Texture Study on 316L Weldments after Heat Treatments

Abstract

Abstract

Austenitic stainless steels are regularly used as components in many parts and vessels work in the ocean. Also, 316L stainless steel (SS) is used in nuclear reactors, located near sea. 316L SS base metal (BM) and weld metal (WM) are aged at 450°C and at 350°C for 6000 hours and texture analysis using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) revealed that the texture is independent of delta-ferrite content. Inverse Pole Figures (IPF) show [001] is parallel to {001}, {111} and {101}. Orientations were observed in as received base metal and compared with weld metal of aged conditions found with deformations along the grains. After heat treatment of weld metal (WM) at 450°C and at 350°C for 6000 hours, there was change in orientations. XRD studies yielded texture coefficient of the orientations. The weld metal (WM) aged at 350°C showed preferred orientation with deformation whereas aged at 450°C showed random orientation with recrystallisation of the grains. Ferrite content was in very small concentration in as received condition and hence its presence was not seen after heat treatment.

Keywords: Orientation, deformation, EBSD, recrystallization

Cite this Article

Kripa M. Suvarna, K.R. Udupa, A.O. Surendranathan. Texture Study on 316L Weldments after Heat Treatments. Journal of Thermal Engineering and Applications. 2018; 5(3): 1–10p.