Effect of simulated welding thermal cycle on microstructure and mechanical properties of X90 pipeline steel

The effect of welding thermal cycle simulation on the microstructure and mechanical properties of X90 pipeline steel was investigated by means of microstructure analysis, tensile- and Charpy impact-tests. At the heat input of 15 kJ/cm, the microstructure of coarse-grained heat affected zone is mainly composed of lath bainite and granular bainite, resulting in excellent strength and toughness. At 25 kJ/cm with two thermal cycles, however, strength and impact toughness decrease due to the formation of more polygonal ferrite with coarser grains.