Masters Theses

Abstract

"Metal castings have long been plagued with minor defects caused by various process and design conditions. Commonly, minor defects are not seen until after machining operations have been completed, and by the time they are identified, they cannot be salvaged in a manner that is structurally sound and does not have other detrimental effects on the product. Detrimental effects may include warping from high heat input in traditional welding, warping from reheat treatment, oxidation of machined surfaces, microstructural anomalies, and reduced mechanical properties. Micro laser welding has the potential to provide a solution to these issues by providing a low heat input structural repair method for steel cast parts. Y-Block castings in SAE Grade 8630 were produced, heat treated, and machined into usable test samples for evaluation of weld characterization and mechanical properties of as-cast, and welded material to evaluate any potential loss in properties due to the micro laser welding process. After parameter studies were completed to verify proper welding technique and machine settings, the welds were qualified using characterization methods such as Optical Microscopy, Microhardness, and Micro CT scanning, and mechanical testing including Tensile Testing and Fatigue Testing. Tensile Testing suggests a slightly reduced (less than 10% reduction) in yield strength, while maintaining ultimate tensile strength and increasing elongation. Fatigue Testing indicated that, with proper processing, the life expectancy of a repaired product will meet expectations for a cast product"-- Abstract, p. iv

Advisor(s)

Bartlett, Laura

Committee Member(s)

Buchely, Mario F.
O'Malley, Ronald J.

Department(s)

Materials Science and Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Metallurgical Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

2026

Journal article titles appearing in thesis/dissertation

Paper I, found on pages 24-38, published as conference proceeding for 2026 AFS Metal Casting Congress. This is intended for publication dual publication to the International Journal of Metal Casting.

Paper II, found on pages 39-56, published as conference proceeding for 2026 AFS Metal Casting Congress. This is intended for publication dual to the International Journal of Metal Casting.

Pagination

xiii, 60 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes_bibliographical_references_(page59)

Rights

© 2026 Allan John Woldow , All Rights Reserved

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 12630

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Included in

Metallurgy Commons

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