Development of Microstructure in the Fusion Zone of Steel Weld Deposits

B. Gretoft, H.K.D.H. Bhadeshia, L.-E. Svensson

Abstract

A recent computer model for the prediction of microstructure in low-alloy steel weld deposits is modified to account for the presence of solidification-induced alloying element segregation. The new model is tested on Fe-Mn-Si-Ni-C alloys and the results indicate that segregation can significantly increase the amount of allotriomorphic ferrite in the microstructure by making its nucleation relatively easy.

This is a scientific study regarding the microstructural evolution of low-alloy steel weld deposits. Researchers modified a computational model to investigate how the segregation of elements during solidification influences the formation of different ferrite phases. By comparing theoretical calculations with experimental results from manganese and nickel alloys, the authors demonstrate that solute-depleted regions facilitate the nucleation of allotriomorphic ferrite. This objective analysis highlights how chemical variations at grain boundaries determine the final mechanical properties of the fusion zone. The study concludes that elemental distribution is a primary factor in predicting the transformation kinetics of complex welded structures.

Acta Stereologica, Vol. 5, 1986, No. 1, pp. 365-371

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