SIMULATED HEAT AFFECTED ZONE IN WELDED STAINLESS STEEL 304L

This work is a contribution study of the heat-affected zone in the real welded joint of stainless steel 304L. This zone was compared to the heat-affected zone obtained by using a thermal cycle simulation of welding. This experimental technique is based on thermal cycle simulation of welding by rapid heating and cooling treatments of the base metal in a specific simulation equipment. The samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray, and microhardness measurements. Microstructures and mechanical properties of the simulated heat affected zone were also determined. Thermal cycle simulation technique has revealed more details on the microstructure and the mechanical behavior of the heat-affected zone.