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Role of microstructure in ultrasonic inspectability of austenitic stainless steel welds

Journal Article · · Mater. Eval.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6552387

The behavior of ultrasonic waves in welded austenitic stainless steel plates with various base-metal microstructures was characterized. The tests were conducted in 15 and 80 ..mu..m grain-diameter annealed plates, in sensitized plates, and in cast plates with elongated grains of strong (100) preferred orientation. In the plates of preferred orientation, longitudinal sonic velocity provided an indication of crystalline anisotropy. For all microstructural conditions, ultrasonic attenuation measurements and spectral analysis indicated that maximum signal strength and flaw detectability were obtained at test frequencies below 3 MHz. Finally, it was determined that shear waves polarized in specific directions under certain conditions could provide better flaw detectability than longitudinal waves.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab., IL
OSTI ID:
6552387
Journal Information:
Mater. Eval.; (United States), Journal Name: Mater. Eval.; (United States) Vol. 36:5; ISSN MAEVA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English