaction effect on the magnetic arc constriction and joint performance was analysed.Results showed that the joints fabricated using CATS of 70 mm/min exhibited superior tensile properties(98.39% of base metal strength with 31.50% elongation).It is attributed to the grain refinement in fusion zone microstructure leading to the evolution of finer,discrete laves phase in interdendritic areas.

Effects of traverse speed on weld formation,microstructure and mechanical properties of ZK60 Mg alloy joint by bobbin tool friction stir welding

ZK60B(Mg-6%Zn-0.6%Zr)alloy joints fabricated by bobbin tool friction stir welding(BTFSW)with various traverse speeds were investigated.The sound joint fabricated by the BTFSW was possible under the appropriate welding parameters.The severe plastic deformation during BTFSW resulted in dispersion and segregation of the Zr-rich particles within the stirred zone(SZ)followed by evolution of a bimodal grain structure with distributed bands of 0.8-1.7μm ultrafine grains and 4.1-7.1μm equiaxed grains.Micro-hardness of SZ is substantially reduced in contrast to that of parent metal(PM)in spite of the finer grain size owing to dissolution of Mg-Zn based precipitates having hardening effects on alpha-Mg matrix.With the decrease in traverse speed,randomization degree of the plasticized metal flow increases,which is evidenced by the randomized arc line pattern at the low traverse speed.Among all defect-free joints,the 200 mm/min joint exhibits the weakest isotropy of texture within SZ and the best tensile properties,which has reduced ultimate tensile strength and yield strength by 5.4% and by 22.2%,respectively,as compared to the PM.The randomized texture hinders the joint fracturing within SZ at low elongation.Therefore,a relatively high elongation of 10.8% was achieved,which corresponded to 72% of the PM value.

Performance of waterjet on cutting maize stalks: A preliminary investigation

Large amounts of crop stalks left in the field as a result of conservation agriculture cause blockage during no-till planting.To solve this issue,pure waterjet was used to cut off the maize stalks so that the rear furrow opener could pass through without blockage.In this investigation,an experimental study on depth of cut,which was the main performance indicator of pure waterjet on cutting maize stalks,was presented.A full factorial design with 200 tests was implemented with respect to three operation parameters,that is traverse speed,waterjet pressure,and standoff distance were considered as variables.An analysis of variance(ANOVA)was carried out in order to determine the statistical significance of individual operation parameters.Using multilinear stepwise regression analysis,a model to predict the cut of depth from the predicted pure waterjet operation to cut maize stalks was then developed.All three operation parameters significantly influenced the cutting performance.Moreover,the results indicated that depth of cut increased with the increase of waterjet pressure,the decrease of traverse speed,and decrease in standoff distance.Waterjet pressure provided major contribution to depth of cut,followed by traverse speed,then standoff distance,which was demonstrated by both ANOVA and regression analysis.The experimental results showed that when the standoff distance was closer than 10 mm and waterjet pressure was 280 MPa,all maize stalks specimen could be cutoff thoroughly.With the consideration of field operating conditions,waterjet pressure of 280 MPa or higher and 10 mm to 15 mm standoff distance were recommended for maize stalks cutting.This analysis provided a realistic approach for the optimization of the ultra-high pressure pure waterjet parameters in maize stalks cutting,which could be used to relieve the occurrence of straw blockage in no-till planting.