On the role of martensitic transformation on damage and cracking resistance in trip-assisted multiphase steels

Martensite–austenite (M–A) constituent formed during welding is generally recognized as an important factor to decrease the toughness of welded joint. In this article, the morphology and chemical composition of M–A constituent in the low carbon bainitic steel welded joint was analysed in detail by means of optical microscope, transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope with electron probe microanalysis. The experimental results show that the M–A constituent formed in the different sub-zones presents different morphologies and different amounts. The maximum amount of M–A constituent occurs in the coarse grained heat affected zone (HAZ). It is evident that the carbon atoms segregate on the M–A constituent and carbon concentration on the slender M–A constituent is higher than that on the massive M–A constituent. Meanwhile, the distribution profile of silicon on the M–A constituent shows an obvious inhomogeneity. Most of M–A constituents have a twinned structure and/or a high dislocation density. According to impact testing results, the crack initiation energy in the HAZ specimens deteriorates significantly because the large M–A constituent can assist the formation of cleavage crack. On the other hand, the coarse prior austenite grain in the HAZ lowers the crack propagation energy.

Analysis of martensite–austenite constituent and its effect on toughness in submerged arc welded joint of low carbon bainitic steel

The microstructures and mechanical properties of a high-Si (1.5 wt.%) steel produced by a novel process of quenching and partitioning (Q & P) were compared with those obtained using traditional heat treatments (i.e. austempering, intercritical annealing for dual phase, quench and tempering). Plate steel was included for exploration of the Q & P process in applications requiring strength and toughness (such as an API line pipe), where retained austenite may contribute to the overall toughness via the TRIP phenomenon at a crack top. The Q & P process is based on the partial transformation of austenite to martensite, followed by partitioning of carbon from martensite into austenite, which leads to an untypical microstructure. Retained austenite amounts up to 6 vol.% with a carbon content of up to 0.88 wt.% were achieved in 0.1% carbon steel using Q & P. Superior impact toughness at higher yield strength levels was found after Q & P compared to other traditional heat treatments with equivalent partitioning, austempering or tempering conditions.

Mechanical properties of high-Si plate steel produced by the quenching and partitioning process

The resistance to hydrogen cracking of Cr - Mo, Ni - Cr - Mo and Si - Mn steels which are employed in armoured vehicle construction was evaluated under implant test conditions. Austenitic stainless steel filler (AWS E312), which is reported to be resistant to hydrogen assisted cracking, was used to study the cracking tendency of all the three steels. Four other fillers, namely a nickel based filler (ENiCrFe-3), a low carbon, low alloy steel, a mild steel (AWS E6013) and a matching filler for Cr - Mo, were employed to evaluate their relative cracking tendency. Cr - Mo and Ni - Cr - Mo steels exhibited high cracking tendency while Si - Mn steel was resistant to cracking with the E312 filler. Cr - Mo steel was resistant to cracking with the nickel based filler, the low carbon, low alloy steel and the matching filler. The observed cracking tendency of the steels is linked to a susceptible interface/fusion boundary microstructure.

Cold cracking studies on low alloy steel weldments: effect of filler metal composition

Effects of notch position of the Charpy impact specimen on the failure behavior in heat affected zone

The aim of this article is to present the beneficial effect of a reduction of silicon content on coarse-grained heat-affected zone (CGHAZ) toughness. This study was achieved with experi-mental and industrial E355 structural steels. These 0.09 wt pct C steels were Ti-microalloyed with silicon contents ranging from 0.05 to 0.5 wt pct. First, we demonstrate that the CGHAZ toughness is predominantly affected by the volume fraction of retained austenite (γr). Second, we show that the existence of retained austenite pertains only to its carbon enrichment. This enrichment is promoted essentially by an increase of the silicon level due to the retarding action of silicon on the formation of carbides in ferrite as well as in austenite. In the same way, the increase of silicon content slows down the decomposition of retained austenite into pearlite. The reduction of the silicon content of the steel greatly increases the ductility of the CGHAZ through the decrease of the volume fraction of retained austenite.

Effect of silicon on CGHAZ toughness and microstructure of microalloyed steels

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J. Foct

Papers

Effect of silicon on CGHAZ toughness and microstructure of microalloyed steels

Residual Austenite and its effect on Fracture Toughness of Coarse-Grained Heat-Affected Zone of H.S.L.A. Steels