Comparison of microstructure and properties between joints of FSW and TIG 316L austenitic stainless steel

FSW and TIG were conducted on 316L stainless steel.Variation during microstructure and properties in joints obtained by different welding methods was studied.The results show that the effect of severe mechanical stirring and intense plastic deformation creat a fine recrystallized grain in the welding joint during FSW.As for TIG,the temperature of welding joint exceeds the melting point of welded material itself.The entire welding process belongs to the solidification of a small molten pool;and the microstructure of the joint takes on a typical casting structure.When the welding parameters were selected appropriately,the average ultimate tensile strength of FSW joints can reach 493 MPa,which is 83.6%of base metal;the average elongation is 52.1%of base metal.The average ultimate tensile strength of TIG joints is 475 MPa, which is 80.5%of base metal;the average elongation is 40.8%of base metal.The tensile test of FSW joints is superior to the TIG joints.The microhardness of FSW joint compared to base metal and TIG joint having a significant improvement,which arel95.5 HV,159.7 HV and 160.7 HV,respectively;grain refinement strengthening plays an important role in enhancing the microhardness.The electrochemical corrosion tests show that the joint of FSW 316L austenitic stainless steel has a good corrosion resistance.