Microstructure and microhardness of dissimilar weldment of Ni-based superalloys IN718-IN713LC

Ni-based superalloys IN718 and IN713LC have been joined through linear friction welding (LFW) in this study. The variation of microstructure across the weld line developed during linear friction welding and after post weld heat-treatment (PWHT) has been investigated. Their effects on microhardness have also been studied. A clean weld region which is free of micro-porosity, micro-cracking and oxides, was achieved. Dynamic recrystallisation (full and partial) occurred on both sides of the weld, which produced much finer grains in the recrystallised zone. Dissolution of ‘parent’ γʹ/γʹʹ, towards the weld line was observed on each side of the weld. However, reprecipitation of γ′ was only found in the as-welded IN713LC. All these were found to have a huge impact on the hardness profile. A softer heat affected zone (HAZ) was found in the IN718 side with the lowest hardness value achieved at an axial position 0.6 mm from the weld line. The increased dissolution of γ'/γ'' towards the weld line resulted in decreasing hardness towards the weld line. However, the formation of refined grains closer to the weld line increased the hardness towards the weld line from axial position 0.6 mm. In contrast, a harder HAZ was found in the IN713LC side, which resulted from the formation of finer reprecipitated γ′ and recrystallised grains. PWHT brought about reprecipitation and/or further reprecipitation of γʹ/γʹʹ in the IN718 and IN713LC HAZs, resulting in stronger HAZs.