Impact properties of 304L stainless steel GTAW joints evaluated by high strain rate of compression tests

Abstract This paper presents an investigation into the high velocity impact of 304L stainless steel gas tungsten arc welded (GTAW) joints at strain rates between 10 −3 and 7.5 × 10 3 s −1 using a compressive split-Hopkinson bar. The results show that the impact properties and fracture characteristics of the tested weldments depend strongly on applied strain rate. This rate-dependent behavior is in good agreement with model predictions using the hybrid Zerilli–Armstrong constitutive law. It is determined that the tested weldments fail as a result of adiabatic shearing. The fracture surfaces of the fusion zone and base metal regions are characterized by the presence of elongated dimples. The variation in the observed dimple features with strain rate is consistent with the results of the impact stress–strain curves.