Key Engineering Materials Submitted: 2019-10-11

ISSN: 1662-9795, Vol. 867, pp 117-124 Revised: 2020-02-21

doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.867.117 Accepted: 2020-04-15
© 2020 Trans Tech Publications Ltd, Switzerland Online: 2020-10-12

Impact Toughness Characteristics of SM570-TMC Steel Joint Using

Welding Wire Containing 0.4% Nickel at Different Level of Heat Input
Herry Oktadinata1,a, Winarto Winarto1,b*, Dedi Priadi1, Eddy S. Siradj1
and Ario S. Baskoro2
1
Metallurgy and Materials Engineering Dept., Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Indonesia
2
Mechanical Engineering Dept., Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Indonesia
a
herry.oktadinata@yahoo.com, b*winarto@metal.ui.ac.id

Keywords: Microstructure, Impact toughness, SM570-TMC, Heat input, Weld metal

Abstract. The study was conducted to evaluate the impact toughness of flux-cored arc welded of
SM570-TMC steel joint under different heat inputs, 0.9 kJ/mm (low heat input) and 1.6 kJ/mm
(high heat input). Welding wire containing 0.4%Ni was selected on this experiment. Multi-pass
welds were performed on SM570-TMC steel plate of 16 mm in thickness with a single V-groove
butt joint on flat position (1G). The evaluation consists of observations on microstructure using an
optical microscope and SEM-EDS, and mechanical properties including tensile, microhardness
Vickers and Charpy V-notch (CVN) impact test at temperatures of 25, 0 and -20 °C. Results
showed that the impact toughness of the base metal (BM) was higher than the weld metal (WM) at
all test temperatures. Hardness and impact toughness of WM at low heat input was observed higher
than when applied a high heat input. The welded samples at low and high heat inputs had high of
tensile strength, and the fracture seemly occurs on the BM. Microstructure observation showed that
at a high heat input, larger grains and microsegregation were observed. It might affect on decreasing
their impact property.

Introduction
SM570-TMC is a structural steel, which developed using thermo-mechanically controlled
processing (TMCP) for producing high-quality steel. Thermomechanical processing is a
combination of hot deformation and heat treatment in order to increase the mechanical properties
through control of the microstructure [1-3]. SM570-TMC steel is currently used in construction
applications such as bridge construction, tall building and other steel contructions. This steel is
known for high tensile strength, high ductility, good weldability and excellent toughness
performance.
Because of the competitive cost and high productivity, SM570-TMC steel generally welded by
using fusion welding such as flux-cored arc welding (FCAW). However, it is well known that the
fusion welding caused impact toughness drastically decreased in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) and
weld metal (WM). The impact toughness of the SM570-TMC weld joint is essential because this
steel is also employed in cold regions. Therefore, the investigation of the impact toughness of
SM570-TMC steel welded by FCAW is required to improve the performance of the welded joints.
From earlier reports on high strength steel welded joint, it has been known that impact toughness of
WM is much lower than base metal (BM) [4-10].
The heat energy generated during the welding causes the microstructure suddenly changes at the
HAZ where the cooling rate is influenced by the level of heat input. The use of low heat input
causes cooling to take place quickly and produces the martensite phase. The grain size is influenced
by the value of heat input, where the higher heat input enlarges the austenite grains and deteriorates
the toughness [11-12]. The larger the grain size, the grain boundary reduced, and toughness
decreased. Microstructure evolutions in WM are complicated because it is influenced by welding
wire, shielding gas, heat input and welding method.
K. Prasad et al. [13] reported that high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel welded by submerged arc
welding (SAW) showed the hardness at HAZ and WM reduced with increasing heat input from 3

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118 Mechanical Engineering: Advanced Materials Processing Technology

kJ/mm to 6.3 kJ/mm. H. Dong et al. [14] studied HSLA steel welded by GTAW; the low heat input
corresponded to higher cooling rate resulted from the formation of martensite, which increased the
hardness of HAZ and WM. Higher heat inputs retain martensite formation and transform martensite
to bainite. Hardness at HAZ and WM was much higher than BM, hardness at HAZ reduced with
increasing welding heat input. According to M. Pirinen et al. [15], in GMAW welding of high
strength steel (HSS), heat inputs exceeding one kJ/mm reduce strength, ductility, and toughness at
HAZ. The use of undermatching filler metal can produce weld metal tensile strength over filler
metal, although it is still below the strength of BM.
The aim of this present study was to examine the effect of heat input on the impact toughness of
SM570-TMC steel welded by FCAW using welding wire containing 0.4% Ni.

Experimental Procedure
Materials and Welding Experiments
SM570-TMC steel plate, minimum 570 MPa, the thickness of 16 mm was used in this work. For
welding experiment purpose, this plate was cut to the dimensions of 370 × 150 × 16 mm3 with V-
groove (angle 60°, root face 2 mm and gap 2 mm). As can be seen in Figure 1, the plates were butt
welded with a 1.2 mm diameter of welding wire E71 LT H4 (AWS A5.20) and the CO2 shielding
gas. Multi-pass welds were carried out by using flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) in a flat position
(1G).
Welding experiments were performed on two samples. The first sample, welding sequence was
carried out in ten passes with welding voltage 30V, welding current 190-199A and welding speed
vary. Based on the welding parameters applied, heat input average was 0.9 kJ/mm (designed as
LHI-04Ni). The second sample, welding sequence was performed in eight passes. Welding voltage
was kept at 30V, welding current 186-196A and welding speed vary. Based on the welding
parameters applied, the welding heat input average was 1.6 kJ/mm (designed as HHI-04Ni).

Figure 1. Set up the sample prior to welding

Table 1 shows that the chemical composition of base metal SM570-TMC, weld metal LHI-04Ni
and weld metal HHI-04Ni which analyzed by optical emission spectroscopy (OES). The chemical
composition of welding wire, E71 LT H4, is seen in Table 1 based on a certificate from the
manufacturer.
 Key Engineering Materials Vol. 867 119

Table 1. Chemical composition of base metal SM570-TMC, welding wire E71 LT H4, weld metal
LHI-04Ni, and weld metal HHI-04Ni
Concentration of elements (wt%)
Material
C Si Mn P S Cr Ni Cu Mo Nb V Ti
SM570-TMC 0.156 0.517 1.469 0.010 0.002 0.020 0.010 0.008 0.000 0.048 0.005 0.013
E71 LT H4 0.02-0.06 0.30 - 0.50 1.0 - 1.5 0.025 max 0.025 max 0.2 max 0.35 - 0.5 - 0.2 max - 0.08 max -
LHI-04Ni 0.039 0.326 1.521 0.010 0.005 0.030 0.390 0.024 0.002 0.008 0.013 0.041
HHI-04Ni 0.036 0.273 1.386 0.011 0.007 0.030 0.403 0.022 0.002 0.007 0.013 0.034

Microstructural Observation
In order to investigate the microstructure of welded plate, the specimens were extracted from the
welded plates and then grinding and polishing as well as etching with a 3% nital solution using
standard metallographic procedures. The microstructure of WM, HAZ and BM were observed using
an optical microscope. Observation also was conducted with a high-resolution scanning electron
microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS). Distribution of nickel in the
WM was investigated using an electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA) Shimadzu EPMA 1720H.
Mechanical Tests
The purpose of the mechanical test is to measure the tensile strength, hardness, and toughness.
Two sets of tensile test specimens for each LHI-04Ni and HHI-04Ni were prepared by AWS D1.1
and testing was carried out at 25 °C (room temperature) using UTM Zwick Roell 1200kN. The
tensile fracture locations and appearance will be observed.
Microhardness Vickers was performed using Futuretech FV-310 tester. A load of 10 kgf was
applied on a cross section that consists of BM, HAZ and WM. The indentation points were 2 mm
from the top surface and taken at seven points.
CVN impact test specimens in the dimensions of 55 × 10 × 10 mm3 were prepared in accordance
with ASTM E23. Testing was performed using the Tinius Olsen Impact Tester 542J. CVN
specimens were impact tested on three different temperatures: -20 °C, 0 °C and 25 °C (room
temperature). Two sets of impact test specimens for each test temperature were prepared, and the
average values of the impact test were measured. For the low-temperature test purpose, the CVN
impact test specimens were immersed in a cooler which contains methanol as a cooling medium
until it reached the specified temperature before the CVN impact test was carried out.

Results and Discussion

Microstructure Characterization
The microstructure of WM, HAZ and BM were observed using an optical microscope and SEM.
The observation results can be seen in Figure 2 for LHI-04Ni and Figure 3 for HHI-04Ni. The
microstructure of BM (Figure 2c and 3c) consists of two phases, such as ferrite (white) and pearlite
(black). However, it could be found the other phases which can be seen at a large magnification
such as inclusions and martensite. At WM regions, two samples had significant differences where
the grains size of LHI-04Ni was finer with the presence of acicular ferrite (AF), polygonal ferrite
(PF) and martensite-austenite (M-A) phases. While the grains size of weld metal HHI-04Ni was
larger, with less AF formed. At HAZ, the LHI-04Ni grain size was also finer than the HHI-04Ni.
Further observation of WM using SEM seems that HHI-04Ni has more voids and microcracks
than LHI-04Ni (Figure 4). SEM equipped with EDS analysis also observed the non-metallic
inclusions in WM. As seen in Figure 5, the EDS analysis of WM on the LHI-04Ni reveals the
inclusions were possible combinations of (Al, Si, Mn) O. It seems these inclusions present without
AF nucleation.
120 Mechanical Engineering: Advanced Materials Processing Technology

Figure 2. Microstructure observations of LHI-04Ni: a) macroscopic image, b) WM, c) BM, d) HAZ

Figure 3. Microstructure observations of HHI-04Ni: a) macroscopic image,

b) WM, c) BM, d) HAZ.
 Key Engineering Materials Vol. 867 121

Figure 4. SEM micrograph of weld metal: a) LHI-04Ni, b) HHI-04Ni.

Figure 5. SEM-EDS analysis in WM of LHI-04Ni

Figure 6. EPMA results of LHI-04Ni specimen: a) Ni distribution at five measuring points, b)

mapping analysis at the midpoint, c) measuring points on the weld metal
122 Mechanical Engineering: Advanced Materials Processing Technology

Ni distribution at five different points in weld metal LHI-04Ni has been investigated, and the
results are presented in Figure 6. It can be seen in Figure 6a that Ni percentage in a reheated zone
(point 2 and 3) is higher than other points. The cooling time in reheated zone could became longer
due to tempering effect in multi-pass welding. Slower cooling rate may gave a chance more Ni
diffuses into Fe matrix. From the result presented in Figure 6b, Ni was distributed uniformly, Ni
may dissolved into the BCC matrix by solid solution mechanism.

Mechanical Properties
Tensile test of welded samples was prepared according to AWS standards D.1.1 and tested at
room temperature. The two tensile test specimens of LHI-04Ni and HHI-04Ni were provided. The
tensile test results indicated a fracture occurs at BM. It showed that the weld joint was stronger than
BM. The fracture appearance at BM indicated a ductile fracture where plastic deformation occurs.
Using welding wire containing a small amount of Ni may improve the strength. It may caused by
a solid solution where Ni dissolved into the ferrite matrix. It can be seen in Figure 6b that Ni
distributed uniformly as observed by EPMA.

Table 2. Tensile test results of the LHI-04Ni and HHI-04Ni

Test specimen Tensile strength (MPa) Yield strength (MPa) Elongation (%) Remarks

LHI-04Ni-1 580 384 23.0 Fracture at BM

LHI-04Ni-2 577 358 25.7 Fracture at BM
HHI-04Ni-1 582 421 28.4 Fracture at BM
HHI-04Ni-2 578 423 28.5 Fracture at BM

As presented in Table 2, the elongations of the welded joint LHI-04Ni were 23% and 25.7%. It is
smaller than the elongation of the welded joint HHI-04Ni, which were 28.4% and 28.5%. It seems
that the ductility of weld metal increased by increasing heat input. It is correspondence to the
hardness decreased when a higher heat input was applied.

Figure 7. Hardness distribution profile of LHI-04Ni and HHI-04Ni

The hardness distribution test was carried out at seven points in the BM, HAZ and WM, at 2 mm
depth from the top surface. The hardness profile was transferred into the graph, as shown in Figure
7. This test result demonstrates HAZ has the highest hardness followed WM and BM; it is in
agreement with previous reports [7,9].
HHI-04Ni (heat input 1.6 kJ/mm) welded sample showed lower hardness at HAZ and WM
compared to LHI-04Ni (heat input 0.9 kJ/mm). With higher heat input, the cooling rate could
became slower, and martensite decreased. Moreover, also higher heat input might enlarge the grains
 Key Engineering Materials Vol. 867 123

size; it could contribute to reducing the hardness. It is similar to previous reports from other
researchers [13-14].
Impact toughness of base metal SM570-TMC, weld metal LHI-04Ni and weld metal HHI-04Ni
at different test temperatures (25, 0 and -20 °C) were investigated. Figure 8 demonstrates impact
energy (J) versus temperatures (°C) for base metal SM570-TMC and weld metals of LHI-04Ni and
HHI-04Ni. All test specimens showed impact toughness decreased when test temperature decreased.
Impact toughness of base metal in all three testing temperatures was higher than weld metal LHI-
04Ni and weld metal HHI-04Ni.
Although the hardness of weld metal LHI-04Ni was higher than HHI-04Ni, it did not cause
lower toughness. Better impact toughness on LHI-04Ni compared to HHI-04Ni is likely due to finer
grain size and more AF presence. Fine grains and AF interlocking microstructure seem provided a
combination of high strength and excellent impact toughness.

Figure 8. Impact energy values of the base metal SM570-TMC, weld metal LHI-04Ni, and weld
metal HHI-04Ni at temperatures of 25, 0 and -20 °C

Conclusions
1. SM570-TMC steel welds using welding wire containing 0.4%Ni seems suitable in this
experiment at point of view weld joint strength. From EPMA results, Ni was distributed
uniformly, Ni seems dissolved into the BCC matrix by solid solution. It seems the weld strength
was increased by addition small amount of Ni with strengthening mechanism by solid solution.
2. Welding operation using higher heat input may coarsen the grains size and decreased hardness
in the WM and HAZ. Microhardness distribution in the WM and HAZ correspondence with the
level of heat input.
3. The impact toughness of BM and WM decreased when the temperature decreased. The impact
toughness of both weld metals LHI-04Ni and HHI-04Ni was lower than the BM.
4. Hardness and impact toughness of WM was a function of heat input. The hardness and impact
toughness test results revealed that weld metal LHI-04Ni with low heat input (0.9 kJ/mm) was
superior to weld metal HHI-04Ni with high heat input (1.6 kJ/mm).

Acknowledgments
The authors are pleased to acknowledge the support of research funding from the Ministry of
Research, Technology and Higher Education of the Republic of Indonesia (RISTEK DIKTI RI)
through “Penelitian Dasar Unggulan Perguruan Tinggi” (PDUPT) in the fiscal year of 2019
(Contract No. NKB-1670/UN2.R3.1/HKP.05.00/2019).
124 Mechanical Engineering: Advanced Materials Processing Technology

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