Selection of Wrought Austenitic Stainless Steels

Austenitic stainless steels exhibit a single-phase, face-centered cubic structure that is maintained over a wide range of temperatures. This article reviews the compositions of standard and nonstandard austenitic stainless steels. It summarizes the important aspects of solidification behavior and microstructural evolution that dictate weld-metal ferrite content and morphology. The article describes weld defect formation, namely, solidification cracking, heat-affected zone liquation cracking, weld-metal liquation cracking, copper contamination cracking, ductility dip cracking, and weld porosity. It discusses four general types of corrosive attack: intergranular attack, stress-corrosion cracking, pitting and crevice corrosion, and microbiologically influenced corrosion. The article concludes with information on weld thermal treatments such as preheat and interpass heat treatments and postweld heat treatment.