Augusto Ruiz

Characterization of Microstructural Changes in a Duplex Stainless Steel Using Spectral Analysis and Conventional Ultrasonic Techniques

Abstract In the present study, spectral analysis of ultrasonic signals and measurements of the velocity of longitudinal ultrasonic waves have been carried out on a duplex stainless steel type 2205. Specimens were annealed at 875°C in time periods between 1800 and 86400 s in order to promote microstructural changes associated to σ-phase formation. Transducers with frequencies of 5, 10 and 17 MHz were used to obtain power spectra. The spectra corresponding to long time treatments showed a high attenuation of the ultrasonic waves, which is attributed to the precipitation of σ-phase and secondary austenite. Furthermore, overall results suggest that spectra obtained at frequencies of 10 and 17 MHz allow, with acceptable accuracy, distinguishing the microstructural changes that take place in this duplex steel for prolonged aging times.