Study of Mechanical Properties and Microstructural Characterization of HSLA-100 GMA Welds and GMA-P Welds

Due to the extensive use of HSLA-100 steel in naval applications, comparing the methods of welding is necessary. In this study the mechanical properties and microstructure characterization in single and multi-pass GMAW and GMAW-P on HSLA-100 plate is investigate. The microstructure was characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These microstructures were correlated with microhardness and mechanical properties such as tensile test, bend test, radiography test and ultrasonic test. All welds in GMA welding had a predominantly acicular ferrite microstructure. Grain size of heat affected zone in GMA-P welding was larger than GMA welding. Hardness of HAZ and weld metal in GMAW was more than the GMAW-P. Penetration in GMA-P welding was more than GMA welding and type of metal transfer in GMA-P welding was better than GMA welding because spatter was decreased.

Keywords:

HSLA 100 Steel , GMAW , GMAW-P , Acicular Ferrite , Mechanical Properties