The effect of low temperature post weld heat treatment on the tensile
strength and bend test properties of dissimilar friction welds between
titanium and AISI 304L stainless steel joints is investigated. Post w
eld heat treatment at temperatures less than 873 K has no effect on jo
int tensile strength properties, but markedly improves bend test prope
rties. The highest bend angle is produced using a post-weld heat treat
ment at 773 K for 1 h (the Larson-Miller parameter corresponding to th
is treatment is 15.5 x 10(3) K h(-1)). LOW temperature heat treatment
improves bend ductility, because stress relaxation occurs with minimal
increase in the transition region width at the bond line region. Diss
imilar joint bend testing properties decrease markedly when the width
of the transition region exceeds 1-2 mu m. An explanation for the detr
imental effect of thick transition regions at the joint interface regi
on on the mechanical properties of dissimilar joints is proposed. It i
s suggested that the development of significant triaxial stress due to
the constraint imposed by large, needle-shaped intermetallic particle
s promotes premature joint failure in joints containing thick transiti
on regions.