Significance of Constitution Diagrams for the Understanding of Welding Phenomena

Abstract

In order to understand the properties of iron based stainless steel weld metals and the associated phenomena that take place in the heat affected zone a knowledge of the constitution diagrams that relate to the alloying elements used in these alloys is required. Many welding phenomena can be explained and in many cases even predicted with the aid of constitution diagrams.

To facilitate practical application, the alloying contents of all constitution diagrams are stated in weight (mass) percent. For information we also call constitution diagrams phase diagrams or equilibrium diagrams.