Local temperature measurements on the heated and unheated surfaces and strain measurements on the unheated surfaces of unrestrained circular weld specimens of annealed and cold-rolled Nitronic 40 stainless steel during stationary welding are compared with values predicted from finite-element programs for temperature and strain variations. Experimental and predicted temperature histories agree within 10 percent. Predicted and measured hoop strain profiles (using a moiré fringe technique) for the unheated surface are compared, showing significant deviations near the central region. Transient deflection measurements of the unheated specimen surfaces show good agreement with theory during the period the arc is operating. Close agreement in deflection behavior was observed during the cooling portion of the weld cycle for the annealed specimen, whereas substantial deviations occurred for the cold-rolled specimens.