Linear friction welding of a near-β titanium alloy

The linear friction welding (LFW) behaviour of near-β titanium alloy Ti–5Al–5V–5Mo–3Cr (Ti-5553) was investigated by varying the processing conditions of frequency and axial pressure. The examined mechanical properties of the welded material included microhardness and tensile properties. The maximum strains experienced by the material during LFW for each set of welding parameters were estimated based on the process parameters and then evaluated using Aramis, a three-dimensional optical deformation measurement system. The LFWed Ti-5553 was examined with electron backscatter diffraction techniques to relate the texture and phase changes to the thermomechanical conditions. Characterisation of the welds included analysis of the microstructural features of the weld region and the thermomechanically affected zone in relation to the parent material.