Corrosion Testing of Weldments

Weldments sometimes corrode preferentially in the weld metal itself or in the heat affected areas of the parent metal. The localized nature of the attack limits the usefulness of standard weight loss corrosion tests. Techniques for overcoming this limitation are discussed. The influence of specimen geometry and surface finish are dealt with as well as a variety of destructive and nondestructive methods for evaluating a corroded weldment. The advantages and limitations of the various ASTM intergranular tests for austenitic stainless, ferritic stainless, and nickel base alloys are reviewed. Guidelines for evaluating weldment corrosion are given, although it is recognized that there is no single best procedure for all situations. The use of sensitization treatments to simulate welding is discussed.