Safe use of duplex stainless steel weldments at elevated temperatures
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | SWERIM AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 700 000 |
| Project duration | October 2022 - December 2024 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme for Metallic material |
| Call | Sustainable metal industry - Efficient material flows |
Important results from the project
The project had a number of objective according to the proposal which were met, the most important of which were to carry out a larger amount of impact toughness testing and to develop a methodology for fast and reliable fracture mechanics testing. In addition to this, a closer examination of embrittlement mechanisms has been carried out and there is now a deeper understanding. As well as a possible way forward to avoid welds embrittling faster than base material.
Expected long term effects
The large amount of impact testing and the fracture mechanics testing will serve as a basis for updating a Guideline that was developed in a previous project. As well as serving as answers to specific questions in the form of raw data. The investigation of underlying mechanisms for embrittlement has given rise to a possible explanation that needs to be tested on new welds and if it is proven feasible, the long-term effect is of particular importance.
Approach and implementation
The project was carried out in two parts regarding the main property testing, impact testing via Swerim & Outokumpu and fracture mechanical testing via KTH and Ringhals, OKG & Forsmark. As well as a part about investigating and understanding the underlying mechanisms for embrittlement. An important part at the end has, in addition to technical reports, been to tie the different parts together in a common Guideline to try to summarize extensive and complex testing in a few pages.