Prediction of austenitic weld metal microstructure and properties

Abstract

Diagrams, such as the Schaeffler and DeLong diagrams, have been used to assist in the proper selection and use of austenitic filler materials and to predict weld metal microstructures and properties. These diagrams have been very successful in predicting the amount of delta ferrite in stainless steel weld metal. This paper is concerned with the predictability of austenitic weld metal microstructure and properties over a larger compositional range. In this paper, new expressions are introduced to predict the martensite start room temperature composition or the martensite start temperature. Some of these high manganese ferrous alloys are the basis for the new ''no chromium'' stainless steel. Various available diagrams, which allow for the prediction of weld metal microstructure, are given.