Microstructure and mechanical properties of dissimilar inertia friction welded 316L stainless steel to A516 ferritic steel for potential applications in nuclear reactors

Abstract

Defect-free welds between A-516 ferritic and 316L austenitic stainless steel were achieved using inertia friction welding (IFW) under varying friction and forge pressures. The microstructural evolution and the associated mechanical properties were characterised across different weld regimes. The welds were free from microcracks and demonstrated higher strength and hardness than the parent metal (PM), indicating enhanced properties. Carbide precipitates were not observed at the weld interface, implying no occurrence of sensitisation in the stainless steel. The presence of refined grains coupled with low grain orientation spread (GOS) values was the indication of continuous dynamic recrystallisation (CDRX) occurring during IFW.