Microstructural Evolution and Tensile Strength of Laser-Welded Butt Joints of Ultra-High Strength Steels: Low and High Alloy Steels

Abstract

The present study is focused on joining two ultra-high strength steels plates of 3 mm thickness using laser-welding. Abrasion resistant steel with martensitic structure, tensile strength (Rm) ≥ 2 GPa, and cold-deformed austenitic stainless steel, Rm 1.3 GPa, were used for the dissimilar butt joints. Two different laser energy inputs, 160 and 320 J/mm, were presented during welding. The weld morphology and microstructural evolution of the fusion zone were recorded using optical microscopy and electron back scattering diffraction (EBSD), respectively. The mechanical properties of the dissimilar joints were evaluated by hardness measurements and tensile tests. It was found that fusion zone has undergone a change in morphology and microstructure during welding depending upon the energy input. Analysis of the microstructural evolution in the fusion zone by EBSD examination showed that the presence of a mixture of small austenite grains in a matrix of martensite. The changes in hardness profiles and tensile strength under the experimental parameters were further reported.