As important structural materials

niobium and stainless steel are widely used in the aerospace. However

brittle intermetallic compounds are easily formed

and high residual stress is distributed within the joint

which easily leads to cracking. In this paper

aiming at the current research status of niobium alloy and stainless steel welding

the main joining methods of niobium and stainless steel are reviewed: Explosive welding

brazing and fusion welding. Although explosive welding and brazing can suppress welding cracks

the complex welding process of explosive welding and the low joint strength of brazing are difficult to meet the application requirements of niobium/stainless steel composite structures. High residual stress distributed in the fusion welded joint

and many brittle Nb–Fe intermetallic compounds formed in the weld

resulting in poor mechanical properties of the joint. In view of the above problems

the fusion welding of niobium alloy and stainless steel is prospected: Conducting finite element simulation to guide welding process optimization

introducing a third component into the weld to improve the weldability of niobium and stainless steel

and exploring reasonable heat treatment processes to improve the mechanical properties of the joint.