Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Aerospace Systems Engineering
Committee Chair
Judy Schneider
Committee Member
Natalie Click
Committee Member
Nilesh Kumar
Committee Member
Fredrick Michael
Research Advisor
Judy Schneider
Subject(s)
Friction stir welding--Equipment and supplies, Heat resistant materials, Heat resistant alloys, Tungsten, Rhenium, Hafnium
Abstract
Development of advanced high strength and high temperature tool materials are required for solid-state friction stir welding (FSW) of nickel-based superalloys. FSW tooling must be able to survive at the temperatures experienced in the FSW weldment in conjunction with very high mechanical loading. Thus improving the durability of FSW tool materials is critical to producing acceptable welds and expanding FSW application areas. The refractory alloy Tungsten-Rhenium-Hafnium Carbide (W-25%Re-4%HfC) is able to operate at temperatures of over 1000 °C, while maintaining the ductility required for good. Building upon previous research that demonstrated the 4% Hafnium Carbide (HfC) additive’s ability to yield the most refined grain structure, as well as a previous study focused on developing affordable manufacturing methods, the W-25%Re-4%HfC tool was chosen as the tool material for this study. This research subsequently demonstrated over 2032 millimeters (mm) of successful FSW weld in Inconel 625, utilizing this tool.
Recommended Citation
Perrin, Zachary H., "Development of tungsten rhenium hafnium carbide tooling for friction stir welding of nickel based superalloys" (2024). Theses. 726.
https://louis.uah.edu/uah-theses/726