About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Steels in Extreme Conditions
|
| Presentation Title |
C-24: Corrosion-Driven Mechanical Degradation in Laser-Welded 316L Stainless Steel: A Sequential Testing Approach in Boiling MgCl₂ |
| Author(s) |
Nicholas J. Borrego, Eric Lang, Erin Barrick |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Nicholas J. Borrego |
| Abstract Scope |
This study explores the impact of localized corrosion on the mechanical performance of laser-welded 316L stainless steel (SS) using a sequential testing methodology. Dog bone specimens extracted from butt welds were exposed to boiling magnesium chloride (MgCl₂-6H₂O) at 155 ± 1 °C for 18 hours. Optical microscopy was performed intermittently every 2 hours to monitor surface damage progression. Following exposure, specimens underwent uniaxial tensile testing to evaluate the effects of corrosion on yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, ductility, and fracture behavior. Post-fracture analysis via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) assessed pit morphology, compositional changes, and phase alterations near fracture sites. This method enables characterization of corrosion-induced embrittlement and degradation trends in different weld zones (i.e., weld metal, heat-affected zone (HAZ), and base material). The results aim to inform performance assessments of SS welds in aggressive chloride environments. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Characterization, Environmental Effects, Mechanical Properties |