T. Gandhi, D. K. Aidun, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY

Summary: Enhanced convection in the weld pool affects the shape, macrostructure, and microstructure of dissimilar welds. In the case of 304/308L/A36 GTA and GMA welds the cooling rate in the fusion zone increased as the buoyancy force increased. The enhanced buoyancy convection decreased the width of the heat-affected zone in the A36, and the unmixed zone at the 308L/A36 fusion boundary for GTA and GMA welds.