A Comparative Study of the Creep Rupture Properties of Type 316 Stainless Steel Base and Weld Metals

Abstract

Creep rupture properties of a modified grade of type E316-15 stainless steel weld metal have been studied in the temperature range 823 to 923 K at different stress levels. The results are compared with the creep properties of the base metal under identical test conditions. Rupture lives of the weld metal were found to be lower than those of the base metal by a factor of five to ten. Minimum creep rates of the weld metal were usually higher than those of the base metal whereas the rupture ductility of the weld metal was generally higher at 823 and 873 K and lower at 923 K. Differences in the microstructural changes, creep damage and fracture behaviour between the weld and the base metals have also been investigated.