Modelling and Characterization of Laser Welded Incoloy 800 Ht Joints

Abstract

This study aims at finding the effect of laser welding speed on incoloy 800 HT. This alloy is one of the potential materials for Generation IV nuclear plants. Laser welding has several advantages over arc welding such as low fusion zone, low heat input and concentrated heat intensity. Three different welding speeds were chosen and CO 2 laser welding was performed. 2D modeling and simulation were done using ANSYS 15 to find out the temperature distribution at different welding speeds and it was found that an increase in the welding speed decreased the temperature. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, toughness and hardness were evaluated. The effect of welding speed on metallurgical characteristics was studied using optical microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with EDS, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) technique and fractographic analysis. From the results it was found that high welding speed (1400 mm/min) decreased the joint strength. The M23C6 and Ni3Ti carbides were formed in a discrete chain and in a globular form along the grain boundaries of the weld region which increased the strength of the grain boundaries. Fractographic evaluations of the tested specimens for welding speed (1000 and 1200) mm/min showed deep and wide dimples indicating ductile failures.