CALCULATION OF INCLUSION FORMATION IN LOW-ALLOY-STEEL WELDS

Equilibrium thermodynamic calculations were performed to predict the s equential inclusion formation in low-alloy-steel welds. In the calcula tions the multi-phase equilibrium between oxides and liquid steel was considered. The oxidation sequence was found to be sensitive to small changes in the weld metal composition. The calculations are compared w ith experimental measurements available in the literature. Calculated aluminum and titanium concentrations in solid solution in the weld cor related well with experimental data. The calculations indicate that th e present method can be used as a first approximation to describe the inclusions formation in low-alloy-steel welds. The results are discuss ed with reference to the acicular ferrite microstructure development.