Influence of high frequency vibration on microstructure and mechanical properties of TIG welding joints of AZ31 magnesium alloy

A device for superimposing vibration on workpiece in both horizontal and vertical directions during tungsten-arc inert gas (TIG) welding was developed, with maximum power output of 2 kW at frequency of 15 kHz. AZ31 sheets with thickness of 1 and 3 mm were used in the vibratory welding. Microstructures along with the mechanical properties of the weld joints under different vibrating conditions (vibration direction, vibration amplitude and groove angle) were examined. It is observed that the grain size in welding zone decreases remarkably with the application of vibration, while the amount of second phase beta-Mg17Al12 within the zone decreases slightly; meanwhile, microhardness of the weld joints, macroscopic tensile strength and elongation of the weldment increase. Vibration, especially the one along vertical direction, has more impact on the performance of the thick weldments. Influence of vibration on microstructure and mechanical properties of weldments is affected by wave energy transferring in the melt and depends on the processing and geometric parameters including amplitude and direction of vibration, thickness, and groove angles.