Assessment of Creep Strain Distribution Across Base Metal of 316LN Austenitic Stainless Steel Weld Joint by an EBSD-Based Parameter

Abstract

Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis has been used to estimate the accumulated strain in base metal region of 316LN austenitic stainless steel weld joints, creep tested at 923 K (650 °C), and at stresses of 175 and 225 MPa. The variation in strength of weld metal, heat-affected zone (HAZ), and base metal-induced stress and strain gradients across the weld joint under creep exposure. Finite element analysis (FEA) of von-Mises stress distribution across the joint has been carried out on incorporating strength of different constituents of the joint, derived by miniature specimen testing techniques. The FEA simulations revealed preferential accumulation of von-Mises stress in the base metal region near to HAZ. The variation in accumulated plastic strain across the base metal has been estimated using a ‘crystal deformation’ (Cd) parameter which quantifies the orientation spread within a grain. This parameter was obtained by EBSD analysis carried out using a scanning electron microscope. The trend in variation of accumulated plastic strain across the base metal accounted well with the von-Mises stress variation, which causes plastic deformation. The plastic strain in the base metal in both the stress levels was found to accumulate preferentially near to the HAZ and reduced steadily toward the ridge at the end of specimen. Transmission electron microscopic study has been carried out to substantiate the findings of the EBSD investigation.