Use of magnetic arc oscillation for grain refinement of gas tungsten arc welds in α-β titanium alloys

In an effort to refine the weld metal grain structure in α-β titanium alloys, gas tungsten arc welding was carried out, during which transverse oscillations of the arc were induced through the use of an alternating external magnetic field. At optimum values of oscillation amplitude and frequency in both the alloys investigated, considerable refinement of the fusion zone grain structure was achieved. This could be attributed to factors that include enhanced fluid flow, reduced temperature gradients, and a continually changing weld pool size and shape owing to the action of the imposed magnetic field. The reduction in the prior β grain size was shown to result in a notable increase in fusion zone tensile ductility. Post-weld annealing increased ductility in all cases, but the magnetically treated material continued to show a higher elongation than that of the untreated material even after post-weld heat treatment.