Characterization of cast stainless steel weld pools by using ball indentation technique

Ball indentation technique (BIT) was used to characterize two weld pools of cast stainless steel. Yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, strength coefficient, strain hardening exponent and fracture toughness (KJC) were determined through BIT. The concept of continuum damage mechanics was employed to evaluate the KJC of the weld pools. Weld pool having higher Cr content shows superior YS and UTS, but KJC was slightly lower. This is agreed by the presence of higher amount of ferrite in the weld pool with higher Cr.