Test on residual stress distribution of welded S600E high-strength stainless steel sections

Abstract

ABSTRACT S600E high-strength stainless steel is a new type of sorbite stainless steel with 1.5–2.2% Ni and 13–15% Cr. Compared with commonly used S30408 austenitic stainless steel, it has outstanding characteristics, e.g., a much higher yield strength and a lower price. Thus it has an obvious competitiveness in stainless steel construction. Currently, few studies have been reported on the structural behaviours of S600E high-strength stainless steel. This study focuses on the residual stresses in welded S600E high-strength stainless steel cross-sections. A total of 16 welded cross-sections were prepared, including 6 Box-sections and 10 I-sections. Tensile coupon tests were conducted to obtain the material properties. Residual stresses were measured using the sectioning method, and detailed distribution in each cross-section was provided. Test results indicate that tensile residual stresses are shown in the region around the welds with magnitudes less than the nominal yield strength, and compressive residual stresses are in the other regions. Test results were compared with the current residual stress distribution models to check their applicability. It was concluded that current residual stress distribution models could not represent test results well for the peak tension residual stress and the width of the tension-compression transition zone. Simplified residual stress distribution models were proposed for welded S600E High-strength stainless steel Box-sections and I-sections by modifying the ones in ECCS and the ones proposed by Yuan, which could better match the test results. The proposed models would contribute to researches on the behaviours of members and structures.