Optimization of Performance of Arc Welding Using Fluxes in Welded Ship Structures from HY-100 and HY-130 KPSI.
Abstract
The ability to weld steels with yield strengths over 100 ksi with the submerged arc process has been limited by a lack of fluxes and filler metals specifically designed for this purpose. This research program used commercially available filler wires that have been designed for gas metal arc welding and formulated flux compositions to limit the oxygen pickup in the weld metal. The effect of flux basicity on weld metal oxygen content was investigated. Experimental results with approximately 100 heats of fused flux indicated a definite trend of decreasing weld metal oxygen content with increasing flux basicity. In these tests the commercial fluxes produced weld metal with adequate toughness but low yield strength. In mechanical testing, the weld metal produced with experimental fluxes showed good tensile properties with inadequate impact values. The coarse microstructure of the last pass in the welds produced with experimental fluxes appears to be made up of untempered martensite, lower bainite, ferrite and proeutectoid ferrite. It is probable that the cracking observed was solidification cracking and may be related to the high phosphorus content of the weld metal. Additions of vanadium and molybdenum in the electrode or as oxides in the high purity flux may be effective in improving toughness.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA107341
Entities
People
- Clarence E. Hackson
- James T. Hickey
- Michael D. Hayes
Organizations
- Ohio State University