Experimental study of electron beam welding of magnesium alloys

The joints of AZ31 magnesium alloys welded by the electron beam welding with different parameters were studied. The relationship between the processing parameters and the microstructure and mechanical properties was investigated. The microstructure, mechanical properties and fracture pattern of the welding joints were investigated by the metallographic microscope, the universal tensile testing machine and the scanning electronic microscope (SEM). The results show that the penetration has a certain ratio relationship with the electron beam current while it is insensitive to the welding speed. The weld shape is good when appropriate parameters are applied. The weld seam microstructure consists of fine equal‐axed grains. The tensile strength of the welding joints is about 55 % of the base metal. The joints fracture pattern is a mixed one of the brittle fracture and ductile fracture.