Fatigue Behavior of Single Crystal Superalloy Bars Joined by Capacitor Discharge Welding

This work concerns single crystal Ni-based superalloy welded through the capacitor discharge welding (CDW) process. The static and fatigue behavior of CMSX-4 type single crystal alloy has been analyzed, performing mechanical tests on square specimens in order to establish in detail the superalloy behavior at the expected service stresses. Tests have been conducted both at room and working temperatures $(800°C)$⁠, comparing base material and capacitor discharge welded joints. The material microstructure has been observed with optical and scanning electron microscopy in order to characterize welding parameters effects on the weld characteristics, analyzing base material and as-welded specimens; this way, the CDW process has been studied to perform butt joint with the better characteristics ad achieving sound welds. Microstructural modifications and the heat affected zones have been observed in the welded section as well as the interaction between weld material and parent metal. The research activities have been conducted in the frame of AWFORS project, financed by the European community.