PARTICULATE-REINFORCED METAL-MATRIX COMPOSITE AS A WELD DEPOSIT

Weld metal consisting of particulate-reinforced metal matrix composite structure was produced with ceramic or refractory metal powder filled cored wire. Results are presented for both gas tungsten arc and gas m etal are weldments on Type 304 stainless steel. The effect of powder p article density and size distribution on the dispersion of particulate s in the weld deposit was investigated. The motion and final distribut ion of particulates in the weld pool were evaluated with a fluid mecha nics-based model, and critical welding criteria for the production of uniform particle distributions were identified. With particulates of o ptimum size and density in powder-filled cored wire it was possible to produce arc welding particulate-reinforced metal matrix weld deposits having uniform spatial particle distributions.