International Conference Innovative technologies for joining advanced materials tima09
Current Approach to Weldability Testing of
Low Alloy High Strength Steel
V. Grabulov
Institute for Material Testing, Bulevar Vojvode Misica 43, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
E-mail: venciaiv@eunet.rs
Abstract
Methodology of current approach to weldability testing of low
alloy high strength steel is described in this paper. Application
of this methodology is approved by the results of
comprehensive evaluation of weldability of high strength
steel-commercial mark NN 70 (nominal yield strength
700MPa - HY 100 class), low alloyed with Ni and Cr.
Weldability evaluation included basic mechanical and
structural properties of welded joints, welded joint
susceptibility to hot, cold and reheat cracking, and to lamellar
tearing, as well as of susceptibility to ductile-to-brittle
transition behavior of welded joint and its constituents. Since
the high strength steel has been considered, special care is
paid to testing of welded joint behavior in the presence of a
crack-like defect applying fracture mechanics methods. The
resistance to crack initiation and growth is determined for
different loading conditions.
Test results have shown that welded joints of NN 70 steel,
obtained by prescribed manual arc welding technology, are of
satisfactory quality regarding crack occurrence and growth,
but also regarding brittle fracture occurrence in welded joint
constituents under the different loading conditions.
Introduction
High strength steel, commercial mark- NN 70 (class HY-
100), has been developed mainly with the purpose for
fabrication of the pressure vessels welding structures,
primarily submarines [1]. The high strength steels are
usually aimed in order to meet the strong requirements for
welded structure. It is therefore very important that
weldability assessment is taken into consideration during the
characterization process of this type of steel.
The starting conditions in weldability assessment of this
steel were high properties in terms of the strength and
plasticity. In addition, high level of crack initiation and
crack propagation resistance is very important requirement.
Therefore the weldability assessment method has to be
complex and comprehensive, with the focus on three main
aspects: a) mechanical and technological properties of the
welded joint, macro and microanalysis of base metal (BM),
heat affected zone (HAZ) and weld metal (WM) b)
sensitivity of WM and HAZ to any type of cracking during
and after welding and c) behavior related to brittle fracture.
In order to study the mechanical and technological
properties, wide range of investigations were performed
such as: ultimate strength of welded joint, strength of weld
metal, bending test, Charpy impact absorbed energy testing
and hardness distribution along the cross section of
weldment. Previous experimental tests were performed in
order to determine susceptibility of crack appearance. The
occurrence of different crack like defects (hot cracks, cold
cracks, lamellar tearing and reheating cracks) are
determined using empirical parametric equations for
weldability and confirmed by using numerous technological
tests as FISCO, CTS, WINDOW and TANAKA test [2],[3],
respectively, for hot, cold, lamellar and reheat cracks
sensitivity assessment. The results of these investigations
showed that the shield metal arc welding (SMAW) process
can be performed using the same yield level as the NN 70
steel. It can be noted, that despite the high strength of the
steel it is not necessary to use consumables with the lower
hardness then the base material.
Crack resistance (crack initiation and crack propagation)
has been evaluated for different loading rates. Crack
opening displacement (COD), J integral and their critical
values according to the fracture mechanics standards were
determined for static load conditions. Impact toughness,
obtained by an instrumented Charpy test [4],[5],[6], with
separated energies for crack initiation and propagation, for
different notch positions (BM, WM and HAZ) was used as
a comparative measure of crack resistance for impact load
rate. Drop weight tests were conducted for determination
of the nil ductility temperature which is the indicator of
the behavior of base metal and weldment at the low
exploitation temperatures and under the high strain load
conditions [7]. Explosive bulge test was used to
investigate the welded joint resistance to fracture for
extremely load conditions [8].
In order to perform the weldability assessment and to define
the optimal technology, samples with the various testing
conditions were used. After experimental analysis, applying
different thickness of base material, different welding
regimes, three different levels of heat input and the analysis
of HAZ width and microstructure, it was possible to define
proper Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) and
produce defect free welded joints. In this paper, the results
of the joints, welded using shield metal arc welding process
with the optimal welding technology will be presented.
2 tima09

Properties of base metal steel NN 70 energy, -103C in drop weight test, ASTM E208), signifi-
cant crack initiation energy and resistance to crack
Experimental investigations of static and impact properties propagation for all testing temperatures. This combination
have been performed with high strength (HSLA) steel NN70 of strength and toughness is favorable for pressurized
of nominal yield strength 700 MPa, designed for pressurized equipment application. Due to the low sulphur content, steel
equipment. It is Q&T, low alloy, Ni-Cr-Mo steel (Table 1), NN-70 is classified as A class (guaranteed without cracks).
produced in electric furnace and subsequently slab-rolled to 18 The applied CaSi treatment resulted in globular MnS shape,
mm thick plates. After hot rolling, the steel was quenched in without MnS inclusion types responsible for lamellar
water from 890oC and tempered at 660oC. Properties (Tables 2 tearing. Based on the earlier studies performed on this steel,
and 3) are obtained combining classic quenching and tempe- sufficient data regarding the chemical composition and
ring with grain refinement, microalloying and suitable preci- purity of steels, transition temperatures, failure analysis
pitation. The chemical composition and mechanical properties diagram and fracture mechanics parameters were available
of NN70 steel are shown in Tables 1 and 2, respectively; for this study [1],[9].
Charpy V energies at different temperatures are given in Table
3.
Welded samples and welding procedure
TABLE 1: CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF NN 70 STEEL, %
All experiments related to weldability evolutions were
C Si Mn P S performed by Shield Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process.
0.1 0.2 0.23 0.009 0.018 The main reason for using this procedure was the possibility
Cr Ni Mo V Al for working with different electrode diameters (different
current and voltage of welding current) and various welding
1.24 3.1 0.29 0.05 0.08
speed due to the change of linear welding energy and some
metallurgical-welding factors (dimensions and shape of butt
TABLE 2: MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF NN 70 STEEL welded joint, amount of base metal in weld metal,
Specimen Yield Tensile Elonga- Contrac- microstructures in butt welded joint). Laboratory equipment
orientation stress strength tion tion was sufficient to carry on all required tests.
R0.2, Rm, MPa , % Z, % Welding technology and regime were chosen in accordance to
MPa properties and basic microstructure of NN70 steel. The welded
Parallel to 780 820 19 66 joint shape is designed in a way to simulate the best stress
rolling distribution in real structure. Two plates of NN 70 steel, 18
Perpendicular 770 810 20 74 mm thick, prepared for an asymmetric 2/3 X welded joint by
edge machining (Fig. 1), had been welded with a 2mm gap.
The high strength of NN-70 steel is accompanied by good The chemical composition and mechanical properties of the
impact toughness in both orientations (total impact energy applied electrode commercial mark EVB 75 (classification
more than 65 J up to -80C), (Table 3) and low nil-ductility according to EN 757 as E 69 4 Mn2NiCrMo B 42) are shown
transition temperature (bellow -120C for 50% Charpy V in Tables 4 and 5, respectively.

TABLE 3: CHARPY V ABSORBED ENERGY OF NN 70 STEEL

Specimen Energy Testing temperature, C
orientation J 20 -20 -40 -60 -80 -100 -120 - 140
Total 108 106 107 100 98 78 64 30
Parallel to rolling Initiation 41 40 42 36 36 33 29 23
Propagation 67 66 65 64 62 45 35 7
Total 81 80 81 76 65 49 46 28
Perpendicular Initiation 30 29 28 24 23 23 23 22
Propagation 51 51 53 52 42 26 23 6
TABLE 4: CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF WELD METAL, %
Electrode C Mn Si Cr Ni Mo
EVB 75 0.06 1.65 0.3 0.55 2.0 0.35
TABLE 5: MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF WELD METAL ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATION
Yield stress Tensile strength Elongation Contraction Impact energy, J
Electrode
R0.2, MPa Rm, MPa , % Z, % +20C -40C -60C
EVB 75 710-770 770-830 18-20 110-140 50-80 35-65
tima09 3

After experimental analysis, three different levels of heat instrumented Charpy V notched specimen tests of weld
input were applied and the analysis of HAZ width and metal and heat affected zone in the temperature interval +20
microstructure were obtained. As a result it was possible to to 1400C. The structural properties were determined by the
define proper Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) and macro and micro metallographic analyses of welded joints.
produce defect free welded joints.Welding was performed in
six passes (fig.1). During welding, following parameters
were recorded, V - Arc voltage, I - Current and v - Welding
speed. Heat input was calculated using following formula:

E = U*I / v (1)

where are: U - Arc voltage (V), I - Current (A), v - Welding

speed (cm/sec).
Two root passes were welded using basic coated electrodes
3.25mm (I = 120-130A, U=24-28V). Other passes were
performed with electrodes 4.0mm (I = 160-170A, U = 24-
30V). Heat input was 14-18 J/cm. All specimens had been
preheated below 1500C
Figure1: Schematic showing the welded sample produced in
six passes
Mechanical and technological properties of the
welded joints
The first round of weldability assessment investigations was
conducted for the characterization of welded join in order to
determine the lowest safety zone under static tensile and
impact testing, and to predict zone where fracture will
occur. For that purpose mechanical and technological and
micro and macro structural analyses were done.
The specimens of the welded joint, WM and HAZ were
machined from welded plates for qualification of welding
procedure as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2: Welding direction and specimen position in
sample plate
Results of the welded joint tensile tests are shown in Table
6. The specimens started to yield at about 700 MPa and
fractured in WM indicating that strength undermatching of
the welded joint is obtained (compare Table 2).
The results of guided bend tests according to EN 910
(Welded butt joints in metallic materials - Bend test), are
given in Table 7 as bending angle and fracture initiation
location. They have shown limited deformation capacity of
the welded joints. Cracks occurred at the fusion line and in
WM for specimens bent around face side (that is the side of
pass 6, Fig. 1). Better results are obtained for specimens
bend around weld root, since the weld face side was wider
and did not contain HAZ critical region of dominant coarse
grain microstructure, close to fusion line. Figure 3 shows
the hardness distribution along the cross section of the
welded joint. As anticipated, significant increase of
hardness was recorded in HAZ close to fusion line as a
result of the martensite formation
TABLE 6:TENSILE PROPERTIES OF WELDED JOINT SPECIMEN
Tensile strength Contraction
Electrode
Rm, MPa Z, %
766 68.8
EVB 75
759 67.7

As the result of these investigations the following

parameters were determined: tensile strength, bend test,
hardness distribution along cross section of welded joint and

TABLE 7: RESULTS OF GUIDED BEND TEST OF WELDED JOINTS

Specimen Thickness, mm Filler metal Bending angle Bending on Fracture position.
7B2 18 EVB 75 130 Face Fusion line
7B20 18 EVB 75 180 Root Fusion line
7B3 18 EVB 75 130 Face Weld metal
7B30 18 EVB 75 180 Root No fracture
4 tima09
The results of guided bend tests according to EN 910
(Welded butt joints in metallic materials - Bend test), are
given in Table 7 as bending angle and fracture initiation
location. They have shown limited deformation capacity of
the welded joints. Cracks occurred at the fusion line and in
WM for specimens bent around face side (that is the side of
pass 6, Fig. 1). Better results are obtained for specimens
bend around weld root, since the weld face side was wider
and did not contain HAZ critical region of dominant coarse
grain microstructure, close to fusion line. Figure 3 shows
the hardness distribution along the cross section of the
welded joint. As anticipated, significant increase of
hardness was recorded in HAZ close to fusion line as a
result of the martensite formation
Figure 3: Hardness distribution along the cross section
Figure 4: Charpy absorbed energy testing (total absorbed
energy, crack initiation and propagation energy)
Extended instrumented Charpy V notched specimens tests
of WM and HAZ were performed according to ASTM E23-
86 at different temperatures. The position of V notch in the
specimen is presented in Fig. 2. The results given in Fig. 4
present the total impact energy and the parts for crack
initiation and propagation. Maximum load is accepted for
the calculation of crack initiation energy.
Comparison with the results for BM (Table 3) has shown
lower impact energy of WM at all temperature, with higher
transition temperature. Although the energy values for HAZ
are acceptable, significant scatter of results required detailed
analysis of the effect of microstructure. Coarse grains
regions (Fig.8) contributed to reduced impact toughness for
some specimens in Fig.4. Due to the effect of multi-pass
welding, the regions of lower impact toughness are formed
as narrow segments in HAZ. They are surrounded by the
metal of higher toughness, in which crack growth will be
arrested. In this way effect of low toughness is localized
[10].
Susceptibility of crack appearance
Cracking susceptibility of high strength steels can be a
serious problem in application [11], and therefore requires
the consideration of the risks of cracking during fabrication
and the failure during service. Sensitivity of WM and HAZ
to any type of cracking during or after welding is important
aspect of weldability. Susceptibility of cracks appearance
were tested for hot, cold (including delayed), lamellar and
reheat cracks. Influence of chemical composition and some
other influencing parameters were evaluated using formulas
for estimating weldability indices of C-Mn and low alloyed
steels, based on empirical investigation. These formulas
were used for mathematical calculations of material
behaviour according all types of cracks [6] before
experimental work with technological tests basis.
For experimental work the following technological tests
were chosen: FISCO TEST for hot cracks, Controlled
Thermal Severity (CTS) and Y Takken test for cold
cracks, Chabelka-Million test for delayed cracks, Window
test for lamellar tearing cracks and Tanaka test for reheat
cracks susceptibility [2].
Susceptibility of hot cracks - Fisco test results
Hot Cracking Sensitivity (HCS) factor was calculated using
empirical formula (value of 2.91 was calculated for NN 70
steel).
Si Ni
Cx( S + P + + ) x1000
HCS = 25 100 (2)
3 xMn + Cr + Mo + V
According reference [13] possibility for hot cracks to occur
is becoming significant if HSC factor is greater than 2 for
steels with strength above 700MPA. Due to this fact the
Fisco test was performed [3].
For investigation of susceptibility to hot cracks, 24 plates of
dimensions 200x100x18 mm were prepared. "I" shape were
prepared in the zone of welding, in the sheets. The oxide
layer was removed by grinding in the area for welding, in
10mm width. Basic dried electrode EVB 75 with diameter
of 3.25 and 4 mm ware used for welding. The properties of
electrode of all weld metal are given in tables in this
chapter. Sheets were stiffed in tool, and they were welded
on three places. Each weld was 50 mm long, and distance
between them was 10-12mm. During testing, the gap varied
tima09 5

between 0 and 3 mm. For each gap, the same procedure was
applied on three samples.
After cooling, specimens were taken out of tool and
fractured on welded butt, after bending on special
equipment. The length of detected hot cracks and overall
length of weldment were measured. After measuring the
length of revealed hot cracks on Fisco test samples, a part
(percentage) of cracks in overall length of weldments was
calculated. The results are shown in Figure 5. Results shown
that weldments of NN 70 steel, fabricated by properly
chosen welding technology has satisfactory resistance to hot
cracks because percentage of cracks is max 9%. In Figure 6,
hot cracks, developed as intercrystalline between dendrites
in cast structure of WM, is presented.
where Ce is carbon equivalent, H contents of diffusion
hydrogen (ml/100gr) and K geometric coefficient, for butt
weld 66 x thickness Contents of 2ml diffusion hydrogen
per 100gr weld metal was measured by glycerin test for
EVB 75 electrodes, dried for one hour at 4000C. As a result
value of Pp = 0.37 was calculated and preheating
temperature of min 1400C was determined. Based on these
results cold cracks might occur, therefore for the
experimental testing two methods were chosen: Controlled
Thermal Severity (CTS) and Y test [2].
CST test was proposed for evaluating the susceptibility of
carbon and alloy steels to under-bead cracking in the
hardened base metal in the heat-affected zone. It is design in
such a way that under the same welding parameters is
possible to obtain different thermal welding cycles and
therefore different microstructure. Based on the
metallographic analyses the cracks were not found in
bithermal neither threethermal welds.
Y-Tanaka is the tests design by Japanese Welding Society.
It is very rigorous test from the cold crack susceptibility in
the HAZ, point of view. In the experiments with NN-70
steel, preheating temperature was changed. The effect of
the preheating temperature on the hardness in the welded
joint of Y-test is shown in Figure 7. The cold cracks in HAZ
and at the fusion line are found in the several samples which
were not preheated or were exposed to the preheating
process below 130C (Fig.8).

Figure 5: Results of Fisco test

Figure 6: Hot cracks developed in WM

Cold cracks susceptibility
Mathematical calculation of material behaviour according to
cold cracks were performed by Ito and Bessyo formula [14]
for Pp - crack parameter
H K
Pp = C E + + (3)
60 40000
Si Mn + Cr + Cu Ni Mo + V Figure 7: The effect of the preheating temperature on the
CE = C + + + + + 5B (4) hardness in the welded joint of Y-test
30 20 60 15
6 tima09

to reheat cracking. The specimens contained a U - shaped

notch in the HAZ of a single bead weld deposit made on the
plate surface as illustrated in Figure 10. The specimen was
mechanically cut down from the face to the back to a
thickness of 10 mm. Stress relieving treatment was carried
out at 580 C for 3 hours and caused most of the specimens
to fissure in the notched HAZ [16].
The specimens were prepared in accordance to example on
Figure 10. One surface weld was made on 7mm plate, (MAW
or SMAW, basic electrode of 4 mm diameter), with heat input
of 17 kJ/cm. Four specimens were cut out of the surface
welded plates, according to the requirements shown on Figure
10. "U" notch was machined, in HAZ, on both sides, close to
Figure 8: Cold crack at the fusion line
the contact between base metal and weld metal. Finally, the
specimens were welded into stiff frame and they were together
heated to temperature of 590C for 3 hours (Fig.10.). After
cooling, if by visual examination no crack were detected,
samples can be prepared for macroscopically investigation. No
cracks were found in the heat-treated Tanaka
specimens.Results of Tanaka test showed that joint of NN-70
steel fabricated by properly chosen welding technology have
satisfactory resistance to reheat cracks.

Figure 9: Delayed cracking susceptibility under

the Chabelka-Million test

Chabelka-Million test was performed in order to assess

delayed cracks. This test shows correlation between additional
load and fracture time. Results are shown in Figure 9.
Lamellar tearing and reheat cracks susceptibility
Since there is hot rolled plate used as base material, assessment
of resistance to lamellar tearing is necessary. Because of the
Sulfur content of 0,016% this steel belongs to the group where
possibility of lamellar tearing is expected. Due to the reduction
of area under the tensile test, the specimens Z direction has
been measured. The measurements showed that satisfactory Figure 10: Tanaka test for reheat cracking
results of min 36% were achieved.
Lamellar cracking susceptibility investigations were Behavior related to brittle fracture
performed following Window method [15]. Cracks occur Further investigations related to brittle fracture behavior of
following the stresses in direction normal to the thickness of the NN70 steel and its welded joints were performed. For
investigated sheet. For the estimation of the susceptibility on that purpose fracture mechanics approach was applied for
lamellar cracking of NN-70 steel, three specimens were static load conditions, instrumented Charpy and drop weight
prepared for metallographic investigation. Samples from test for impact conditions and explosion bulge test for
Window tests were prepared and observed extremely high strain load conditions [4]-[8].
metallographically in same manner as CTS samples.
Observations included complete section of tested plate, Fracture mechanics testing were performed on three point
under controlled butt. No lamellar cracks were found. bend specimens. They are prepared according to the
standard [17] aimed for propagation of fatigue crack in base
Tanaka test was used in order to assess resistance to reheat metal, weld metal and HAZ. Critical value of J integral (JIc)
cracks. Tanaka employed a series of specimens welded into was determined by single specimen test method according to
a restraining jig to study the susceptibility of low alloy steel the standard testing [18]. Critical value of Crack-Tip
tima09 7

Opening Displacement, CTOD, i.e. C corresponding to

maximal load was determined too [19]. The results of
fracture mechanics tests are listed in Table 8 [20].
TABLE 8: CRITICAL J INTEGRAL JIc AND CRITICAL CRACK
OPENING-DISPLACEMENT c FOR BASE METAL (BM), WELD
METAL (WM) AND HEAT AFFECTED ZONE (HAZ)
Critical value of J integral BM WM HAZ
JIc, kN/m 200-240 95-105 180-320
Critical crack opening
70-100 65-90 170-210
displacement, c, m

Charpy V specimens were tested at different temperatures in Figure 11: The scheme for explosion bulge test
the instrumented impact test. Parent plate specimens were cut
in the rolling (L) and in transverse direction (C) with notches
normal to these directions. The notches in weldment specimens
were positioned in WM and in HAZ. Typical results for base
metal are presented in Table 3, and for weldments specimens
on Fig. 4. Brittle transition temperature for 50% upper shelf
impact energy were determined.
Nill ductility transition temperatures were determined by
drop weight test (DWT). The drop-weight test was devised
for testing relatively heavy structural sections, and is not
recommended for base metal pieces less than 12.5 mm
thick. A complete description of the standard method for
conducting the NRL Drop-Weight Test is presented in
ASTM E 208 [7], [20]. This test was performed on base
metal and weld metal specimens (machined notch has been
placed on weld metal). Nill-ductility-transition
temperatures, determination for 50% upper shelf impact
energy and from explosion test, are listed in Table 9 [20].

TABLE 9: BRITTLE TRANSITION TEMPERATURES, C Figure 12: Typical results of explosion bulge test, expressed
by reduction of thickness R and bulge development B vs.
BM WM HAZ number of explosions indicated specimens (L- notch in
50% Charpy-V impact energy
-138 -100 -52 -94 cross-rolling direction, C- notch in rolling direction, WM-
DWT, Nill ductility transition weld metal)
-103 -80
temperatures

Explosive bulge test was used to investigate the welded
joint resistance to fracture for extremely load conditions [8].
The explosion bulge test, which is developed in the U.S.
Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) to study the problem of
brittle fracture in structural steels used in welded ship hulls,
is presented in Figure 11. Die support (rig) with the base
allows bulging of properly positioned test plate (specimen).
Cast explosive charge of specified mass and power should
be applied at properly determined distance, obtained by
cardboard box over the test plate (Test assembly during shot
is presented on the right). The high rate of explosion loading
contributes to brittle fracture of test plate.
Explosion bulge test specimens were 500x500 mm. Brittle
bead was welded in the rolling direction of base metal (BM)
and direction of tested weldment (WM), and the notch as
crack starter was normal to the bead direction. Test results
are given in Figure 12, expressed by bulge development B
and thinning R with explosions number.
Discussion and Conclusions
Results of mechanical and technological characterization of
welded joints made of steel NN70 have shown, generally
speaking, optimal combination of strength, plasticity and
toughness. Resistance to crack initiation during welding has
been thoroughly tested. It has been found that welded joints
made of steel NN70 using welding specification as
described are not sensitive to hot cracking, re-heat cracking
and lamellar tearing. The length of hot cracks registered by
Fisco test verifies this conclusion.
Results of cold cracking test have indicated possibility of
cracking in some joints, in HAZ, along fusion line, probably
initiated in the microstructure of the maximum strength.
Anyhow, cold cracking sensitivity can be minimized by
using suitable welding procedure specification, including
pre-heating, optimal heat input and electrode drying.
8 tima09
Brittle fracture testing, i.e. the transition temperature
evaluation, besides for the base metal, has been done for
welded joint constituents. Fracture mechanics methods have
been used for the static testing, whereas the instrumented
pendulum and drop weight test have been used for the
impact testing. Finally, the bulge explosion test has been
used for the high rate impact testing.
The base metal has satisfying toughness, including the ratio
between initiation and propagation energy in both testing
direction and the whole temperature interval. The weld
metal and HAZ toughness also has suitable ratio between
initiation and propagation energy, with the total value being
lowest for the weld metal. Anyhow, the transition
temperatures, evaluated both by the 50% criteria and by
drop weight test, has been satisfactory. The largest scatter of
results, has been registered for the notch positioned in the
HAZ, as expected, having in mind heterogeneity of its
microstructure.
High quality of welded joint has been proved also by
explosion test with high impact rate. The values of thickness
reduction and bulge development depth are similar for the
base metal and welded joints (after sixth explosion thickness
reduction 10-17% for the welded joint, 14-20% for the base
metal, bulge development depth 65-80% for the welded
joint, 70-85% for the base metal). In majority of test pieces
crack has propagated through the base metal (Fig. 10a), with
few exceptions where the propagation was along fusion line
(Fig. 10b), indicating fusion line as the critical location from
the brittle fracture point of view.
Fracture mechanics testing has indicated higher resistance of
HAZ to the brittle fracture compared to the weld metal.
Anyhow, this testing also indicated the largest scatter of
results for the fatigue crack, i.e. fracture initiation, located in
the HAZ. This also means that results obtained for the notch
positioned in the HAZ should be treated as the mean value.
By comparing all the results of the brittle fracture resistance
one can notice that the weld metal is the weakest link,
whereas the comparison between the base metal and HAZ is
somewhat confusing. Namely, the impact testing indicated
the base metal as the most resistant, while the fracture
mechanics testing indicated the HAZ to be more resistance
than the base metal. The case of crack along fusion line at
the HAZ side (Fig. 11b) also indicates the HAZ as the most
critical, but other method can not prove the same.
One should also keep in mind different microstructure
regions through which the fracture develops. The change of
hardness through welded joint cross section practically
explains aforementioned discussion.
Finally, one can conclude generally, that steel NN70 has
good weldability according to all criteria: mechanical and
technological characteristics of welded joints represent
optimal combination of strength, plasticity and toughness,
while welded joints have high resistance to both crack
initiation and propagation. Resistance to brittle cracking is
satisfying and the transition temperature low enough for all
welded joint constituents, proving that the applied welding
procedure specification produces welded joints suitable for
exploitation even in extreme conditions like high impact rate
and/or low temperature.
References
[1] Radovic A., Markovic D.,"Development of high strength shipbuilding
steel NIONIKRAL 70", technical report, Military Institute of
Technology, Belgrade, 1984, pp.64-78. (in Serbian)
[2] Hrivnjak I., "Weldability of steels", Gradjevinska knjiga , Belgrade,
1983, pp.29-97.(in Serbian)
[3] Grabulov V., "Experimental testing of welded joints", Monography,
Third International Fracture mechanics summer school, Arandjelovac,
1984, pp.405-420, (in Serbian)
[4] Server W.L., " Instrumented Charpy Test Review and Application to
Structural Integrity", in From Charpy to Present Impact Testing, D.
Francois and A. Pineau (Eds.), Elsevier Science Ltd. and ESIS, 2002,
pp. 205-212.
[5] Radakovic Z.,Sedmak A., Lenkey Gy., Grabulov V., " Determination
of ductile crack initiation by magnetic emission and potential drop
techniques using pre-cracked Charpy specimens", in From Charpy to
Present Impact Testing, D. Francois and A. Pineau (Eds.), Elsevier
Science Ltd. and ESIS,2002, pp. 71-78.
[6] Hbner G., Push G., " Correlation between Charpy energy and crack
initiation parameters of the J integral concept", in Charpy Centenary
Conference, D. Francois and A. Pineau (Eds.), Vol. 1,2001, pp. 209-
215.
[7] ASTM E 208, Standard Test Method for Nil Ductulity Temperature
determination
[8] Standard Procedures for Explosion Testing Ferrous and Non-Ferrous
Metallic Materials and Weldments, MIL-STD-2149 (SH), November
1983.
[9] Grabulov V., Blacic I., Mac Gillivray H.J., Sedmak S., "Dynamic J-R
curve evaluation applying pre-cracked Charpy specimen", in Charpy
Centenary Conference, D. Francois and A. Pineau (Eds.), Vol. 1,2001,
pp. 313-320.
[10] Zrilic M., Grabulov V., Burzic Z., Arsic M., Sedmak S.,''Static and
impact properties of high stength steels welded joint'', Internatinal
Journal of Pressure Vesel and Piping, 2007, Vol. 84, No. 3, pp. 139-
150.
[11] Adziev G., Sedmak A.,"Integrity assessment of spherical storage
tank", Structural Integrity and Life, Vol. 3, No 2. 2003, pp. 93-98.
[12] Hrivnjak I.,"Relations between steel developments and welding
technology", WELDER-Journal of YU welding association, 1978,
Vol 24 (3), pp.145-152
[13] Granjon H., " Informations sur les essais de fissuration", Doc IIW-IX-
93-62.
[14] Ito Y., Besszo K., " Weldability Formula of Hihg Strength Strength
Steels", Doc IIW IX- 576-68
[15] Kanazava S.,"On the Assessment of the Lamellar Tearing
Susceptibility of steels plate", Doc-IIW-IX-840-73
[16] Tanaka J.,"Decrease in residual stress, change in mechanical
properties and cracking due to stress relieving heat treatment of HY80
steel", Doc IIW-X-568-70
[17] BS 7448 Fracture mechanics toughness test. Part 1. Method for
determination of KIC, critical CTOD and critical J values of metallic
materials, BSI, 1991
[18] ASTM E 813-89, Standard Test Method for JIC, A Measure of
Fracture Toughness, Annual Book of ASTM Standards, 1986, Vol
04.01. p.651
[19] ASTM E 1290-89: Standard Test Method for Crack-Tip Opening
displacement (CTOD) Fracture Toughness Measurement, Annual
Book of ASTM Standards 1989, Vol 04.01
[20] Grabulov V., Romhanji E., Sedmak S., Odanovic Z., "Loading rate
effect on fracture strength of HSLA steel welded joints", Welding and
Material Testing, vol. XVIII, No 1, 2009, ISSN 1453-0392, pp.29-36