TY - CONF A1 - Giese, Marcel A1 - Schröder, Nina A1 - Rhode, Michael A1 - Kannengießer, Thomas A1 - Kromm, Arne A1 - Kadoke, Daniel A1 - Kruse, Julius T1 - Local strain behaviour in cross weld tensile specimens of microalloyed high strength steels using digital image correlation N2 - This study specifically examines the role of the microalloying element titanium (Ti) in achieving the desired mechanical properties of quenched and tempered high-strength fine-grain structural steels, with a nominal yield strength of ≥ 690 MPa. Current specifications limit chemical composition only by defining upper thresholds, but even minor variations in Ti content can substantially alter mechanical properties. Consequently, accurate prediction of weldability and welded joint integrity becomes challenging, as variations in Ti lead to distinct microstructural characteristics, potentially causing undesirable softening or hardening effects in the heat-affected zone (HAZ). To address these complexities, two distinct titanium concentrations were systematically investigated for the first time using specially developed laboratory-cast alloys. Both alloying configurations were based on the standard S690QL grade, with consistent chemical composition and heat treatment parameters maintained across the samples. For the weldability analysis, three-layer welds were executed using gas metal arc welding (GMAW), allowing for the identification of critical microstructural zones within the HAZ that exhibit significant softening or hardening. The influence of the softened HAZ region on failure mechanisms was assessed through transverse tensile tests. Digital image correlation (DIC) was employed to capture local strain variations across different HAZ regions in situ. With a custom-developed mirror system, local strains in microstructural zones on both the top and bottom surfaces of the weld were recorded simultaneously. This setup enabled a detailed analysis of how weld seam geometry (e.g., V-groove configuration) influences strain gradients. Additionally, the investigation of localized deformation provided insights into how variations in Ti content within the HAZ affect global strain, fracture constriction, fracture location, and overall fracture behavior. T2 - MPA Seminar 2024 Materials Processes Applications CY - Stuttgart, Germany DA - 08.10.2024 KW - HAZ-Softening KW - Digital Image Correlation KW - Cross weld tensile test PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-61488 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Rhode, Michael T1 - Evaluation of local strain behavior of cross-weld tensile specimens of micro-alloyed high-strength steels by digital image correlation N2 - Microalloying elements such as Nb and Ti play a decisive function in achieving the desired mechanical strength of quenched and tempered, high-strength fine-grain structural steels with a nominal yield strength ≥ 690 MPa. The current specifications for the chemical composition only provide manufacturers with upper limits. However, even minor deviations in the alloy concept can have a significant impact on the mechanical properties. Consequently, accurate prediction of weldability and the integrity of welded joints becomes difficult or even impossible due to differences in composition and the resulting microstructures. Undesirable consequences include a possible softening of the heat-affected zone (HAZ) or, conversely, hardening effects. In view of these challenges, various microalloying strategies with different Ti and Nb contents are being systematically investigated for the first time using specially developed laboratory casting alloys. Each alloying route is based on the common S690QL, maintaining both the chemical composition and the heat treatment parameters. To analyse the weldability, three-layer welds were performed using gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and critical microstructures, such as areas of the heat-affected zone (HAZ) that exhibit significant softening or hardening, were identified. The effect of the softened HAZ region on failure was evaluated using transverse tensile specimens. Digital image correlation (DIC) is used to image changes in local strains in different HAZ regions in situ. Using a specially developed mirror system, the local strains of the microstructure zones on the top and bottom of the weld are recorded simultaneously. This makes it possible to analyse how the weld seam geometry (e.g., V-seam) influences the strain gradients. In addition, the analysis of the local deformation helps to understand the effects of the softened HAZ on the global strain, the fracture constriction, the fracture position, and the overall fracture behavior. T2 - IIW Intermediate Meeting, Com. II-A CY - Incheon, Republic of Korea DA - 12.03.2024 KW - Welding KW - High-strength steel KW - Alloy concept KW - Cross-weld tensile sample KW - Mechanical properties PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-59675 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Rhode, Michael T1 - Influence of various microalloying strategies on the mechanical properties of weld seams in S690QL steel N2 - Microalloying elements such as niobium (Nb) and titanium (Ti) play a crucial role in achieving the desired mechanical properties of quenched and tempered high-strength fine-grained structural steels with a nominal yield strength of ≥ 690 MPa. Current specifications for the chemical composition only define upper limits for these elements, providing manufacturers with some flexibility. However, even minor deviations in alloying concepts can significantly influence the resulting mechanical properties. Consequently, accurately predicting weldability and the integrity of welded joints becomes challenging or even unfeasible due to variations in composition and the associated microstructural changes. Potential adverse effects include the softening of the heat-affected zone (HAZ) or, conversely, localized hardening phenomena. To address these challenges, various microalloying strategies with different Ti and Nb contents are being systematically investigated for the first time using specially designed laboratory-cast alloys. Each alloying approach is based on the commonly used S690QL steel grade while maintaining consistent chemical composition and heat treatment parameters. To evaluate the weldability, three-layer welds were produced using gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and critical microstructural regions, particularly those within the heat-affected zone (HAZ) exhibiting significant softening or hardening, were identified. The influence of the softened HAZ region on failure behavior was assessed through transverse tensile testing. Digital image correlation (DIC) was employed for in situ analysis of local strain distributions across different HAZ regions. In addition, Charpy tests were carried out on BM, WM and HAZ to determine the Charpy impact toughness. This was supported by metallographic analyses and thermodynamic simulation using ThermoCalc. T2 - IIW Intermediate Meeting, Com. II-A CY - Trollhättan, Sweden DA - 10.03.2025 KW - Welding KW - Microalloy elements KW - High strength steels KW - Mechanical properties PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-62691 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -