Microstructure–properties relationships in martensitic stainless steel resistance spot welds

The paper addresses the phase transformations and mechanical response of martensitic stainless steel resistance spot welds. The fusion zone microstructure consists of carbon-rich martensite together with a relatively high amount of retained delta ferrite along the grain boundaries with a transition in solidification mode from equiaxed to columnar dendritic grains across the fusion zone. The heat affected zone microstructure is featured by martensitic matrix together with carbide precipitation. The very high hardness of the fusion zone and the heat affected zone, the sharpness of the notch at sheet/sheet interface, which is located in the hard microstructural zone, and the presence of delta ferrite in the weld nugget play important roles in failure characteristics and mechanical performance of the joint.