Structural Features of Welded Joint of Medium-Carbon Chromium Steel Containing Metastable Austenite.

Phase transitions during crystallization and subsequent thermal and deformation effects under the influence of various mechanical loads in welded joints of the plates of medium carbon steel by a consumable electrode in shielding gases with a flux-cored wire based on Fe–C–Cr matrix are studied. The test results for weldability, abrasive wear resistance, and stress state formation and the results of metallographic, electron microscopic, and X-ray diffraction studies are analyzed. It is shown that the structure of welded seam consists of metastable austenite, δ-ferrite, and high-strength carbon–chromium martensite. Welded joints have a high capability of intense hardening under local deformation owing to the TRIP effect (transformation-induced plasticity). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]