Cracking Phenomenon in Spot Welded Joints of
Austenitic Stainless Steel Ahmed M Al-Mukhtar, Qasim M Doos ABSTRACT The spot welds nugget cracking of austenitic stainless steel at temperatures between
700°C - 1010°C was investigated. Traditionally, the cracks have been observed around
the spot nugget in welded temperature. Actually, these cracks are developed due to
incomplete melting and inappropriate electrode pressure, which causes an expulsion of
molten metal. These cracks start to grow and cause either the interface or plug fracture
according to the loading type. In this work, the micro-cracks in the weld nugget were
indicated for this type of steel at elevated temperature. Cracks appear in a certain range of
temperature; about 700°C - 750°C. The cracks like defect and cavitations were presented.
According to the fracture mechanics point of view, these cracks reduce the mechanical
strength. Therefore, these cracks have to be taken into account with a certain precaution.
Moreover, considering the working temperature and reducing the element may develop
ferrite particles. Materials Sciences and Applications |