Evaluation of flow properties in weldments of vanadium alloys using novel indentation technique

A new approach, known as automated ball indentation testing, was successfully employed to determine the flow properties of gas tungsten arc and electron beam welds of V–4Cr–4Ti and V–5Cr–5Ti alloys. The results showed clear distinction among the properties of the fusion zone, heat affected zone, and base metal in both welds of the two alloys. The two welds of both vanadium alloys in the as welded condition showed strengthening (as well as hardening) of fusion zone and heat affected zone (compared with base metal), with the fusion zone having higher strength than the heat affected zone. However, the gas tungsten arc welds of both alloys, after a post-weld heat treatment of 950°C for 2 h, showed a recovery of properties. These measurements correlated reasonably well with the reported recovery of the Charpy impact properties of the welds after the post-weld heat treatment.