Mechanical characterization of advanced welding processes applied to DH36 butt welds

Levieil, B; Paradowska, AM; Bridier, F; Sterjovski, Z; van Duin, S

Mechanical characterization of advanced welding processes applied to DH36 butt welds

Date

2017-01-01

Authors

Publisher

Engineers Australia

Abstract

The welding processes currently used in the defence shipbuilding industry are a major source of hull distortion, and may often result in costly rework. In the past decade, a number of novel welding techniques have shown the potential to reduce welding induced distortion. In particular, Tandem-Gas Metal Arc Welding (T-GMAW) may influence the distribution of residual stresses introduced by the welding and, thus, the distortion. In this study, T-GMAW and GMAW were used to fabricate 1m long butt weld specimens made of 5mm DH36 steel. A comparison of the measured out-of-plane distortion for both processes is presented in this paper. The use of T-GMAW reduced the peak longitudinal distortion by 25% and the angular distortion by 33%. The residual stresses profiles of the two processes were characterized at ANSTO using the neutron diffraction strain scanning instrument "KOWARI" and have shown very little difference between the processes. Microstructural characterization, impact toughness and hardness testing were also carried out and shown very little difference between the two processes. Furthermore, the use of T-GMAW process allowed to double the welding speed in comparison to GMAW. The use of T-GMAW for naval shipbuilding could thus allow cost savings and shortened manufacturing delays due both to a higher welding speed and a reduced amount of rework.

Keywords

Neutron diffraction, Welding, Gas metal-arc welding, Welded joints, Ships, Residual stresses

Citation

Levieil, B., Paradowska, A., Bridier, F., Sterjovski, Z., & van Duin, S. (2017). Mechanical characterization of advanced welding processes applied to DH36 butt welds.Paper presented at Proceedings of the 9th Australasian Congress on Applied Mechanics (ACAM9), Sydney, Engineers Australia, 27-29 November 2017. In 9th Australasian Congress on Applied Mechanics 2017 (ACAM 9).