Effect of Ultrasonic Assistance on Properties of Ultra-High-Strength Steel in Laser-Arc Hybrid Welding

To address the challenge of achieving an optimal balance between strength and toughness in ultra-high-strength steel welds, this study investigates ultrasonic vibration-assisted laser-arc hybrid welding. The influence of ultrasonic vibrations, applied to the lower surface of laser-arc hybrid welding specimens at powers ranging from 60 W to 240 W, on various aspects of the weld, including macroscopic morphology, porosity, microstructure, and mechanical properties, was systematically examined. Experimental findings reveal that as ultrasonic power increases, weld porosity initially diminishes before rising again. Simultaneously, the fusion ratio of the weld gradually enhances, and the cross-sectional morphology of the weld transforms from a “goblet” shape to an “inverted triangle”, with the transition boundary between the arc zone and laser zone becoming less distinct. Furthermore, an increase in ultrasonic power leads to a gradual rise in the microhardness of the weld, and the mechanical properties of the weld joint exhibit an upward trend. Notably, at an ultrasonic power of 180 W, the weld attains a tensile strength of 1380 MPa and an impact toughness of 10.5 J, highlighting the potential of this technique in optimizing the welding characteristics of ultra-high-strength steel.