Tensile and Fracture Properties of an Fe-18Cr-20Ni-5Mn-0.16N Fully Austenitic Weld Metal at 4 K

The 4-K tensile and fracture toughess properties of a fully austenitic stainless steel weld are reported. One tensile and two compact tension fracture specimens were tested. The weld was produced by gas metal arc welding using an Fe-18Cr-20Ni-5Mn-0.16N electrode and a 98 percent argon-2 percent oxygen shielding gas mixture. The yield strength of 1015 MPa and average fracture toughness, K_Ic (J), of 203 MPa•$m$ are higher than those of welds produced with 308L and 316L electrodes and compare favorably with base metal properties. Examination of the fracture surfaces of all samples by scanning electron microscopy showed ductile failure by microvoid coalescence. The suitability of this alloy for welding cryogenic structures is discussed.