Simulation of Local Material Properties during Laser Beam Welding of Aluminum-Titanium Compounds

Abstract

Combinations of aluminum and titanium by firmly bonding via laser beam welding enable the production of customized hybrid designs with enhanced properties. A novel approach of coupling process, microstructure and mechanical simulation, considering the development of weld geometry and local material conditions, is intended to deliver a fast and reliable method for evaluating the quasi-static strength of laser beam welded hybrid compounds. For microstructure and mechanical simulations a comprehensive data set of material specific mechanical properties is required to reach simulation results. This includes hot tensile tests, tensile tests concerning the heat affected zone (by means of micro flat specimens) and metallographic examinations to determine the microstructure and hardness. The data set was implemented into a simulation model in order to validate the simulation results including microstructure evolution and resulting local mechanical properties. These results provide the basis for refining and advancing the coupled simulation model.