Effect of EB-Weld and Cold-Rolling on Low Temperature Strength and Toughness of Austenitic Stainless Steels

Abstract

Austenitic stainless steels are widely used for cryogenic applications as structural materials because of their excellent toughness at low temperature and nonmagnetic property. Recently, the higher strength austenitic stainless steels have been required for the development of superconducting technology. There are several ways to strengthen the austenitic steels, i.e. solution hardening, work hardening and precipitation hardening. Cold-rolling is one of the available methods; it increases particularly the proof stress. However, the structural materials are joined commonly by fusion welding, which brings about the decrease in strength at weld 7-one. The strengthened base materials are remelted and heat-affected. There are many reports on welding the stainless steels, but few reports about welding the cold-rolled austenitic stainless steels.