Friction welding of FeAl40 grade 3 ODS alloy

Rotary friction welding has been used to join FeAl40 Grade 3 material, whic h is an ODS alloy manufactured by CEREM in Grenoble, France. Initial studie s concentrated on the development of suitable welding parameters, and on th e effects of heat treatments, applied either before or after welding, on th e microstructure and mechanical properties of the joints. Selected welds we re also examined in detail using high resolution transmission electron micr oscopy at the bond line, and in other regions of the joint. An agglomeratio n of Y2O3 particles at the weld interface was observed, which is believed t o have influenced the mechanical properties. Y2O3 particles were also stron gly facetted on {110}B2 and {001}B2. The prospects for the use of friction welding as a method for joining such alloys are reviewed. (C) 1998 Publishe d by Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.