Mechanical tests are frequently used to assess welded joint performance and to approve the joint for certain applications. Among others, Erichsen test has been used to evaluate low thickness joint ductility. However, for this kind of application, the use of Erichsen test is not well established. This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of this application by comparing results from Erichsen, tensile and bending tests of 1.5-mm thick ferritic stainless steel welded specimens. Joints that were welded by the GTAW process were used to optimize Erichsen test conditions. Strain distribution around these welds after testing was quantitatively evaluated by specialized software. Tensile, bending and Erichsen test results were compared in GMAW weld beads. It was shown that Erichsen test can detected more effectively ductility variations in the weld bead caused by changes in the welding variables.
Ductility; Erichsen Testing; GTAW; GMAW; deformation analysis
