Evaluation of solidification cracking susceptibility of Fe-18Mn-0.6C steel welds

Solidification cracking susceptibilities of high Mn steel welds were evaluated in the present study. A longitudinal Varestraint technique was utilised to assess the solidification cracking behaviours of the fusion zone. High Mn steel welds were more susceptible to solidification cracking than 304 and 202 austenitic stainless steel welds, however, they were less susceptible than 310S austenitic stainless steel welds. Extensive segregations of Mn and C took place at the dendritic and grain boundaries in the weld metal, and accordingly contributed to the increase of the hot cracking susceptibility of high Mn steel by the enlargement of solidification temperature range. Further, continuous gamma-(Fe, Mn)(3)C eutectic phases formed at 1090 degrees C along the grain boundary primarily resulted in the increase of solidification cracking sensitivity in high Mn steel.