The subject of this study is how, and to what extent, Varestraint/Transvarestraint test results are influenced by both testing parameters and characteristics of evaluation methods. Several different high-alloyed martensitic LTT (low transformation temperature) filler materials, CrNi and CrMn type, were selected for examination due to their rather distinctive solidification cracking behaviour, which aroused interest after previous studies. First, the effects of different process parameter sets on the solidification cracking response were measured using standard approaches. Subsequently, microfocus X-ray computer tomography (μCT) scans were performed on the specimens. The results consistently show sub-surface cracking to significant yet varying extents. Different primary solidification types were found using wavelength dispersive X-ray (WDX) analysis conducted on filler metals with varying Cr/Ni equivalent ratios. This aspect is regarded as the main difference between the CrNiand CrMn-type materials in matters of cracking characteristics. Results show that when it comes to testing of modern highperformance alloys, one set of standard Varestraint testing parameters might not be equally suitable for all materials. Also, to properly accommodate different solidification types, sub-surface cracking has to be taken into account.

Investigations of the weldability of metals often deal with hot cracking, as one of the most dreaded imperfections during weld fabrication. The hot cracking investigations presented in this paper were carried out as part of a study on the development of low transformation temperature (LTT) weld filler materials. These alloys allow to mitigate tensile residual stresses that usually arise during welding using conventional weld filler materials. By this means, higher fatigue strength and higher lifetimes of the weld can be achieved. However, LTT weld filler materials are for example, high-alloyed Cr/Ni steels that are susceptible to the formation of hot cracks. To assess hot cracking, we applied the standardized modified varestraint transvarestraint hot cracking test (MVT), which is well appropriate to evaluate different base or filler materials with regard to their hot cracking susceptibility. In order to consider the complete material volume for the assessment of hot cracking, we additionally applied microfocus X-ray computer tomography (µCT). It is shown that by a suitable selection of welding and MVT parameter the analysis of the complete 3D hot crack network can provide additional information with regard to the hot cracking model following Prokhorov. It is now possible to determine easy accessible substitute values (e.g., maximum crack depth) for the extent of the Brittleness Temperature Range (BTR) and the minimum critical strain P m i n .

Various test methods are available for assessing the susceptibility of materials to solidification cracking during welding. In the widely used Varestraint test, the crack length is selected as a criterion as a function of the applied bending strain. Unfortunately, the crack length does not characterize the material behavior alone but depends to varying degrees on the individual test parameters used, which makes the interpretation of the results difficult. In addition, the crack length is not comparable under different test conditions. To overcome these disadvantages, we have developed a novel evaluation methodology that decouples the machine influence from the material behavior. The measured crack length is related to the maximum possible value specified by welding speed and deformation time. This relative crack length is calculated numerically, considering the orientation of the cracks. Experiments on two high‐alloy martensitic welding consumables show that, in contrast to the conventional evaluation, a comparison of different welding parameters becomes possible. Furthermore, the strain rate proved to be a suitable crack criterion in agreement with Prokhorov's hot cracking model.