Setting of Gradient Material Properties and Quality Control of High Tension 3D-Weld Joints

Modern metallic materials used in high loading structures are increasingly being placed under stringent standards with regard to the mechanical strength and deformation properties of their individual parts as well as with regard to the loading capacity of their junctions. In order to determine the strain profile of the individual structural components, the mentioned topics will be taken from the SFB 675 “High tensile, locally manipulated structural components and structures” from the subproject C4 “Setting of gradient material properties and qualification of high-tension 3D-NVEB weld joints”. To this end, the strengthened individual structural components will be heated with an electron beam at defined locations. This is done in order to observe the load related local micro-structure changes and consequently the targeted, structured local changes in the strength and deformation properties of the material. A delay in the crack growth will also be sought after. Additionally, components with specifically designed tensile strength will be welded to high quality structures. At this the young but efficient non vacuum electron beam welding method will be preferably developed, qualified and used because of its good welding properties regarding to an improved beam positioning, process control and weld joint defect detection.