Microstructure and mechanical properties of dissimilar inertia friction welded 316L stainless steel to A516 ferritic steel for potential applications in nuclear reactors

Defect-free welds between A-516 ferritic and 316L austenitic stainless steel were achieved using inertia friction welding (IFW) under varying forge pressures. The microstructural evolution the associated mechanical properties characterised across different weld regimes. free from microcracks demonstrated higher strength hardness than parent metal (PM), indicating enhanced properties. Carbide precipitates not observed at interface, implying no occurrence of sensitisation in steel. presence refined grains coupled with low grain orientation spread (GOS) values was indication continuous dynamic recrystallisation (CDRX) occurring during IFW.