Friction welding of FeAl40 Grade 3 ODS alloy

Rotary friction welding has been used to join FeAl40 Grade 3 material, which is an ODS alloy manufactured by CEREM in Grenoble, France. Initial studies concentrated on the development of suitable welding parameters, and on the effects of heat treatments, applied either before or after welding, on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the joints. Selected welds were also examined in detail using high resolution transmission electron microscopy at the bond line, and in other regions of the joint. An agglomeration of Y2O3 particles at the weld interface was observed, which is believed to have influenced the mechanical properties. Y2O3 particles were also strongly facetted on {110} B2 and {001} B2. The prospects for the use of friction welding as a method for joining such alloys are reviewed.