An Experimental Comparison of Weld-Induced Residual Stresses Using Different Stainless Steel Filler Metals Commonly Used for Hydraulic Turbines Manufacturing and Repair

Abstract

CA6NM and UNS S41500 martensitic stainless steels are widely used for manufacturing and repair of hydraulic turbine runners. They offer good mechanical properties and superior cavitation resistance when compared to mild steels. They are also relatively easy to weld. However, when welded homogeneously, they require a post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) in order to temper the as-welded martensite. This PWHT is also beneficial for residual stresses reduction as it effectively lowers the stress peaks. To avoid this PWHT, austenitic filler metals are often used for repair. But omitting PWHT inevitably leaves weld-induced residual stresses in the assembly. In order to better understand the impact of the weld filler metal choice on the importance of residual stress, an experimental study has been conducted on three different filler alloys. The chosen alloys were: • 410NiMo, a martensitic grade having the same composition as the base metal (13%Cr-4%Ni-0.5%Mo) ; • 309L, an austenitic grade widely used for repair (24%Cr-13%Ni) ; • A proprietary low transformation temperature (LTT) martensitic grade (13%Cr-6%Ni). This paper compares residual stresses in the as-welded condition on welds of UNS S41500 (13%Cr-4%Ni) made using these filler metals. Residual stresses were measured using the contour method. Microstructural analysis was performed to identify the phases in the weld and the heat-affected zones (HAZ). Microhardness maps were done to see the hardness distribution of each weldment.