Three-dimensional microstructure and solidification behavior in laser remelting of beryllium-aluminum alloy

Abstract In this study, the beryllium-aluminum (Be-Al) alloy was processed using laser remelting (LR), and the microstructure was investigated using a 3D reconstruction technique. Focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope (FIB/SEM) reconstruction reveals that the microstructure consisted of a continuous network of Al phases wrapping the columnar Be phase. The columnar Be phases grow from the substrate towards the remelting zone and are oriented in different directions at the top of the molten pool. The gradient solidification rate explains well the gradual size reduction of the Be phase from the bottom to the top of the molten pool. These results reveal that LR is an effective method and that microstructures can be customized by optimizing the processing parameters.