An examination of the mechanical properties of dissimilar steel welds

Abstract

Microstructure, hardness, tensile, three-point bending and fractography properties were investigated for the following dissimilar steel welds: P91-P22 (W1), P91-P11 (W2), and P91-P1 (W3). These materials were first joined at the root by gas tungsten arc welding; the second, third, and fourth passes were deposited manually by shielded metal arc welding. After welding, these pairs were tempered 760, 735, and 700 degrees C for 1, 2, and 3 hours, respectively (i.e. T1, T2, and T3). The highest hardness values were revealed in the heat-affected zone of P22 for the W1-T2 pair. The lowest hardness was observed in the base metal-P91 for the W2-T2 and W2-T3 pairs. Fracture failure in tensile tests occurred in base metals-P22, P11, and P1. In a few samples, failure took place during three-point bending tests. Cracks which formed as a result of bend testing were within tolerance limits. All weld regions were martensitic, with an acicular structure. The base metal P91 steel revealed a martensitic structure, whereas P22, P11, and P1 base metals had a ferrite-pearlite structure.