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An overview of the BAM funed Focus Area Materials Project "AGIL" will be presented. AGIL focussed on the stdiy of the ageing characteristics of additively manufactured austenitic stainless steel with a "powder to mechanical failure" Approach. Recent Highlights are presented and a perspective for future studies.
Solidification cracking of metals is a well-researched topic in the field of welding science. A material’s susceptibility to solidification cracking can be tested using numerous different specialized test procedures, one of which is the Modified Varestraint-/Transvarestraint test (MVT). It was developed at BAM in 1982 and is internationally standardised. Over the decades, this test has been extensively used to characterise the solidification cracking resistance of many different materials.
The present study was conducted to further investigate the influences of the standardised MVT testing parameters, as well as the characteristics of evaluation methods on the results. Several different high alloyed martensitic LTT (low transformation temperature) filler materials, CrNi and CrMn type, were used. In previous pilot studies, these alloys have shown a rather distinctive solidification cracking behaviour (Fig. 1). During testing, energy input per unit length and bending speed were varied (especially the latter is usually kept at standard values), in addition to the most commonly altered factor - total deformation.
First, the effects of different process parameter sets on the solidification cracking response were measured using the standard approach - microscopic analysis of the specimen surface. It was found that not all parameter changes had the expected outcome. For the Cr8Ni6 and Cr11Mn5 filler materials, influences of energy input per unit length and welding speed were in direct opposition.
In order to investigate those apparent contradictions, µCT scans of MVT specimens were made. The results consistently show sub surface cracking, to significant, yet varying extents. Different primary solidification types were found using WDX-analysis, an aspect that is believed to be the main difference between the CrNi- and CrMn-type materials and their cracking characteristics.
Results show that when it comes to testing of modern high-performance alloys, one set of standard MVT testing parameters might not be equally suitable for all materials. Also, to properly accommodate different solidification types, sub-surface cracking has to be taken into account.
Die klassische Beurteilung der Heißrissneigung erfolgt bislang primär über das Prüfen der Schweißeignung des Werkstoffes. Die konstruktiven Bedingungen und bauteilspezifischen Beanspruchungszustände bleiben dabei meist unberücksichtigt. Die Vielzahl an Heißrisstests liefert dabei lediglich werkstoff-spezifische, empiri-sche Heißrissparameter, wie z. B. Gesamtrisslänge oder Gesamtrissanzahl. Eine Bauteilübertragbarkeit ist somit oftmals nicht gegeben, gerade wenn es sich um hochbeanspruchte Konstruktionsmerkmale des Leichtbaus handelt. Folglich sind mechanische Kenngrößen (risskritische Verformungen/Spannungen) zu identifizieren, die sicher und unter realitätsnahen Bedingungen erfasst werden können. Diese dienen als Transfergrößen, um die Heißrissanfälligkeit geschweißter Bauteile mit typischen Konstruktionsmerkmalen zu bewerten.
Laser based Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) is an additive manufacturing technique that has been continuously developed in the past years. It offers unparalleled design freedom and the resulting mechanical properties match, in some cases even exceed, those of materials processed by conventional manufacturing techniques. Nonetheless the process is prone to create Residual Stresses (RS) resulting from the sequential melting and solidification of the material. RS can reduce load bearing capacity and generate unwanted distortions thus diminishing the potential of L-PBF. This research activity aimed at characterizing the RS state in Inconel 718 L-PBF specimens using multiple diffraction methods. The microstructure as well as the surface and bulk residual stresses were investigated. The RS analysis was performed using X-ray, synchrotron and neutron diffraction methods to provide information at different depths within the specimen. The measurements were performed at the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und –prüfung (BAM), the EDDI beamline at BESSY II synchrotron and E3 line at BER II neutron reactor of the Helmholtz-Zentrum für Materialien und Energie (HZB) Berlin. The results revealed a depth depending RS state. The longitudinal and transverse stress components measured by X-ray and synchrotron at the surface agree well, exhibiting stress values around the yield strength of the material. In addition, synchrotron mapping showed gradients along the width and length of the sample for the longitudinal and transverse stress components. Lower RS values compared to surface RS were measured in the bulk of the material using neutron diffraction. The longitudinal stress component in the bulk was tensile and gradually decreased towards the edge of the specimen. The normal component however did not change significantly along the specimen dimensions and was of compressive nature. The transversal component was almost negligible. The results indicate that a stress re-distribution takes place during the deposition of the consecutive layers, which has to be further investigated.
Residual stresses count among the most limiting factors in the application of additively manufactured materials in safety relevant components subject to cyclic loading. The source of such stresses is inherent in the manufacturing Laser Beam Melted (LBM) process due to rapid cooling and solidification and their distribution in the specimen or component is not homogeneous, but it is usually characterized by high gradients. Moreover, the magnitude of the residual stress field depends very much on the orientation, being higher in the build direction.
Many works in the literature advise to carry out a post-LBM treatment to relieve residual stresses, even though particular attention should be paid in choosing the parameters for the thermal treatment in order to avoid microstructural/phase transformations, which would affect greatly the mechanical properties of the material.
Particularly in the case of the austenitic stainless steel 316L, it has been shown that annealing at high temperatures (above 900°C), besides relieving the residual stresses, may cause recrystallization, grain growth and even phase transformation. In contrast, if a too low annealing temperature is chosen in order to preserve the microstructure, the residual stresses cannot be completely relieved.
This work aims to address the effect of residual stresses on short and long crack propagation for SEN(B) specimens made of 316L fabricated by LBM, in which notches have been machined by electro-discharge machining (EDM) on the mid-plane, perpendicular to the build direction. The specimens underwent different annealing treatments in inert atmosphere, in which the maximum temperature has been varied up to 900°C. The amount of residual stresses and their distribution has been measured by X-ray and neutron diffraction and the specimens have been subject to cyclic loading in a resonant testing machine. The tests show a massive influence of the residual stresses in the build direction on the resistance to fatigue crack propagation of additively manufactured 316L. Finally, a comparison with conventionally manufactured 316L is presented.
Effect of weld penetration depth on hydrogen-assisted cracking of high-strength structural steels
(2019)
The need for steels with highest mechanical properties is a result of the increasing demands for energy and resource efficiency. In this context, high-strength structural (HSS) steels are used in machine, steel and crane construction with yield strength up to 960 MPa. However, welding of HSS steels requires profound knowledge of three factors in terms of avoidance of hydrogen-assisted cracking (HAC): the interaction of (1) microstructure, (2) local stress/strain and (3) local hydrogen concentration. In addition to the three main factors, the used weld-arc process is also important for the performance of the welded joint, especially when using modern arc variants. In the past, the conventional transitional arc process (Conv. A) was mainly used for welding of HSS grades. In the past decade, the so-called modified spray arc process (Mod. SA) has been used increasingly for welding production. This modified process enables reduced seam opening angles with increased deposition rates compared to the conventional process. Economic benefits of using this arc type are: a reduced number of necessary weld beads and a lower weld seam volume, which result in decreased total welding time and costs. Nonetheless, investigations on a high-strength S960QL showed significantly higher hydrogen concentrations in the weld metal at a reduced seam opening angle with Mod. SA. This indicates an increased susceptibility of the welded component to HAC. Hence, existing recommendations on HAC-avoidance cannot be transferred directly to the Mod. SA-process. In the present study, the susceptibility to HAC of the HSS steel S960QL with same type of filler material was investigated. For that purpose, both Conv. A and Mod. SA were used with same heat input at different deposition rates. For assessment of the HAC susceptibility, the externally loaded implant test was used. Both conducted test series with Conv. A and Mod. SA showed similar crack critical stress of about 280 MPa. Below this value, no delayed fracture appeared. The welds with Mod. SA showed higher hydrogen concentrations. The fracture occurred in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) or in the weld metal (WM). However, the test series with Mod. SA showed a significant extension of the time to failure of several hours compared to tests carried out with Conv. A.
In the present study, the susceptibility to HAC of the HSLA steel S960QL with same type of filler material was investigated. For that purpose, both Conv. A and Mod. SA were used with same weld heat input at different deposition rates. For assessment of the HAC susceptibility, the externally loaded Implant-test [ ] was used. Both conducted test series with Conv. A and Mod. SA showed similar crack critical stress of about 280 MPa. Below this value, no delayed fracture appeared. The welds with Mod. SA showed higher hydrogen concentrations. The fracture occurred in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) or in the weld metal (WM). But in all specimens, cracks initiated at the notch root of the spiral notch of the implants within the coarse-grained HAZ. However, the test series with Mod. SA showed a significant extension of the time-to-failure of several hours compared to tests carried out with Conv. A, see Fig. 1a. The reason is the deeper weld penetration in case of Mod. SA (Fig. 1b and Fig. 1c), which causes longer diffusion path for hydrogen. The fracture topography of the ruptured implant specimens with Conv. A was typical ductile in specimen center and quasi-cleavage like at the edge of the specimens. When using Mod. SA, the topography changed to primarily quasi-cleavage fracture topography with shares of intergranular fracture and secondary crack appearance.
The need for steels with highest mechanical properties is a result of the increasing demands for energy and resource efficiency. In this context, high-strength low-alloyed (HSLA) structural steels are used in machine, steel and crane construction with yield strength up to 960 MPa. HSLA steels enable lightweight construction by thinner necessary plate thickness. However, welding of HSLA steels requires profound knowledge of three factors in terms of avoidance of hydrogen-assisted cracking (HAC): the interaction of (1) microstructure, (2) local stress/strain and (3) local hydrogen concentration. In addition to the three main factors, the used weld-arc process is also important for the performance of the welded joint, especially when using modern arc variants. In the past, the conventional transitional arc process (Conv. A) was mainly used for welding of HSLA grades. In the past decade, the so-called modified spray arc process (Mod. SA) was increasingly used for welding production. This modified arc enables reduced seam opening angles with increased deposition rates compared to the conventional process. Economic benefits of using this arc type are: a reduced number of necessary weld beads and a lower weld seam volume, which result in decreased total welding time and costs. Nonetheless, investigations on a high-strength S960QL showed significantly higher hydrogen concentrations in the weld metal at a reduced seam opening angle with Mod. SA. This indicates an increased risk for the susceptibility of the welded component to HAC. Hence, existing recommendations on HAC-avoidance cannot be transferred directly to the Mod. SA-process.
In the present study, the susceptibility to HAC of the HSLA steel S960QL with same type of filler material was investigated. For that purpose, both Conv. A and Mod. SA were used with same weld heat input at different deposition rates. For assessment of the HAC susceptibility, the externally loaded Implant-test was used. Both conducted test series with Conv. A and Mod. SA showed similar crack critical stress of about 280 MPa. Below this value, no delayed fracture appeared. The welds with Mod. SA showed higher hydrogen concentrations. The fracture occurred in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) or in the weld metal (WM). But in all specimens, cracks initiated at the notch root of the spiral notch of the implants within the coarse-grained HAZ. However, the test series with Mod. SA showed a significant extension of the time-to-failure of several hours compared to tests carried out with Conv. A. The reason is the deeper weld penetration in case of Mod. SA, which causes longer diffusion path for hydrogen. The fracture topography of the ruptured implant specimens with Conv. A was typical ductile in specimen center and quasi-cleavage like at the edge of the specimens. When using Mod. SA, the topography changed to primarily quasi-cleavage fracture topography with shares of intergranular fracture and secondary crack appearance.
Wirtschaftliche und ökologische Aspekte führten in den letzten Jahren zu deutlich gesteigerten Anforderungen an die Effizienz und die Flexibilität petrochemischer Anlagen. Die heutzutage geforderten Prozesstemperaturen und -drücke lassen sich nur durch den Einsatz neuer warmfester Stahlgüten erreichen. Der mit Vanadium modifizierte Stahl 13CrMoV9-10 weist eine bessere Kriech- und Druckwasserstoffbeständigkeit auf und wird seit Mitte der 90er Jahre im petrochemischen Reaktorbau eingesetzt. Aufgrund der niedrigen Zähigkeit und hohen Festigkeit des Schweißgutes im geschweißten, nicht spannungsarm geglühten Zustand sowie einer erhöhten Sensitivität gegenüber Spannungsrelaxationsrissen bedarf dieser Stahl allerdings einer äußerst sorgfältigen schweißtechnischen Verarbeitung. Bisherige Untersuchungen zur Rissentstehung in warmfesten Stählen konzentrierten sich vorrangig auf thermische und metallurgische Einflussfaktoren, bieten jedoch nur wenige Erkenntnisse zum Einfluss des Schweißprozesses auf die Rissbildung beim Spannungsarmglühen unter Berücksichtigung realitätsnaher Fertigungsbedingungen.
Im ersten Teil wurde zunächst der Einfluss der Wärmeführung auf die mechanischen Eigenschaften anhand von frei schrumpfenden Laborproben untersucht. Während sich die Wärmeführung wesentlich auf die Schweißnahtstruktur auswirkte, war ein signifikanter Effekt auf die mechanischen Eigenschaften nicht nachweisbar. Auch traten infolge der Wärmenachbehandlung der frei schrumpfend geschweißten Proben keine Spannungsrelaxationsrisse auf.
Der zweite Teil umfasste die realitätsnahe Abbildung der Fertigungsbedingungen im petrochemischen Reaktorbau. Zu diesem Zweck wurden die konstruktiven Randbedingungen während des Vorwärmens, Schweißens, des Wasserstoffarmglühens und der abschließenden Wärmenachbehandlung realitätsnah in einer speziellen 3-D-Prüfanlage zur Simulation von Bauteilschweißungen abgebildet. Unter konstruktiver Schrumpfbehinderung gelang der Nachweis der unterschiedlichen Wirkung von Vorwärm- / Zwischenlagentemperatur und Streckenenergie auf die resultierenden Kräfte, Momente und Spannungen. Die Gesamtreaktionsspannung nach dem Schweißen wurde innerhalb des untersuchten Parameterfeldes maßgeblich durch die Streckenenergie beeinflusst.
Ein möglichst geringer Gesamtwärmeeintrag hat die niedrigste Bauteilbeanspruchung zur Folge. Während der Wärmenachbehandlung kam es in allen Versuchen zu Spannungsrelaxationsrissen. Deren kumulierte Länge korrelierte mit den ermittelten schweißbedingten Reaktionsspannungen.
Die Detektion der Risse während der Wärmenachbehandlung im Bauteilversuch erfolgte erstmalig in-situ mittels Schallemissionsanalyse. Die Rissinitiierung fand nachweislich im Temperaturbereich von 300 °C bis 500 °C statt. Die Reaktionsspannungen nach der Wärmenachbehandlung lagen unabhängig von der Ausgangsbelastung auf einem vergleichbaren Niveau. Die Zähigkeit der Schweißverbindung nahm klar gegenüber den frei schrumpfend geschweißten Proben ab.
Mittels REM- und TEM-Analysen an vergleichbaren belasteten und unbelasteten Proben wurde eine beschleunigte Alterung, durch das frühzeitige Ausscheiden von Sonderkarbiden während der Wärmenachbehandlung unter definierter Einspannung (d. h. unter Belastung), nachgewiesen. Die verstärkte Korngrenzensegregation korrelierte mit der signifikanten Abnahme der Kerbschlagarbeit der unter Einspannung geschweißten Proben.
The present study deals with the experimental characterization of short crack propagation in SLM (selective-laser-melting) manufactured stainless steel. More specifically, the determination of cyclic R-curves is discussed. This describes the dependency of the crack propagation threshold on crack growth during the short crack propagation stage. For metals, the threshold, starting at a material-intrinsic value, increases until it reaches a value independent of the crack length due to crack closure phenomena which build up at that stage. The cyclic R-curve, when used in the frame of a cyclic R curve analysis, characterizes the resistance of a material to fatigue crack growth and the ability to arrest a physically short crack. Thus, it is the link between classical fatigue and fracture mechanics. In the high-cycle-fatigue range, the short crack propagation stage dominates the overall lifetime, i.e., the number of cycles until failure. Below the fatigue limit crack arrest of hitherto propagable micro-cracks will occur. The effort for the experimental characterization of the short fatigue crack propagation behavior and the cyclic R-curve is very high compared to experiments on long crack propagation. A very exact measurement of crack extension is required, since small increments need to be depicted. Pre-cracking must leave a closure free initial crack, since closure must be build up only by the cyclic R-curve. The closure-free status is achieved by compression pre-cracking. The aim of the present study is an insight into the influence of an AM process on the short crack propagation threshold. Cyclic R-curves are experimentally determined at different load-ratios for 316L austenitic steel specimens produced by SLM and conventional manufacturing. Residual stresses are measured in the crack plane and their influence on the cyclic R-curve is discussed.
Rapid cooling rates and steep temperature gradients are characteristic of additively manufactured (AM) parts and important factors for residual stress formation which have implications on structural integrity. This study examined the influence of heat input on the distribution of residual stresses in two prisms produced by laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) of austenitic stainless steel 316L.
The layers of the prisms were exposed using two distinct helix scanning strategies: one scanned from the centre to the perimeter and the other from the perimeter to the centre. Residual stresses were characterised at one plane perpendicular to the building direction at half of its build height using neutron diffraction. In addition, the defect distribution was analysed via micro X-ray computed tomography (µCT) in a twin specimen.
Both scanning strategies reveal residual stress distributions typical for AM: compressive stresses in the bulk and tensile stresses at the surface. However, temperature gradients and maximum stress levels differ due to the different heat input. Regarding the X-ray µCT results, they show an accumulation of defects at the corners where the laser direction turned through 90°.
The results demonstrate that neutron diffraction and X-ray µCT can be successfully used as non-destructive methods to analyse through-thickness residual stress and defect distribution in AM parts, and in the presented case, illustrate the influence of scanning strategies. This approach contributes to deeper assessment of structural integrity of AM materials and components.
Hydrogen was once called “the versatile embrittler” [1], which summarizes very well the effect on reduction of ductility and/or toughness in technical alloys like steel. In that connection, welding is one of the most important component fabrication technologies. During welding, hydrogen can be transferred to the weld pool from manifold sources (like contaminations, residuals at the surface, etc.). As hydrogen embrittles a material, the safety of welded components with hydrogen is always a critical issue. Weld heat input causes additional changes in the microstructure like grain growth or partial dissolution of precipitates and many more. All these things influence the mechanical properties and also represent hydrogen traps. These traps decrease the hydrogen diffusion compared to the ideal lattice. The result can be so-called delayed hydrogen assisted cracking (HAC) of the weld joint due to the significantly decreased diffusivity by trapped hydrogen. This is often an underestimated risk as those cracks can appear in the weld joint even after some days!
It is essential to know about hydrogen ingress during welding and the microstructure specific hydrogen diffusion. Both are depended on weld parameter influence and the chemical composition of the base material and weld metal. For that purpose, gas analytic methods like solid-state carrier gas hot extraction (CGHE) are useful tools to: (1) identify detrimental hydrogen concentrations from weld joints, (2) binding energies from hydrogen traps by thermal desorption analysis or (3) high-temperature diffusion coefficients. Those values are extremely important for welding practice in terms of recommendations on realistic hydrogen removal heat treatment (HRHT) after welding. Considering the increasing use of “digital” experiments, the data is also needed for reliable numerical simulations of HAC process or HRHT-effectiveness.
The present contribution gives an overview on the influence of hydrogen on weld joints, the necessity, methods and standards for hydrogen determination (CGHE) with the aim of fabrication of safe welded and crack-free components.
[1] R. A. Oriani (1987), Corrosion 43(7):390-397. doi: 10.5006/1.3583875
In situ ED XRD und Radiographie während eines Zugversuchs an wasserstoffbeladenem Supermartensit
(2019)
Die Ergebnisse von in-situ Experimenten am Berliner Elektronenspeicherring (BESSY II) werden vorgestellt. Es wurden Zugversuche an wasserstoffbeladenen und wasserstofffreien supermartensitischen Proben durchgeführt und Diffraktionsspektren und radiographische Bilder aufgenommen. Die energiedispersive Röntgendiffraktion ermöglichte dabei die dehnungsinduzierte Phasenumwandlung von Restaustenit zu Martensit in-situ zu beobachten. Die Radiographiebilder der zerreisenden Probe gaben Einblicke in das Bruchverhalten in Abhängigkeit vom Wasserstoffgehalt des Supermartensits.
Chemical composition of the welding seam and HAZ has significant effect on weld quality.
Current inspection methods for weld seams measure and investigate post factum and cannot prevent weld defects. Element burn-off may significantly affect solidification leading to embrittlement or cracking. Control of weld chemical compositions insures a controlled solidification and resistance to related weld defects. “Industry 4.0” is the current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. With this trend “intelligent” welding machines will be developed. LIBS can provide significantly important online data for such systems.
Residual stresses are crucial when assessing the performance of welded components. The present work deals with the possibilities of transferring the real-life boundary conditions of welding, which influence the residual stress, into the laboratory. The possibilities of a test system with a load capacity of 2 MN specifically developed for online monitoring of stress formation and cracking are shown. Due to the structural design, global process, geometry and material-dependent stresses are induced, which can be quantified in-situ during welding and post weld heat treatment. Examples are presented how the conditions to be found during production are simulated in the laboratory. It is shown how welding residual stresses in high-strength steels are affected by the heat control. Elevated working temperatures significantly increase the tensile residual stresses in the heat affected zone (HAZ). The effect of mechanical stresses resulting from welding on stress relief cracking is demonstrated by the example of a creep resistant steel. Reheat cracks were monitored online during post weld heat treatment.
Over the past years economic and environmental considerations have led to a markedly increased demand for efficiency and flexibility in petrochemical plants. The operational temperatures and pressures required today can only be achieved by using new creep-resistant grades of steel. The modified 13CrMoV9-10 vanadium steel shows a good resistance against creep and compressed hydrogen and has been in use for the construction of petrochemical reactors since the mid-1990s. Nevertheless, processing of this type of steel requires extreme care during the welding procedure. This is due to its low toughness and high strength in the welded state when not post weld heat treated combined with increased susceptibility to cracking during stress relaxation. Previous research into crack formation in creep-resistant steels has largely focused on thermal and metallurgical factors; however, little knowledge has been gathered regarding the influence of the welding procedure on crack formation during post weld heat treatment considering real-life manufacturing conditions. The influence of heat control on the mechanical properties has been investigated by simulating the welding and subsequent post weld heat treatment operations during the construction of petrochemical reactors using a special 3-D testing facility on the laboratory scale.
This work is subdivided in two parts. In part I of this study the stresses resulting from preheating, welding, dehydrogenation heat treatment and the final post weld heat treatment were analyzed during experiments under varied heat control. In all experiments stress relief cracks formed during post weld heat treatment could be observed. The total crack lengths correlated with the welding induced stresses.
Part II of this work is dedicated to the characterization of the cracks and the microstructure. The application of a special acoustic emission analysis indicated that the cracks formed in a temperature range between 300 °C and 500 °C during the post weld heat treatment. In comparison to small scale specimens welded without additional shrinkage restraint, the toughness of the restrained welds was significantly decreased. SEM and TEM analyses of all samples revealed accelerated aging due to early precipitation of special carbides during post weld heat treatment under component relevant restraint.
Over the past years economic and environmental considerations have led to a markedly increased demand for efficiency and flexibility in petrochemical plants. The operational temperatures and pressures required today can only be achieved by using new creep-resistant grades of steel. The modified 13CrMoV9-10 vanadium steel shows a good resistance against creep and compressed hydrogen and has been in use for the construction of petrochemical reactors since the mid-1990s. Nevertheless, processing of this type of steel requires extreme care during the welding procedure. This is due to its low toughness and high strength in the welded state when not post weld heat treated combined with increased susceptibility to cracking during stress relaxation. Previous research into crack formation in creep-resistant steels has largely focused on thermal and metallurgical factors; however, little knowledge has been gathered regarding the influence of the welding procedure on crack formation during post weld heat treatment considering real-life manufacturing conditions.
In this work, the influence of heat control on the mechanical properties has been investigated by simulating the real-life manufacturing conditions prevailing during the construction of petrochemical reactors using a special 3-D testing facility. The stresses resulting from preheating, welding, dehydrogenation heat treatment and the final post weld heat treatment were measured during experiments under varied heat control. In all experiments stress relief cracks formed during post weld heat treatment could be observed. The total crack lengths correlated with the stresses due to welding. The application of a special acoustic emission analysis indicated that the cracks formed during post weld heat treatment in a temperature range between 300 °C and 500 °C. In comparison to small scale samples welded without additional shrinkage restraint, the toughness of the restrained welds was significantly decreased. SEM and TEM analyses of all samples revealed accelerated aging due to early precipitation of special carbides during post weld heat treatment under component relevant restraint.
Over the past years economic and environmental considerations have led to a markedly increased demand for efficiency and flexibility in petrochemical plants. The operational temperatures and pressures required today can only be achieved by using new creep-resistant grades of steel. The modified 13CrMoV9-10 vanadium steel shows a good resistance against creep and compressed hydrogen and has been in use for the construction of petrochemical reactors since the mid-1990s. Nevertheless, processing of this type of steel requires extreme care during the welding procedure. This is due to its low toughness and high strength in the welded state when not post weld heat treated combined with increased susceptibility to cracking during stress relaxation. Previous research into crack formation in creep-resistant steels has largely focused on thermal and metallurgical factors; however, little knowledge has been gathered regarding the influence of the welding procedure on crack formation during post weld heat treatment considering real-life manufacturing conditions. The influence of heat control on the mechanical properties has been investigated by simulating the welding and subsequent post weld heat treatment operations during the construction of petrochemical reactors using a special 3-D testing facility on the laboratory scale.
This work is subdivided in two parts. In part I of this study the stresses resulting from preheating, welding, dehydrogenation heat treatment and the final post weld heat treatment were analyzed during experiments under varied heat control. In all experiments stress relief cracks formed during post weld heat treatment could be observed. The total crack lengths correlated with the welding induced stresses.
Part II of this work is dedicated to the characterization of the cracks and the microstructure. The application of a special acoustic emission analysis indicated that the cracks formed in a temperature range between 300 °C and 500 °C during the post weld heat treatment. In comparison to small scale specimens welded without additional shrinkage restraint, the toughness of the restrained welds was significantly decreased. SEM and TEM analyses of all samples revealed accelerated aging due to early precipitation of special carbides during post weld heat treatment under component relevant restraint.
Heute werden in Stahlkonstruktionen zunehmend hochfeste Baustähle (Streckgrenze ≥ 960 MPa) eingesetzt. Daher sind auch in Schweißnähten solche hohen Festigkeiten gefordert. Jedoch können hohe Eigenspannungen aufgrund geringerer plastischer Dehnungsreserven in diesen Schweißnähten die Sicherheit der Bauteile vermindern. Diese sind insbesondere im Zusammenhang mit Wasserstoff und Härtegefügen risskritisch. Niedrige Bauteilbeanspruchungen und Kosteneinsparungen lassen sich heutzutage mit modernen fokussierten Lichtbogenvarianten und engeren Nahtspalten erreichen. Die vorliegende Studie zeigt allerdings, dass diese modernen Schweißprozesse und die angepasste Nahtgeometrie höhere Wasserstoffkonzentrationen und signifikant gesteigerte oberflächennahe Zugeigenspannungsniveaus bedingen. Anhand mehrlagiger Schweißversuche an S960QL unter Variation von Wärmeführung, Lichtbogenvariante und Nahtöffnungswinkel wurden die Effekte und Wechselwirkungen unter Zuhilfenahme von Eigenspannungsanalytik mittels Röntgendiffraktometrie und Wasserstoffanalytik mittels Trägergasheißextraktion systematisch untersucht. Das Schweißgefüge führte unter kritischer mechanischer Beanspruchung und erhöhtem Gehalt an diffusiblem Wasserstoff insbesondere bei geringem Nahtöffnungswinkel und fokussiertem Lichtbogen zu einer deutlichen Ausbildung von Mikrorissen. Die Mikrorisse führten teils zu einer makroskopischen Ausprägung. Durch Analysen zur Nachwärmung aus der Schweißwärme heraus konnten suffiziente Wärmeführungsparameter für eine effektive Prävention solcher Risse erarbeitet werden. Die vorliegende Arbeit zeigt anhand des Interaktionssystems bei der wasserstoffunterstützten Kaltrissbildung Gefüge-Beanspruchung-Wasserstoff, welche Wärmeführungs- und Schweißparameter sich für die hochfesten Feinkornbaustähle zur Kaltrissvermeidung eignen.