Thermo-mechanical modelling to evaluate residual stress and material compatibility of laser cladding process depositing similar and dissimilar material on Ti6Al4V alloy

Abstract

The formation of residual stresses due to thermo-mechanical effect and microstructural transformation in the Laser Cladding process predominantly affects the final product integrity and service life. A 3D finite element transient thermo-mechanical model has been developed to predict thermal profile and residual stress distribution for repair application of Ti6Al4V alloy using a moving heat source. Then the developed model was applied for the deposition of ceramic materials Al2O3 and TiC on Ti6Al4V alloy substrate. The outcome of this model is to predict temperature distribution, cooling rate, melt pool depth, heat affected zone and residual stress. This study mainly highlights the thermal effect on the residual stresses for similar and dissimilar clad/substrate materials and suggests the suitable cladding material with minimum residual stress.