Experimental and Thermal Stress Field Numerical Simulation Study on Laser Metal Deposition of Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb Alloy

The experimental and numerical simulation analysis of a TiAl alloy by laser metal deposition technology is presented in this paper. The research examines the macroscopic morphology, microstructure, and mechanical properties of samples as laser power varies. It also delves into how the temperature field and residual stress evolve under different laser powers. The results reveal that the microstructure of samples is mainly composed of α2-Ti3Al phase and a γ-TiAl phase and that the details of the microstructure are significantly affected by laser power. As laser power increases, coarse lamellar structure content increases, corresponding to a decrease in α2 phase content. The deposited layer hardness ranges from 550 HV to 600 HV, and the average deposition layer hardness decreases with increased laser power. Simulation results predict the molten pool’s size, temperature, and residual stresses. A significant increase in the molten pool size is observed when the laser power exceeds 1000 W, and the measured molten pool depths correspond closely to simulation predictions. However, significant tensile stresses are generated in the deposition layer due to high cooling rates, mainly in the x direction. Cracks are observed on the surface of the deposition layer at all laser powers.