Microstructural analysis and mechanical behavior of TC4 titanium alloy and 304 stainless steel by friction stir lap welding

The optimization of welding parameters of the welded joints of TC4 titanium alloys/304 stainless steel (TC4/304 SS) by friction stir lap welding (FSLW) based on orthogonal test was researched. The results show that under low heat input (low rotating speed and high traversing speed), there was a damaging defect in stir zone (SZ) and cracks started from the defect under the tension. Under high heat input (high rotating speed and low traversing speed), the intermetallic compounds were barely formed, and the cracks formed from 304 SS blocks existed in thermal mechanically affected zone of TC4 titanium alloys (TMAZ_TC4), eventually obtaining the highest fracturing load. However, under middle heat input (middle rotating speed and low traversing speed), the intermetallic compounds and the maximum hardness were found at the interface, and cracks started from these compounds under the tension, getting a middle fracture load. In conclusion, the joints with good properties can be obtained with high rotating speed and low traversing speed.