The formation of a columnar grain structure in high chromium nickel based alloy welds can be associated with cracking and poor resolution for ultrasonic non-destructive examination. The objective of this research was to characterise the effects of circular magnetic arc deflection (arc stirring) on grain structure of gas tungsten arc weld overlays made on Inconel 690 substrates with 52M filler wire. Welds and weld overlays were made at various arc stirring frequencies, and microstructures were analysed using optical and electron backscattered diffraction microscopy. Significant refinement of grain size occurred at a stirring frequency of 7 Hz. Ultrasonic non-destructive examination confirmed 100% improvement in signal/noise ratio in weld overlays made with magnetic stirring.
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