Influences of flux-cored arc welding consumables on dynamic fracture toughness (J1d) of armour grade Q&T steel joints

Quenched and tempered (Q&T) steels are prone to hydrogen-induced cracking in the HAZ after welding. Austenitic stainless steel (ASS) welding consumables are traditionally used for welding of high hardness Q&T steels as they have higher solubility for hydrogen. The use of stainless steel consumables for a non-stainless steel base metal is not economical. In recent years, the developments of low hydrogen ferritic steel (LHF) consumables that contain no hygroscopic compounds are utilized for welding of Q&T steels The use of ASS and LHF consumables for armour grade Q&T steel will lead to formation of distinct microstructures in their respective welds. This microstructural heterogeneity will have a drastic influence in the dynamic fracture toughness of the armour grade Q&T steel welds. Hence, an attempt was made in this paper to study the influence of flux-cored arc welding consumables on dynamic fracture toughness ( J _1d) of armour grade Q&T steel joints. The flux-cored arc welding consumables have a significant effect on the dynamic fracture toughness of the armour grade Q&T steel welds. The joints fabricated using ASS flux-cored wires showed superior J _1d values than the joints fabricated using LHF consumables and the base metal.