Effects of the stress-relief conditions on a martensite stainless-steel welded component

This paper presents the results of an investigation of the effect of post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) on the mechanical properties and residual stress of high-chromium steel AISI 410 used in aircraft engines. In this study, three different heating rates, three different cooling rates and three different durations were investigated. The soaking temperature was 550 degrees C for all these conditions. In order to assess the effect of these different conditions on mechanical properties, micro-hardness and notched impact tests have been carried out. In addition a hole-drilling method has been used to determine the magnitude and distribution of the residual stresses in the welded component before and after the application of PWHT. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.