Kinetic Model of ɛ-Cu Particle Dissolution in Welding-Induced HAZ of Copper-Containing Steel

The kinetics of ɛ-Cu particle dissolution in the matrix of heat affected zone (HAZ) during welding of a copper-containing steel was determined by assembling the welding temperature-time program into a modified Whelan's solution. The particle dissolution dependence on the degree of “superheating” above the equilibrium transformation is demonstrated from the model. In terms of volume fraction of particle dissolution, the HAZ may be classified into three zones, including the undissolving zone, the partially dissolving zone, and the completely dissolving zone, respectively. The numerical solution was in good agreement with the experimental examination finding. The results of model can be used to quantitatively map the ɛ-Cu dissolution zone dependence on the peak temperature of welding thermal cycles and understand the evolution of this transformation during welding.