Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Weld Metals

Dear Colleagues,

Welding is unavoidable when joining engineering components. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the original materials can be altered by the heat input introduced during the welding process. Furthermore, high levels of residual stress can also be generated during cooling of the weldment, leading to the severe deformation of the components. The combined effect of heat and stress on the microstructural evolution and the change in mechanical properties of the weldment is very complicated, as it involves solidification, precipitation, recrystallization, grain growth, plastic deformation and phase transformation, leading to a component with completely different characteristics compared to the original substrate. Since detrimental microstructures and degraded mechanical properties can deteriorate the life span and reliability of engineering components, the investigation of microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of weld metals is crucial for evaluating the quality of the weldment and determining the durability of the engineering materials. By understanding the mechanism of microstructural evolution and the changes in mechanical properties of the weldment, safer and more reliable engineering structures can be obtained.

Therefore, we cordially invite researchers, scientists and engineers around the world to contribute to this Special Issue of Crystals entitled “Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Weld Metals”. This Special Issue aims to highlight important findings in the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of the weldment that used in the industry. The potential subjects include, but are not limited to:

• Mechanical properties evaluation of weld metals;
• Microstructural characterization of weld metals using conventional or advanced techniques;
• Correlations between microstructure and mechanical properties of the weld metals;
• Fracture mechanisms of the weld metals;
• Welding metallurgy of similar and dissimilar materials;
• Experimental characterization and numerical modeling of weld metals.

Dr. Tai-Cheng Chen
Prof. Dr. Zakaria Boumerzoug
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Crystals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• Weldment
• Metals and alloys
• Microstructural evolution
• Heat-affected zone
• Welding metallurgy
• Mechanical properties
• Residual stress
• Post-weld heat treatment
• Advanced characterization techniques
• Electron microscopy