Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a Dissimilar Friction Stir Weld between Austenitic Stainless Steel and Low Carbon Steel

Dissimilar fusion welding of austenitic stainless steels to carbon steels has some metallurgical and technical problems. It was suggested that the solid-state nature of friction stir welding (FSW) can overcome these problems and produce a sound weld with reliable mechanical properties. In this study, plates of 304 stainless steel and st37 steel were welded together by FSW at tool rotational speed of 600 r/min and welding speed of 50 mm/min. In the stir zone (SZ) of 304 stainless steel, the results showed a refined grain structure with some features of metadynamic recrystallization. In the SZ of st37 steel, the hot deformation of material in the austenite region produced small austenite grains. These grains transformed to fine ferrite and pearlite by cooling the material after FSW. The production of fine grains increased the hardness and tensile strength in the SZ of both sides with respect to their base metals (BMs).