Hossein Abedi Chermahini, Mohammad Mahdi Piran, Ali Akbar Esmaeili Chamgordani, Masoud Atapour,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (Journal OF Welding Science and Technology 2024)
Abstract
In this research, the mechanical properties and microstructure of L316 grade stainless steel sheets welded using the resistance spot welding method with a copper interlayer were investigated. In this regard, two types Connection were considered: one without the interlayer and the other with the copper interlayer, connected at different currents. To select the optimal current for both types of connections, tensile tests were initially conducted. Following that, microstructural examinations, microhardness tests, elemental evaluations, and failure mode analyses were performed on the optimized samples. according to the results obtained, increasing the electric current raised the input heat in the weld pool to an appropriate level, improving the microstructural and mechanical properties of the weld region. Additionally, due to the optimal electric current in both samples "with and without" the interlayer, both samples experienced interfacial failure, indicating high strength at their joint and weld points. Changes in chemical composition across different weld areas were minimal, and element distribution was reported to be uniform throughout all regions. The highest hardness was observed from the base metal towards the center of the weld in the order of weld area > base metal > heat-affected zone, which corresponded with results from microstructural examinations.