Association of microstructural features and rippling phenomenon in 304 stainless steel gas tungsten arc welds

High speed, high magnification video microscopy has been used to investigate rippling behaviour in autogenous 304 stainless steel gas tungsten arc (GTA) welds. Images of the trailing edge of a weld pool (solid liquid interface) were collected during the welding process. Weld ripple formation was observed and the associated solid liquid interface velocity was measured. A distinct sequence of events was observed each time a ripple formed. This sequence of events involved apparent changes in the solid liquid interface velocity, dendrite morphology, and dendrite growth direction. The microstructures of a group of rippled welds were examined and a number of features associated with the rippling phenomenon were identified. These features included changes in the pattern of the interdendritic constituents and changes in the solute distribution across the ripple feature. This information coupled with the video images was used to explain more fully the weld rippling phenomenon and the origins of microstructural changes associated with it. It is shown that solute redistribution occurs in the weld on a length scale associated with the ripple features.