6.10 - Review of Microstructures, Mechanical Properties, and Residual Stresses of Ferritic and Martensitic Stainless-Steel Welded Joints

Abstract

Welding is a metal joining process widely used in industry. In this process, homogeneous microstructures, residual stresses, and variations in mechanical properties greatly affect the quality of welded joints. However, defects can occur due to intense concentration of heat in the welded region. These defects vary depending on the type of the welded material, welding process, and cooling rate of the welded parts. Over the years, different standard tests have been performed by researchers to measure and to quantify welded joints. Hardness and impact testing have been widely used to evaluate microstructures and variations in mechanical properties of welded joints. Hole drilling and x-ray diffraction have been developed to evaluate the residual stress. Tensile tests are performed to obtain the tensile and yield strengths of welded components. This chapter aims to show and compare the variations of hardness, microstructure, tensile properties, residual stresses, and impact strength for the most important welding processes in welded joints. The work focuses solely on ferritic and martensitic stainless-steel materials, for similar and dissimilar materials.