Performance of high strength steel weld metal for welding of mooring components

ABSTRACT

The present work show the results of an extensive working program whose the main goal is the development of consumables suitable for welding of mooring components manufactured in high strength steels. After an exhaustive evaluation of different chemical compositions, based on a balance of Mn and Ni, a detailed analysis of the mechanical and microstructural properties is done for the heat which proposed the best results in order to allow a decisive conclusion.

Welded joints were produced by using 4,0 mm diameter covered electrodes, with preheat of 200 ºC, direct current, flat position and nominal heat input of 1.5 kJ/mm. After welding, mechanical tests (tension, impact Charpy-V, hardness) and metallographic examination (optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, electron back scattering diffraction) were performed in specimens removed integrally from the weld metal both in the as welded condition and post weld heat treatment at 600 º C. The results show that the weld metals obtained satisfactory mechanical properties after PWHT, being adequate for application on high strength steel mooring components with several grades according to the IACS W22 specification. In addition, it was noted that impact Charpy-V results were improved with increasing the time of PWHT, which is crucial for larger components.

Key words
weld metal; mechanical properties; heat treatment; mooring components