Effects of electron beam local heat treatment on fatigue properties for Ti-6Al-4V alloy joints

Ti-6Al-4V alloy plates after electron beam welding (EBW) were heat treated by electron beam local heat treatment (EBLHT), the joints specimens were tested by low cycle fatigue tests, and the influence of EBLHT on fatigue properties was studied. Experimental results have shown that the joints of Ti-6Al-4V alloy after EBW and EBLHT present soften during fatigue tests, and elasticity strains are higher than plastic strains. The fatigue life of the joints after EBLHT can increase 30%, and the equations of ɛ-N curve are gained. Therefore electron beam local heat treatment can improve the properties of EBW joint, especial for complex aero-components.