Welding parameters-metallurgical properties correlation of friction welding of austenitic stainless steel and ferritic stainless steel

Continuous drive friction welding studies on austenitic-ferritic stainless steel combination has been attempted in this investigation. The present study of austenitic stainless steel AISI 321 and ferritic stainless steel AISI 430 is conducted with various combinations of process parameters. Parameter optimization, microstructure and mechanical property correlation are the major contribution of the study. The welded joints were produced by varying friction pressure (Fp), upset pressure (Up) and burn-off length (B), considering upset time (Ut) and speed (N) constants. Design of experiments was done using Taguchi approach of orthogonal array. Metallurgical properties of the welds are examined using optical microscopy and mechanical behavior of the welded interface was examined with Vickers hardness test. Deformation was confined to ferritic stainless steel and the affect of upset pressure, friction pressure on grain size and micro-hardness were studied. © 2012 Asian Network for Scientific Information.