• Journal of Welding and Joining
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.59-68
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• 1998

In this study, effects of solidification modes (primary $\delta$-ferrite, primary ${\gamma}$-austenite) on the pit initiation and propagation in the 304L and 316L austenitic stainless steel weld metals were investigated. The solidification mode of weld metal was controlled by the addition of nitrogen to Ar shielding gas. Through the electrochemical experiments (potentiodynamic anodic polarization and potentiostatic time-current transient test) and metallographic examination (microstructure and elemental distribution), the following results were obtained. The more the volume content of nitrogen in the shielding gas were, the lower critical current density for passivity was observed. In comparison with weldments solidified through the primary $\delta$-ferrite solidification mode and the primary ${\gamma}$-solidification mode, the former showed higher critical pitting potential and a longer incubation time for stable pit initiation than the latter. However, in the pit propagation stage the former exhibited a faster dissolution rate than the latter. These results were believed to ee related to the distribution of alloying elements such as Cr, Mo, Ni and S.

• Journal of Welding and Joining
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.59-69
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• 2000

The purpose of the present study was to investigate weld metallurgical phenomena such as primary solidification mode, microstructural evolution and hot cracking susceptibility in nitrogen-bearing austenitic stainless steel GTA welds. Eight experimental heats varying nitrogen content from 0.007 to 0.23 wt.% were used in this study. Autogenous GTA welding was performed on weld coupons and the primary solidification mode and their microstructural characteristics were investigated from the fusion welds. Varestraint test was employed to evaluate the solidification cracking susceptibility of the heats and TCL(Total Crack Length) was used as cracking susceptibility index. The solidification mode shifted from primary ferrite to primary austenite with an increase in nitrogen content. Retained delta ferrite exhibited a variety of morphology as nitrogen content varied. The weld fusion zone exhibited duplex structure(austenite+ferrite) at nitrogen contents less than 0.10 wt.% but fully austenitic structure at nitrogen contents more than 0.20 wt.%. The weld fusion zone in alloys with about 0.15 wt.% nitrogen experienced primary austenite + primary ferrite solidification (mode AF) and contained delta ferrite less than 1% at room temperature. Regarding to solidification cracking susceptibility, the welds with fully austenitic structure exhibited high cracking susceptibility while those with duplex structure low susceptibility. The cracking susceptibility increased slowly with an increase in nitrogen content up to 0.20 wt.% but sharply as nitrogen content exceeded 0.20 wt.%, which was attributed to solidification mode shift fro primary ferrite to primary austenite single phase solidification.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Fisheries and Ocean Technology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.372-379
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• 1990

The effect of primary solidification phase on the solidification cracking sensitivity, corrosion resistance and toughness at cryogenic temperature was investigated for the austenitic stainless steel welds. The conclusions were summarized as follows; 1. Soldification crack sensitivity of austenitic stainless steel welds depends on the primary solidification mode. 2. Austenitic stainless steels were very susceptible to solidification cracking in case of solidification as primary ${\gamma}$ and immune when solidified as primary $\delta$. 3. When the ratio of Creq/Nieq is in the range of 1.46 to 1.55, the most resistance against solidification cracking was obtained. These results agreed well with the relationship between primary solidification mode, corrosion resistance and toughness at cryogenic temperature. 4. Optimum toughness, corrosion and solidification cracking resistance can be obtained when alloys having chemical compositions described above and solidifies as primary $\delta$ containing no ferrite at room temperature.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Fisheries and Ocean Technology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.208-215
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• 1992

Concept of primary solidification mode control was adopted to obtain optimal solidification crack resistance, hot ductility, corrosion resistance and toughness for austenitic stainless steel. By controlling primary solidification phase as primary $\delta$ and containing no ferrite at room temperature, optimal solidification crack resistance, hot ductility, corrosion resistance and cryogenic toughness could be obtained. The optimum chemical composition of austenitic stainless steel ranges 1.46~1.55(Creq/Nieq ratio) calculated by Schaeffler's equation.