New model for prediction of ferrite number of stainless steel welds

A new semi-empirical model for predicting the ferrite content of stainless steel welds has been developed. This model pr edicts the ferrite number of stainless steel welds as a function of composition. The model is based on an equation representing the free energy change between ferrite and austenite. This model has been derived from published data of experimental weld metal compositions and their corresponding ferrite numbers. The predictive capability of this model was found to be good and describes the effect of alloying elements on the fel rite number. This model is comparable in accuracy to currently available constitution diagrams but is applicable to a wider range of alloy compositions. (C) 1997 The Institute of Materials*.