| Abstract Scope |
The Fe-10Ni alloy is of interest for naval applications due to its superior toughness and strength compared to commonly used high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels. Fe-10Ni consumables have been studied in the context of GMAW and GTAW, but a research gap exists in the process-structure-property relationships associated with other welding processes. Hot-wire laser welding (HWLW) and cladding involve resistive heating of the filler wire and arc suppression, which reduces dilution and heat input while improving deposition rates compared to cold wire laser welding and cladding. The advantageous mechanical properties of Fe-10Ni suggest the potential for strong, corrosion-resistant clads produced by HWLW.
This study sought to examine the feasibility of implementing an Fe-10Ni consumable for HWLW cladding applications. Bead-on-plate welds were fabricated using a solid Fe-10Ni electrode on AH36 steel. A design of experiment (DoE) was conducted using the Taguchi method to determine values for four key parameters—wire feed speed, travel speed, wire power, and laser power-- which would control dilution and tailor bead shape at high and low heat inputs. Microstructural characteristics of the weld metal and HAZ were observed with optical microscopy and SEM. Mechanical properties and discontinuities were evaluated using conventional UT, RT, and microhardness mapping. Based on these results, the process-structure-property relationship for laser hot-wire Fe-10Ni welds and the potential for cladding applications was discussed. |