Creep and rupture in Type 316 stainless steel at temperatures between 525 and 900°C Part II: Rupture and ductility

Failures and ductilities observed during a series of creep-rupture tests, discussed previously from the point of view of creep behaviour, have been examined with a view to relating the rupture ductility to the state of intergranular precipitation. In particular, the respective roles of carbide and intermetallic phases have been examined and the importance of grain boundary particle sizes and spacings emphasized. Poorly cohered particles can lead to poorer ductility; nevertheless, over the range of conditions examined it appears that the role of particle sizes and spacings in inhibiting grain boundary sliding and causing local stress concentrations is more important.