Nondestructive Evaluation of Welding Residual Stresses in Austenitic Stainless Steel Plates

This article investigates the nondestructive capability of ultrasonic waves in residual stress evaluation of austenitic stainless steel plates (AISI 304L). Longitudinal critically refracted (L _CR ) waves are employed to measure the residual stresses. Measuring the acoustoelastic constant through the tensile test is eliminated on the main investigated sample to keep it intact. Another welded plate with the same welding specification, geometry, thickness, and the same material is used to extract tensile test samples. To find the acoustoelastic constant of the heat affected zone (HAZ), a metallographic investigation is done to produce microstructure similar to that of the HAZ in a tensile test sample. A finite element model of welding process, which is validated by hole-drilling method, is used to verify the ultrasonic results. The results show good agreement between finite element and ultrasonic stress measurements which is accomplished nondestructively.     

Using finite element and ultrasonic method to evaluate welding longitudinal residual stress through the thickness in austenitic stainless steel plates

This paper uses a 3D thermo-mechanical finite element analysis to evaluate welding residual stresses in austenitic stainless steel plates of AISI 304L. The finite element model has been verified by the hole drilling method. The validated finite element (FE) model is then compared with the ultrasonic stress measurement based on acoustoelasticity. This technique uses longitudinal critically refracted (L_CR) waves that travel parallel to the surface within an effective depth. The residual stresses through the thickness of plates are evaluated by four different series (1 MHz, 2 MHz, 4 MHz and 5 MHz) of transducers. By combining FE and L_CR method (known as FEL_CR method) a 3D distribution of residual stress for the entire of the welded plate is presented. To find the acoustoelastic constant of the heat affected zone (HAZ), a metallographic investigation is done to reproduce HAZ microstructure in a tensile test sample. It has been shown that the residual stresses through the thickness of stainless steel plates can be evaluated by FEL_CR method.     

Nondestructive Evaluation of Welding Residual Stresses in Dissimilar Welded Pipes

This paper investigates the nondestructive capability of ultrasonic waves in residual stress evaluation of dissimilar welded pipes. Longitudinal critically refracted (L _CR ) waves are employed to measure the residual stresses in a pipe-pipe joint of stainless steel 304 and carbon steel A106. Measuring the acoustoelastic constant is usually accomplished through the tensile test which needs cutting the tested material to extract tensile test specimens. However, cutting the tested pipe to complement the nondestructive ultrasonic measurement was not considered here. Instead, a dissimilar welded plate with the same welding specification, joint geometry, thickness and the same dissimilar materials is used to extract tensile test samples. The measured acoustoelastic constant of the plate along with the measured time of flight of the L _CR wave on the pipe, are utilized for ultrasonic stress measurement. A finite element model of welding process validated by hole-drilling method is used to verify the ultrasonic results. The results show good agreement between finite element and ultrasonic measurements in the pipe measured without any destructive process.     

Comparison Between Using Longitudinal and Shear Waves in Ultrasonic Stress Measurement to Investigate the Effect of Post-Weld Heat-Treatment on Welding Residual Stresses

Fusion welding is a joining process widely used in the industry. However, undesired residual stresses are produced once the welding process is completed. Post-weld heat-treatment (PWHT) is extensively employed in order to relieve the welding residual stresses. In this study, effect of PWHT time and temperature on the residual stresses of a ferritic stainless steel is investigated. Residual stress distributions in eight welded specimens were measured by using an ultrasonic method. Ultrasonic stress measurement is a nondestructive method based on acoustoelasticity law, which correlates mechanical stresses with velocity of an ultrasonic wave propagating within the subject material. The ultrasonic wave employed could be longitudinal or shear wave produced by the longitudinal (normal) or transverse (shear) transducers, respectively. Ultrasonic stress measurements based on longitudinal waves use longitudinal critically refracted (L_CR) waves in this direction, while shear wave methods use an ultrasonic birefringence phenomenon. The results show that the effect of PWHT can be successfully inferred by both longitudinal and shear wave methods, but the former is found to be more sensitive to stress variation. Furthermore, the distribution of subsurface residual stresses is found to be more distinguishable when the L_CR method is employed.     

Comparison between contact and immersion ultrasonic method to evaluate welding residual stresses of dissimilar joints

This paper presents a comparison of contact and immersion waves used to measure residual stresses. The residual stresses are produced due to a dissimilar welding of stainless steel (304) to carbon steel (A106). Longitudinal critically refracted (L_CR) wave propagated by 2 MHz contact and immersion ultrasonic transducers is employed to measure the residual stresses. A Finite Element (FE) model of welding process, which is validated by hole-drilling method, is used to verify the ultrasonic results while an acceptable agreement is achieved. The best agreement is observed in the parent material while the maximum difference is measured in the heat affected zone (HAZ). The results show no considerable difference between using contact and immersion transducers in ultrasonic stress measurement of dissimilar joints.     

Threshold stress intensity factor and crack growth rate for stress corrosion cracking of simulated heat affected zone in caustic solution

The threshold stress intensity factor for stress corrosion cracking (K_Iscc) of the simulated heat affected zone (HAZ) of mild steel in caustic solution has been determined using circumferential notch tensile (CNT) technique. The HAZ microstructure produced upon manual metal arc welding of grade 250 steel was simulated over a length of 35 mm of CNT specimens, using a thermo-mechanical simulator. Inter- and trans-granular stress corrosion cracking has been confirmed using a scanning electron microscope. The results presented here validate the ability of CNT technique for the determination of K_Iscc of HAZ and Base metal. Crack growth rates have also been determined using CNT technique. Further, the effect of microstructures on K_Iscc and crack growth rate is discussed in the present study. The determined K_Iscc of Base metal and simulated heat affected zone in 30% caustic solution is 24 and 45 MPa m^1/2, respectively.     

On preventing HAZ cracking in laser welded DS Rene 80 superalloy

Abstract

The heat affected zone (HAZ) cracking behaviour in a laser beam directionally solidified (DS) Rene 80 nickel based superalloy subjected to preweld heat treatments was studied. The HAZ cracks in the alloy are grain boundary liquation cracks caused by liquation reaction of both non-equilibrium secondary solidification product, MC carbides and equilibrium solid state reaction product, γ′ precipitates. In contrast to theoretical prediction based a preweld heat treatment that reduced grain boundary liquid film thickness did not result in a lower HAZ cracking, which can be related to concomitant reduction in the ability of the base alloy to relax welding stress. In addition, formation of intergranular M₅B₃ boride particles in preweld alloy appeared to have aided cracking susceptibility by lowering grain boundary liquation temperature and widening the brittle temperature range in the HAZ during cooling. Based on the analysis of the results, application of a new preweld heat treatment that prevents the formation of the intergranular borides and induces moderate base alloy hardness resulted in a nearly crack free HAZ in laser welded DS Rene 80 superalloy.     

Fatigue crack growth property of laser beam welded 6156 aluminium alloy

Fatigue crack growth behaviours in different welding zones of laser beam welded specimens were investigated using central crack tension specimens for 6156 aluminium alloy under constant amplitude loading at nominal applied stress ratio R = 0.5, 0.06, ?1. The experimental results showed that base metal (BM) exhibited superior fatigue crack resistance compared to weld metal (WM) and heat‐affected zone (HAZ). Crack growth resistance of WM was the lowest. The exponent m values for BM and HAZ at different stress ratios are close and around 2.6, while m for WM at different stress ratio is around 4.7. The discrepancy between crack growth rates for WM and BM is more evident with increasing stress ratio, while it is a little change for HAZ and BM. Change of the microstructure in WM deteriorates the resistance of fatigue crack growth compared to BM. It was mainly due to grain boundary liquation and dissolving of second‐phase particles in the weld region. It was also found that the variety of fatigue crack resistance for different welding zones is in conformity with the change of hardness. BM with the highest hardness exhibited the maximum resistance for fatigue crack, and WM with the lowest hardness exhibited the minimum fatigue crack resistance.     

Single pass laser joining of Inconel 718 superalloy with filler

Abstract

Microstructure and mechanical property of CO₂ laser beam welded IN 718 superalloy were studied by electron microscopy and hardness testing. The use of a welding filler wire produced a sound fusion zone with no cracking but grain boundary microfissuring occurred in the heat affected zone (HAZ) and was observed to be significantly influenced by pre-weld heat treatment and laser welding speed. Crack-free weld was produced by a pre-weld heat treatment that minimised non-equilibirum grain boundary boron segregation and inhibited grain growth. While post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) reduced the difference between the hardness values of the base alloy, HAZ and the fusion zone, it resulted in increased HAZ cracking, which was likely aided by pre-existing cracks. The PWHT cracking was, however, avoided by subjecting pre-weld material to the heat treatment condition that produces crack-free weld during welding process.     

Residual Stress Measurement in Steel Plates and Welds Using Critically Refracted Longitudinal (LCR) Waves

Abstract

The application of acoustoelasticity using critically refracted longitudinal (L_CR) waves is described for measuring residual stress in welded steel plates. Residual stresses are self-equilibrating and may exist in a material that has been deformed in a nonhomogeneous manner. When unknown residual stress is present in a structure, the true stress may become significantly greater than the working stress. In a corrosive environment, highly stressed areas that have not been properly stress relieved are prone to stress corrosion cracking. Areas near welds are particularly susceptible to stress corrosion cracking.

Two welded plates were investigated for the present work: one hot-rolled and the other cold-rolled. Residual stresses are usually greatest after welding. Further, longitudinal stress (i.e., stress parallel to the weld bead) is typically greater than the component transverse to the weld bead. Since the acoustoelastic behavior of the L_CR wave is largest when propagated parallel to a uniaxial stress, the L_CR wave traveling parallel to the weld bead was used to investigate the stress changes after stress relieving of the welded plates. Both 1 MHz and 2.25 MHz probe frequencies were used in this study. The stress changes in the welds and in the cold-rolled plate were clearly indicated by the L_CR data.

Two verification methods were used: hole drilling (HD) and neutron diffraction (ND). The stress relief was verified by the hole-drilling technique. While the HD technique showed about the same stress magnitude as found by the L_CR results, the orientation was reversed. The stress orientation was probably caused by the grinding process used to flatten the weld bead. Texture was also investigated using a neutron diffraction (ND) technique on the (001)[110] texture. The through-the-thickness technique yields an average of the orientation distribution of the (110) planes. At locations in the parent metal and in the weld, the distribution was found to be very similar, indicating uniform texture throughout the weld and parent metal zones.     

Ultrasonic inspection of a welded stainless steel pipe to evaluate residual stresses through thickness

This study investigates ultrasonic method in axial and hoop stress measurement through thickness of an austenitic stainless steel pipe. Longitudinal critically refracted (L_CR) waves are employed to measure the welding residual stresses while outer and inner surfaces of the pipe are inspected by using different frequency range of ultrasonic transducers. The acoustoelastic constant is measured on a plate with the same material and thickness of the investigated pipe to keep the pipe intact. Welding process of the pipe is simulated by a 3D finite element (FE) model which is validated by hole-drilling method performed on 25 points. The residual stresses calculated by FE simulation are then compared with those obtained from the ultrasonic measurement while a good agreement is observed. It is demonstrated that the residual stresses through thickness of the stainless steel pipe can be evaluated by combining FE and L_CR method (known as FEL_CR method).     

The effect of microstructure on hardness and toughness of low carbon welded steel using inert gas welding

The heat affected zone (HAZ), has a great influence on the properties of welded joints since it can alter the microstructure and residual stresses. In this paper, the effect of welding parameters and heat input on the HAZ and grain growth has been investigated. The role of grain size on hardness and toughness of low carbon steel has also been studied.     

Residual stress measurement in steel plates and welds using critically refracted longitudinal (LCR) waves

The application of acoustoelasticity using critically refracted longitudinal (L_CR) waves is described for measuring residual stress in welded steel plates. Residual stresses are self-equilibrating and may exist in a material that has been deformed in a nonhomogeneous manner. When unknown residual stress is present in a structure, the true stress may become significantly greater than the working stress. In a corrosive environment, highly stressed areas that have not been properly stress relieved are prone to stress corrosion cracking. Areas near welds are particularly susceptible to stress corrosion cracking.Two welded plates were investigated for the present work: one hot-rolled and the other cold-rolled. Residual stresses are usually greatest after welding. Further, longitudinal stress (i.e., stress parallel to the weld bead) is typically greater than the component transverse to the weld bead. Since the acoustoelastic behavior of the L_CR wave is largest when propagated parallel to a uniaxial stress, the L_CR wave traveling parallel to the weld bead was used to investigate the stress changes after stress relieving of the welded plates. Both 1 MHz and 2.25 MHz probe frequencies were used in this study. The stress changes in the welds and in the cold-rolled plate were clearly indicated by the L_CR data.Two verification methods were used: hole drilling (HD) and neutron diffraction (ND). The stress relief was verified by the hole-drilling technique. While the HD technique showed about the same stress magnitude as found by the L_CR results, the orientation was reversed. The stress orientation was probably caused by the grinding process used to flatten the weld bead. Texture was also investigated using a neutron diffraction (ND) technique on the (001)[110] texture. The through-the-thickness technique yields an average of the orientation distribution of the (110) planes. At locations in the parent metal and in the weld, the distribution was found to be very similar, indicating uniform texture throughout the weld and parent metal zones.     

A study on mechanical and microstructure characteristics of the STS304L butt joints using hybrid CO2 laser-gas metal arc welding

In order to examine mechanical characteristics of the stainless steel (STS304L) hybrid welded butt joints, two-dimensional thermal elasto-plastic analysis has been carried out. To this end, a 2D simulation model has been developed considering hybrid welding features. Based on thermal history data obtained from this heat source model, the residual stress distribution in weld metal (WM), heat affected zone (HAZ) and base metal (BM) characteristics have been calculated and found to be in reasonable agreement with the experimentally measured values. In order to investigate the effect of welding process, thermal elasto-plastic behaviour of the hybrid welded joints was compared with a welded joints obtained by conventional submerged arc welding (SAW) process. The results show that the longitudinal residual stress in the hybrid welded joints is less (13–15%) than that of the SA welded joints. Weld metal formed in both welding processes shows very fine dendritic structure. Due to higher heat input in SAW, the HAZ size of the SA welded joints is more than twice that of the hybrid welded joints. Therefore, from mechanical and metallurgical point of view, it could be confirmed that it makes a good sense to use SAW instead of hybrid CO₂ laser-gas metal arc welding (GMAW) for butt joint of the STS304L thick steel.     

Pulsed MIG welding of AZ31B magnesium alloy

Abstract

Pulsed metal inert gas welding of AZ31B magnesium alloy is carried out, and continuous butt joints of high quality are obtained at optimised parameters. The effects of parameters on weld formation and welding stability are studied. The microstructure, mechanical properties and fracture of weld beads with different filler wires are investigated. The results show that it is a stable drop transition process with optimised parameters, which belongs to globular transfer. The precipitates in fusion zone and heat affected zone (HAZ) are uniform, dispersive and almost granular. The grain size in fusion zone is fine, and the grain size does not grow too large in HAZ compared with the base metal. The ultimate tensile strength of weld beads can be 94% of base metal, and the average elongation is 11%. Dimples and coarse tearing ridges can be observed on the fracture of the weld bead.     

FATIGUE CRACK INITIATION LIFE PREDICTION IN HIGH STRENGTH STRUCTURAL STEEL WELDED JOINTS

The local approach method is used to calculate the fatigue crack initiation/early crack growth lives (N_i) in high strength structural steel weldments. Weld-toe geometries, welding residual stresses and HAZ (heat affected zone) cyclic mechanical properties are taken into account in the N_i estimation procedure. Fatigue crack initiation lives are calculated from either a Basquin type or a Manson-Collin type equation. The local (HAZ) stress and strain amplitudes and the local mean stress are determined from an analysis based on the Neuber rule and the Molski-Glinka energy approach. The accuracy of the different methods is evaluated and discussed. Finally the previous methods are used with HAZ cyclic mechanical properties estimated from hardness measurements.     

压力管道在役焊接烧穿失稳机制

采用压力管道在役焊接烧穿模拟试验装置,对在役焊接烧穿失稳进行了研究.观察了烧穿宏观形貌,测量了烧穿失稳熔池的尺寸,采用扫描电镜对失稳接头的表面和横截面微观形貌进行了观察分析,综合探讨了在役焊接烧穿的失稳机制.研究结果表明,在役焊接的变形为外凸变形,在带压水介质条件下焊接时,在熔池前端的高温区形成烧穿空洞.当焊接热输入逐渐变得较大时,热影响区晶粒变的粗大,晶间被氧化,晶间结构被破坏,产生裂纹,并且裂纹在应力作用下沿晶间扩展,降低了管道热影响区的材料强度,当此处剩余强度不足以承载管道内部压力时,发生烧穿失稳.     

Physical meaning of ΔKRP and fatigue crack propagation in the residual stress distribution field

Previous papers have shown ΔK_RP to be a useful parameter describing fatigue crack propagation behavior, where ΔK_RP is an effective stress intensity factor range corresponding to the excess RPG load (re-tensile plastic zone's generated load) in which the retensile plastic zone appears under the loading process. In this paper, the relationship between ΔK_RP and the zone size ( ) (which is smaller between the tensile plastic zone at maximum load and the compressive plastic zone at minimum load) was investigated using a crack opening/closing simulation model so as to consider a physical meaning of ΔK_RP. As a result, it becomes clear that ΔK_RP dominates the zone size where fatigue damage mostly occurs. This result supports the following crack propagation equation

where C and m are material constants.Simulation and fatigue crack propagation tests were then carried out for compact tension (CT), center cracked tension (CCT) and four points bend (4PB) specimens under constant amplitude loading to obtain C and m values for HT-50 steel. Fatigue crack propagation tests were also carried out under constant amplitude loading using CCT specimens with residual stress distribution due to flame gas heating at the center line or edge lines. The T specimen introduced tensile residual stress at the tip of a notch, and the C specimen introduced compressive residual stress. It therefore becomes clear that tensile residual stress leads to a decrease in RPG load, while compressive residual stress leads to increase in RPG load, and that the simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental RPG load. It also becomes clear that simulated crack growth curve using the simulated and the above equation is in good agreement with the experimental curve. It is understood that tensile residual stress creates only a slight increase in crack propagation rate and compressive residual stress create a big decrease a crack propagation rate.     

Single Pass Laser-Arc Hybrid Welding of Maraging Steel Thick Sections

Maraging steel 250 grade plates of 10 mm thickness were welded in single pass using a laser-arc hybrid welding (LHW) setup comprising 3.5 kW CO₂ laser and synergic pulse metal inert gas (MIG) welding power source at a welding speed of 1 m/min. The influence of single-pass welding on the bead characteristics, microstructure, and mechanical properties was investigated. The size and volume fraction of reverted austenite was effectively reduced in the fusion zone. Moreover, the width of the heat-affected zones (HAZ) was reduced and the microhardness results did not show significant softening in the HAZ after post weld aging. Tensile testing of the welds in transverse direction showed 97.3% weld efficiency. The fusion zone exhibited K_Ic fracture toughness of 77.4 MPa√m which was affected by the distribution pattern of reverted austenite. The study vividly brings out the process advantages of LHW for accomplishing thick section welds of maraging steel in single pass with narrow groove and lesser filler wire consumption.     

厚板铝合金搅拌摩擦焊接头的冲击性能

采用搅拌摩擦焊对厚度为30 mm的2A12铝合金板材进行对焊连接,分析了接头不同厚度处的微观组织与冲击性能。结果表明:随着热输入量的减少,接头上层的晶粒相比于下层出现了粗化现象,导致接头上层区域的冲击韧性低于下层。焊核区晶粒最为细小,热机影响区次之,热影响区晶粒最为粗大;焊核区的冲击韧性高于热影响区,热机影响区由于存在微型裂纹,所以冲击韧性最低。焊核区上层的晶粒尺寸小于热机影响区下层的晶粒尺寸,但焊核区上层的冲击韧性低于热机影响区下层的冲击韧性,这是由于焊核区所含的Al₂CuMg脆性第二相的数量较多。焊接接头冲击韧性的变化不仅与焊缝不同区域的微观组织变化有关,还与该区域的第二相数量有关。