Effect of Joining Process on the Accumulation of Creep Deformation and Cavitation Across the Weld Joint of 316L(N) Stainless Steel

Detailed analysis of the progressive accumulation of creep strain and cavitation across the joints were carried out on performing interrupted creep tests on joint specimens fabricated by single-pass activated TIG (A-TIG) and multi-pass TIG (MP-TIG) welding processes having grid marking inscribed on them before creep test. The localized creep deformation rate in the weld metal was faster in the MP-TIG joint than in the A-TIG joint. Creep cavitation was more pronounced in the MP-TIG joint. The different deformation and cavitation responses of the joints have been attributed to δ-ferrite contents and higher strength disparity within the weld metal.