Microstructure and performance of hybrid laser-arc welded high-strength low alloy steel and austenitic stainless steel dissimilar joint

Abstract

Effects of hybrid laser-arc welding process parameters on the weld formation of a dissimilar steel joint were studied. A full penetrated weld with minimum defects was obtained under the optimized parameters. Different thermal conductivities and phase transition temperature resulted in a wider heat affected zone (HAZ) of high-strength low alloy steel (EH36) than that of austenitic stainless steel (316L). Owing to the limited penetration of arc, the laser zone could be only heated by laser while the hybrid zone was heated by not only laser but also arc, resulting in higher heat input and larger grain size in hybrid zone than in laser zone. The addition of filler wire led to higher contents of chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) in hybrid zone than laser zone, which inhibited the formation of austenite and led to the formation of martensite in laser zone. Small grain size and existence of martensite resulted in higher hardness of laser zone than hybrid zone. Tensile samples of both laser zone and hybrid zone failed at the EH36 side with massive dimples distributing on the fracture surfaces, indicating good tensile property of the welds and typical characteristics of ductile fracture. Corrosion resistance of laser zone was weaker than that of hybrid zone, which was closely related to the formation of martensite with poor corrosion resistance instead of austenite with good corrosion resistance.