What Does GCHAZ Stand For?

GCHAZ stands for Grain Coarsened Heat Affected Zone

GCHAZ, or Grain Coarsened Heat Affected Zone, refers to a specific region in a material, typically a metal, that has undergone changes in microstructure due to exposure to elevated temperatures during welding or other thermal processes. In this zone, the grain structure becomes coarsened, which can adversely affect the mechanical properties of the material, including its strength, toughness, and ductility. Understanding GCHAZ is crucial for predicting the performance and longevity of welded joints in critical applications.