Dissimilar spot welding of dual phase steel/ferritic stainless steel: phase transformations

Phase transformations in dissimilar resistance spot welds of dual phase steel and ferritic stainless steel are analysed. In contrast to a full martensitic microstructure predicted by the Schaeffler and Balmforth diagrams, a ferrite–martensite microstructure was observed in the fusion zone. The formation of ferrite phase in the fusion zone can be attributed to the rapid cooling rate of resistance spot welding, which suppresses the post-solidification ferrite–austenite transformation. The grain growth and martensite formation were main metallurgical features of the heat affected zone of ferritic stainless steel side. Microstructure gradient of heat affected zone in dual phase steel side was dictated by martensitic transformation. The effect of weld thermal cycle on the mechanical performance of the joint is discussed.