THERMODYNAMIC ESTIMATION OF INCLUSION CHARACTERISTICS IN LOW-ALLOY STEEL WELD METALS

Inclusion characteristics are extremely important factors which affect the weld metal microstructure. Estimation of the inclusion characteri stics in low alloy steel weld metals was attempted using thermodynamic calculation. Reasonable quantitative agreement is found between the c alculated results and experimental observations in the literature, ind icating that the present approach is useful for controlling inclusions in weld metals and optimising weld chemistry. It is also suggested th at thermodynamic phase stability exerts a significant influence on the inclusions in low alloy steel weld metals. (C) 1997 The Institute of Materials.