Verification of residual stresses after electron beam welding of thick sheets of Ti-4Al-6V (TiWeld)
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE IVF AB - Avdelning Tillverkning |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 500 000 |
| Project duration | February 2020 - October 2021 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Research infrastructure - utilisation and collaboration |
| Call | Industrial pilot projects for the utilisation of neutron and photon based techniques at large-scale infrastructures - Autumn 2019 |
| End-of-project report | 2019-05274__GKN Aerospace .pdf (pdf, 214 kB) |
Important results from the project
The project was done in collaboration between RISE, GKN and Swerim to verify stresses from electron beam welding of thick plates of Ti-6Al-4V. The project intended to verify FE-models by non-destructive measurements of the stresses with neutron diffraction (ND) at ISIS Engin-X ISIS which is unique for this type of measurement. The industry-relevant sample really tested the capability/limitation with ND and resulted in limited amount of data to be analyzed. The verification was also done with other techniques and the basis for future ND experiments was produced.
Expected long term effects
EB welding enables a new production for GKN and is therefore important to verify. The simulations showed high tensile stresses which need to be verified. However, the ND measurements were limited as the geometry of the sample was thick. Supplementary destructive measurements in combination with tthe ND data verified the FE simulations. The project gained increased competence for the involved manufacturing process and valuable knowledge of opportunities with neutron diffraction measurements for future tests.
Approach and implementation
The measurements were performed remotely at ISIS Engin-X in close collaboration with engieer at the experiment station. The selected station is unique for measuring residual stresses in large and thick parts. The ND measurements were performed with adapted strategies to improve data aquestion for sample thickness. Eventough, limited amount of elongation data was obtained. Some comparison of strains could be made but not correct calculation of stresses which requires strain data in 3 directions. However, the measurements provided a good basis for future LSRI measurements.