Investigation into Electron Beam Welding (EBW) of High Strength Alloys

Abstract

In electron Beam Welding, a beam of high energy electrons is accelerated through a high potential so that we can use its kinetic energy in the form of heat energy to join the materials. Electron Beam welding is used for welding both similar and dissimilar materials which is a big positive of this method. In this research, investigation has been carried out to study the mechanical properties of AISI 321 stainless steel joints by Electron Beam Welding. Orthogonal experiment was performed to study the special effects of different process parameters and weld type on the tensile strength of the joints, and the process parameters were optimized. Four different independent process variables were varied in the experiment and L9 (34) orthogonal array was made. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied on these results to find out the effect of each independent variable and how much each variable is influencing the end results. Profile hardness was also carried to study the effect of welding on base material. The tensile strength, weld depth, weld width, heat affected zone and fusion was calculated for three different types of welds. Mold of Samples was prepared and was studied under high resolution microscope. Radiography of the welded samples was also carried out to verify the proper fusion, presence of cracks and porosity in the welded area. The thickness of SS 321 sheet used was 2mm. The optimum process parameters were calculated for electron beam welding.