Recent advances in modelling and characterisation of weld microstructures

The development of microstructure in weldments is controlled by various physical processes. During the past two decades, significant progress has been made in understanding these processes and their role in the development of weld microstructures. However, there is a critical need to develop a reliable and quantitative integrated model to describe the evolution of weld microstructure and performance. State of the art characterisation tools are an integral part of this integrated model concept for validation. Research related to weld microstructure models for steels is reviewed and the importance of characterisation tools in developing these models and their verification is discussed.