FSW of titanium alloys for aircraft engine components

This paper describes a USAF Metals Affordability Initiative Project being performed by GE Aircraft Engines and EWI to develop, demonstrate, and deploy friction stir welding (FSW) for joining titanium engine components. The overall goal of this project is to qualify FSW procedures for titanium alloy applications. Other goals included improved joint strength, production of welds that were free of tool debris, and reduced manufacturing cost and distortion. To achieve these goals, significant advancement in FSW tool design and materials were required. The project developed new FSW tool designs and materials, developed welding procedures for dissimilar titanium alloy combinations, and provided metallurgical and mechanical property data. This paper will provide a brief overview of the project and potential applications. The paper will discuss the FSW procedure development efforts, FSW microstructures and mechanical properties, as well as the effect of pre- and post-weld heat treatments on microstructure and properties.