About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
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| Symposium
|
Solid-State Processing and Manufacturing for Nuclear Applications: Integrating Insights and Innovations
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| Presentation Title |
An Evaluation of Friction Stir Welding to Join 316H Stainless Steel Without Sensitization |
| Author(s) |
Russell Steel |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Russell Steel |
| Abstract Scope |
For many applications, such as the nuclear industry, austenitic stainless steels are used for their moderate elevated temperature properties and excellent corrosion resistance in corrosive environments. However, for some structures, welding is required. Unfortunately, using conventional welding practices sensitizes the weld zone. Sensitization is the creation of precipitate free zones adjacent to grain boundaries depleting zones adjacent to the grain in Cr. In an environment not normally corrosive to stainless steels, this results in a severe degradation of mechanical properties.
To prevent sensitization, the peak welding temperature needs to be as low as possible and the cooling rate sufficiently rapid to prevent sensitization. Friction stir welding (FSW) offers the potential to weld 316H SS without sensitizing the weld zone. This study will demonstrate the ability to weld even high carbon content stainless steel without the onset of sensitization. FSW results will be compared to conventional welding practices.
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| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Joining, High-Temperature Materials, Other |