抄録
A model to describe the carbide precipitation resulting in the sensitization in the weld heat affected zone (HAZ) of the austenitic stainless steel has been proposed on the basis of the metallurgical principle. The purpose of that is to provide a practically convenient way to predict the sensitization risk in the HAZ. In the HAZ, especially heated to between 500 to 800 degree C in austenitic stainless steel, the chromium carbide precipitation can be caused resulting in high sensitivity to intergranular corrosion.
The proposed model to predict the progress of sensitization in the HAZ is as a function of cooling rate or weld heat input. That model formula consists of the constants determined by the C content in the stainless steel. The validity of predicted results was confirmed by the good fit between the results calculated with the proposed formula and the experimental data referred in the reported papers.
