Characterization of the sensitization degree in the AISI 304 stainless steel using spectral analysis and conventional ultrasonic techniques

Specimens of AISI 304 stainless steels exposed to sensitization and carbide solution heat treatment employing ultrasonic testing have been evaluated. The study involved measurements of the longitudinal wave velocity, attenuation and spectral analysis. Despite the large size difference between the ultrasonic wave length and the precipitated carbides, the results showed a clear attenuating effect in the sensitized specimens. This effect suggests a relation between carbide precipitation in the material and the attenuation coefficient of the ultrasonic wave. The attenuation increase is mainly attributed to the continuous distribution and possible coalescence of the carbide along the grain boundaries. Power spectra exhibit an increase of the amplitude at specific frequencies in specimens with the longest sensitization times. Ultrasonic velocity measurements did not provide significant information in order to predict any sensitization grade of the evaluated materials. The combined assessment by spectral analysis and attenuation measurements is discussed.