GMAW of Inconel 686 on Stainless Steel: Welding Parameter Effects on Residual Stress and Distortion

This study investigated the impact of welding parameters on residual stress (RS) and distortion during automatic gas metal arc welding (GMAW) of Inconel 686 onto stainless steel plates. To systematically evaluate this, travel speed, voltage, wire feed speed, amperage, and heat input were varied across fourteen 6-inch square plates. Distortion was measured using a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM), while Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry (ESPI) was employed to quantify RS. Our results demonstrate that an increase in heat input from 10.55 KJ.in-1 to 17.81 KJ.in-1 led to a corresponding increase in residual stress. In a ½ overlap weld, maximum RS reached 200 MPa (σx) and 800 MPa (σy). A similar trend was observed in 1/3 overlap welds, with maximum RS values reaching 400 MPa in both directions. Furthermore, samples exhibiting high RS also displayed more significant distortion. However, our findings indicate a complex correlation between welding parameters and distortion, suggesting the absence of a simple, direct relationship between these variables.

Zahra Khodamoradi, Student, University of British Columbia
Presented at: CanWeld Conference 2024