A process model for the heat-affected zone microstructure evolution in duplex stainless steel weldments: Part II. Application to electron beam welding

In the present investigation, a process model for electron beam (EB) weldin g of different grades of duplex stainless steels (i.e. SAF 2205 and 2507) h as been developed. A number of attractive features are built into the origi nal finite element code, including (1) a separate module for prediction of the penetration depth and distribution of the heat source into the plate, ( 2) adaptive refinement of the three-dimensional (3-D) element mesh for quic k and reliable solution of the differential heat flow equation, and (3) spe cial subroutines for calculation of the heat-affected zone (HAZ) microstruc ture evolution. The process model has been validated by comparison with exp erimental data obtained from in situ thermocouple measurements and optical microscope examinations. Subsequently, its aptness to alloy design and opti mization of welding conditions for duplex stainless steels is illustrated i n different numerical examples and case studies pertaining to EB welding of tubular joints.