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Materials at High Temperatures (2006), 23(3-4)

 

Creep resistance of similar and dissimilar weld

joints of P91 steel

Dagmar Jandova´ , Josef Kasl and Va´ clav Kanta

Skoda Vy´zkum s.r.o., Tylova 57, Pilsen, CZ 316 00, Czech Republic

E-mail: dagmar.jandova@skodavyzkum.cz

 

ABSTRACT

Two experimental weld joints, a similar weld joint of 9Cr –1Mo steel and a dissimilar weld joint of

9Cr – 1Mo and 2.25Cr – 1Mo steels, were fabricated by the TIGþE method and post-weld heating

was applied. Creep testing was carried out at temperatures ranging from 525 to 625_C in the stress

range 40 – 240 MPa. Creep rupture strength was evaluated using the Larson–Miller parameter.

Extended metallography including transmission electron microscopy was performed and critical

zones were indicated where fractures were concentrated during the creep exposure. At high

temperatures rupture of the dissimilar weldment occurred in the heat affected zone (HAZ) of the

weld metal while rupture of the similar weldment was located in the HAZ of the parent material. The

processes of recovery seem to be the main causes of decrease in creep rupture strength of both weld

joints in comparison to the parent materials.

 

Keywords: creep-resistant steels, welding, microstructure, transmission electron microscopy

 

 

Microstructure and mechanical properties of an

inertia friction welded INCOLOY alloy 909 –

INCONEL alloy 718 joint for rotating applications

O. Rodera*, J. Albrechtb and G. Lu¨ tjeringb

aMTU Aero Engines GmbH, 80995 Munich, Germany

E-mail: Olaf.Roder@muc.mtu.de

bTechnical University Hamburg-Harburg, 21073 Hamburg, Germany

 

ABSTRACT

Inertia welding is a common practice to join axially symmetrical parts for aero-engine applications.

The shaft for a new advanced high-pressure compressor will be produced by joining the high strength

superalloys INCOLOY_ alloy 909 (Incoloy909) and INCONEL_ alloy 718 (IN718). IN718 is the

work-horse nickel-iron-chromium alloy for a variety of parts for aero-engine applications due to a

good combination of relevant mechanical properties, good corrosion resistance and easy fabricability.

Incoloy909 is a nickel-iron-cobalt alloy used in aero-engines due to an interesting combination of a

nearly constant low coefficient of thermal expansion combined with a constant modulus of elasticity

and high strength over a wide range of temperatures. Both alloys are strengthened by precipitationhardening

through additions of niobium and titanium. Ring shaped specimens of fully heat-treated

Incoloy909 and IN718 are joined by inertia welding. The microstructure in the welded zone is

investigated by optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy with the focus on the

Incoloy909 side. Post-weld heat-treatments (PWHT) are evaluated by microstructural investigations

and by hardness measurements. The chosen PWHT is characterized by its tensile, creep and load

controlled fatigue properties. The results of the mechanical tests are described in terms of the

microstructural changes observed in the welded zone.

 

 

Characterisation of diffusion bond TiAl –Ti 6242 joints

B. Dogana*, X. Zhenga,b and K.-H. Bohma

aGKSS Research Centre, Max-Planck-Str.1, D-21502 Geesthacht, Germany

E-mail: bilal.dogan@gkss.de

bBeijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China

 

ABSTRACT

The g-TiAl based titanium aluminides are considered as candidates to replace the current materials in

engineering applications at high temperatures due to their light weight and high temperature

properties. On the other hand, Ti6242Si alloys offer tensile and long-term creep strength which is

achieved through microstructural tailoring of alloys with increased a stabiliser content. The equiaxed,

duplex and lamellar microstructures that meet the modern engine design demands qualify these alloys

for aero-engine applications. Both materials are well studied for processing, characterisation and

structural applications [1 – 3]. However, fully utilisation of these materials for demanding engineering

applications necessitate advanced joining technologies where homogeneous material properties are

retained with high deformation and crack resistant bonds.

The present paper reports on a systematic study being carried out on the diffusion bonding of g-

TiAl intermetallics and equiaxed ayb Ti6242Si alloy. Emphasis is put on the diffusion bonding

process parameters of industrial interest, characterisation and properties of the joints. The process

variables including temperature, pressure and time are optimised to produce joints with sound

microstructure, bond quality and strength. The chemical composition and phase morphologies are

studied using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Mechanical

characterisation includes the standard tensile and micro tensile tests at ambient to high temperatures.

Deformation, crack initiation and crack growth behaviours are studied on fracture surfaces and side

surfaces of the tested diffusion bond joints.

 

Keywords: g (TiAl) based titanium aluminides, Ti6242Si, diffusion bonding, crack initiation

 

 

The creep rupture behaviour and steam oxidation

resistance of P92 weldments

P.J. Ennis

Institut fu¨ r Werkstoffe und Verfahren der Energietechnik IWV-2, Forschungszentrum

Ju¨ lich GmbH, D-52425 Ju¨ lich, Germany

E-mail: p.j.ennis@fz-juelich.de

 

ABSTRACT

The creep rupture properties of P92 autogenous welds have been investigated using cross-weld

specimens and weld simulation specimens. The influence of post-weld heat treatment was also

examined. The results have shown that the weldments in creep rupture tests failed in the softened heat

affected zone (Type IV failure). Transmission electron microscopy of thin foils taken from the heat

affected zone revealed a low dislocation density, which is associated with the low creep rupture

strength. The stress rupture strength reduction factor of the weldments compared with the base

material is, however, within acceptable limits. Steam oxidation tests were carried out on the weld

deposit and on cross-weld specimens and showed that the weldments exhibited lower oxidation rates

than the parent material, due to the higher Si and Mn contents of the filler metal.

 

Keywords: creep rupture behaviour, steam oxidation resistance, P92 weldments

 

 

 

An application of a phenomenological theory of creep damage

V. Mentl

Skoda Research Ltd., 31600 Plzen, Czech Republic, M. Capek, West-Bohemian University

E-mail: vaclav.mentl@skoda.cz

 

ABSTRACT

The presentation summarizes a creep damage theory based on a simple phenomenological model of

creep and creep damage making it possible to evaluate creep stress to rupture relationship. Four

material constants, which can be evaluated from uniaxial creep test results, are used to describe the

material behaviour. The theory is validated by comparison with an Al-alloy and a steel experimental

data, and a temperature relationship of the material constants is presented. Experimental creep to

rupture data of steel tubes loaded with internal pressure are compared with the theoretical curves

derived from the uniaxial creep data.

 

Keywords: creep, damage, parameter Larson-Miller, steel, Al-alloy

 

 

Integrity of welded joints

R.K. Pennya and W. Kohlho¨ ferb*

aR.K. Penny & Associates, Noordhoek, South Africa

bCape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa

E-mail: kohlhoferw@cput.ac.za

 

ABSTRACT

The integrity of welded joints is of prime importance from many viewpoints, not least of which are

the safety and economy of plant operation. A previous IMechE seminar discussing high temperature

welds indicated that welded joints in pressure vessels are the least tractable in terms of design.

Progress since then has been minimal. This is particularly true for power generating and petrochemical

industries in which welded vessels are subjected to aggressive environments and loading

whilst being expected to sustain economic lifetimes beyond 30 or more years. In these cases the

vessels are often subjected to temperatures within the creep range causing internal cavities to be

generated which can be life limiting at fractions of the design lives. The welded joints at nozzle

intersections in these cases are clearly limiting factors in the overall success – both legal and

economical – of the industries concerned.

 

Keywords: welded joints, safety, economy, plant operation

 

 

A case study for reheat crack

Pedro Veron

Equipos Nucleares, Spain

E-mail: veron@ensa.es

 

ABSTRACT

This paper deals with an experience of high temperature behaviour of weldments. It relates to a case

of reheat cracking that took place in the manufacturing of a nuclear pressure vessel 30 years ago. At

this time, designers did not consider the factyphenomenon of welding postheating. Therefore, they

made the recommendation that the manufacturers had to maintain preheating temperature until the

weldment entered the furnace for PWHT. In this condition, the high stresses present at the weld toe

often gave way to reheat cracking.

 

Keywords: reheat cracking, heat affected zone, nuclear component, post weld heat treatment, manufacturing

 

 

Small Punch test for weld heat affected zones

Yingzhi Lia* and Roman Sˇ turmb*

aKEMA NEDERLAND BV, Arnhem, The Netherlands. E-mail: yingzhi.li@kema.com

bUniversity of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia

 

ABSTRACT

Small Punch tests (SPT) have been performed on four different zones of P91 welded joint, namely the

base metal (BM), the weld metal (WM), the heat affected zone at base metal side (HAZ-BM) and the

heat affected zone at weld metal side (HAZ-WM). Besides the creep rupture times, full creep

deflection curves are also available from which creep properties of different HAZ zones can be

derived.

In this paper, an analytic approach, based on Chakrebarty’s membrane stretch model and

Kachanov’s creep law, is used to interpret the creep deflection curves of different zones. First,

strains and stresses are derived from the observed deflection curves according to the Chakrebarty’s

membrane stretch model, then the Kachanov’s parameters are determined by attempting to minimize

the sum of the squares of the residuals (difference between derived strains and calculated strains at

each time point). With Kachanov’s parameters known, all creep properties can be obtained.

 

Keywords: Small Punch test, weld heat affected zones

 

 

High temperature cross-weld characterisation of

steel weldments by microtensile testing

U. Ceyhan*, M. Horstmann and B. Dogan

GKSS Research Centre, Max-Planck Str.1, D-21502 Geesthacht, Germany

E-mail: umit.ceyhan@gkss.de

 

ABSTRACT

Study of local material properties and damage mechanisms are undertaken in order to characterise

weldments that show significant variation of properties across weldments. One of the methods to

characterise the local variation of properties is microtensile (MT) testing of specimens machined out

of specific narrow zones of weldments. The literature data, though limited, on microtensile specimen

testing are reported at their low temperature behaviour. On the other hand, systematic study of crossweld

local material properties at high service temperatures have not yet been reported. In the present

study, MT tests are conducted across similar welds of P22 and P91 steels at 550 and 600_C,

respectively. In order to study deformation mechanisms and the role of surface condition on

properties, specimens with different surface conditions (i.e. machined, polished and electropolished

surfaces) are tested. Two different loading rates of 0.2mmymin and 0.5mmymin are used to study the

effect of loading rate on deformation and mechanical properties. Variations of material properties

yield strength (Rp0.2) and ultimate tensile strength (Rm), for the weldments are presented as a function

of surface conditions of specimens and loading speeds. Higher loading rates yield higher values of

Rp0.2 and Rm, and specimens with machined and polished surfaces show consistent and higher values

of Rp0.2 and Rm compared to specimens with an electropolished surface finish. Deformation behaviour

is studied on the side surfaces of tested microtensile specimens using an SEM. Deformation is

correlated to microstructural constituent that is observed on specimen side surfaces. The metallographic

information is used to interpret the variation of mechanical properties determined in tension at

high temperatures. The MT data are compared with standard tensile data obtained on specimens with

simulated microstructures. The prospects of using MT tests for characterising the material at high

temperatures and feasibility of use of data for assessment of components under service loading

conditions are reported.

 

Keywords: microtensile testing, high temperature deformation, high temperature steels, SEM, microstructure

 

 

Non-destructive characterization of thermal ageing

of the Cu-rich WB36 steel 15 NiCuMoNb 5 (1.6368)

G. Dobmann*, I. Altpeter and K. Szielasko

Fraunhofer IZFP, University Building 37, 66123 Saarbru¨ cken, Germany

E-mail: gerd.dobmann@izfp.fraunhofer.de

 

ABSTRACT

The phenomenon of precipitation hardening in steels is usually associated with carbon and nitrogen

additions which precipitate out under heat treatment or specific service conditions as carbides or

carbo-nitrides. In some alloys, however, for instance in Western nuclear pressure vessel steels, small

additions of copper can be the driving force for embrittlement and hardening. In the case of the steel

grade WB36 (15 NiCuMoNb 5, 1.6368), which is in service in fossil power plants and German

nuclear power plants, the effects of copper precipitation are even larger. The progress of precipitation

can be characterized by Vickers hardness measurements which, however, cannot be applied in an

area-wide manner under practical circumstances. A demand for the development of equivalent NDT

techniques, therefore, arises.

To this end, Fraunhofer IZFP has adapted and developed the so-called 3MA approach which

combines several micro-magnetic testing quantities for the characterization of mechanical properties.

This paper presents and discusses recent results obtained using the 3MA approach applied to

characterizing the ageing response of steel WB36.

 

Keywords: precipitation, precipitates, hardening, hardness, embrittlement, ageing, WB36, copper, 3MA, micromagnetic,

non-destructive testing

 

 

Degradation assessment of welded joints by X-ray

diffraction technique

J. Fialaa, M. Kolegaa and V.Mentlb*

aWest-Bohemian University, Plzen, Czech Republic

bSkoda Research Ltd., 31600 Plzen, Czech Republic. E-mail: vaclav.mentl@skoda.cz

 

ABSTRACT

X-ray diffraction technique has been recognized as a useful tool for the assessment of material

degradation extent after a long-time service. Framework 5 project ‘‘XPECTION’’ was dealing with

this task with respect to high-temperature creep degradation of boiler tube steels. This paper

summarizes partial results of an experimental programme concentrated on mechanical properties

degradation of base metals of steel and Al-alloy test specimens of welded components as a result of

fatigue loading.

 

Keywords: damage, X-ray diffraction, fatigue, steel, Al-alloy

 

 

Determination of residual stresses in multipass

weldments of high strength steels with

experimental and numerical techniques

D. Memhard, W. Pfeiffer and D. Siegele*

Fraunhofer-Institut fu¨ r Werkstoffmechanik, Freiburg, Germany

E-mail: dieter.siegele@iwm.fraunhofer.de

 

ABSTRACT

This paper presents part of the work from the EU project ELIXIR on a series of welded geometries.

Experimental and numerical techniques have been applied to determine residual stresses in buttwelded

joints of high strength steel. Starting from simple weld geometries that served for validation of

these tools, residual stresses were measured and calculated for an industrial component for offshore

application. In spite of some simplifications in the numerical simulation of the welding process,

satisfying agreement with experimental data has been achieved especially if relevant three-dimensional

effects have been modelled. The validation of numerical techniques for residual stress

calculations can help to enable cost effective fabrication and repair of steel components.

 

Keywords: residual stresses, X-ray diffraction, hole drilling method, 2Dy3D modelling, validation, application

 

 

Deformation of welded assemblies modelling and

distortion minimisation

Frederic J. Blom

NRG Petten, The Netherlands. E-mail: blom@nrg-nl.com

 

ABSTRACT

Welding of assemblies is often accompanied by an undesired amount of distortion. This results in

increased costs for straightening or other repair activities. In order to understand and subsequently

mitigate the effects of weld distortion in assemblies, a technique is developed to predict qualitative

weld distortion by means of finite element techniques. The model is kept simple in order to limit the

calculation times. Therefore, shell elements are used to model the plates in the assembly. The detailed

information in the weld itself is therefore lost. However, the technique allows for faster calculation

times on larger and more complex assemblies. By means of this technique transient deformation of

the welding of an assembly can be visualised, which enhances insight into the problem. The influence

of structural details or support functions can be shown to the designer. Weld distortion can then

subsequently be minimised as a function of weld sequence. The model has been validated against

various test-cases found in the open literature. These test-cases vary from simple T-branches to an

assembled part of a ship hull. It has been shown that the modelling provides a good prediction of

weld distortion as a function of welding sequence. The model distinguishes the distortion resulting

from different welding sequences, thereby providing a fast simulation tool allowing the designer to

minimise the total deformation.

 

Keywords: weld distortion, modelling, welded assemblies

 

 

Suppression of Type IV fracture in welded joints of

advanced ferritic power plant steels – effect of

boron and nitrogen

F. Abea, M. Tabuchib, M. Kondoc and H. Okadad

aNational Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba 305-0047, Japan.

E-mail: ABE.Fujio@nims.go.jp

bNational Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba 305-0047, Japan.

E-mail: TABUCHI.Masaaki@nims.go.jp

cNational Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Now, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd,

Fukahori-machi, Nagasaki 851-03, Japan. E-mail: masayuki_kondo@mhi.co.jp

dNational Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Now, Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd,

Amagasaki, Hyogo 660-0891, Japan. E-mail: okada-hrk@sumitomometals.co.jp

 

ABSTRACT

The effect of boron and nitrogen on the grain refinement in HAZ during heating and on the Type IV

fracture in welded joints has been investigated for P92 and 9Cr – 3W–3Co–VNb steel containing

boron and or nitrogen. Creep tests were carried out at 650_C (923 K) for up to about 36104 h for

base metals, simulated HAZ specimens and welded joints. The addition of boron of 47 to 139 ppm to

9Cr – 3W–3Co–VNb steel containing minimized nitrogen as low as 10 – 20 ppm suppresses the grain

refinement in HAZ and hence suppresses the Type IV fracture in welded joints at low stresses. The

addition of excess nitrogen of 0.06% causes the grain refinement during heating at around Ac3

temperature, in both conditions of no boron and high boron of 130 ppm. A combination of high boron

of 130 ppm and low nitrogen of 80 ppm causes no grain refinement in HAZ during heating at around

Ac3 temperature as well as significant improvement of creep rupture strength of base metal by fine

MX nitrides without any formation of boron nitrides.

 

Keywords: 9Cr steel, boron, nitrogen, heat affected zone, Type IV fracture, creep strength, HAZ microstructure

 

 

New 12% Cr-steel for tubes and pipes in power

plants with steam temperatures up to 650_C

Alfred Dhoogea*, Staf Huysmansb, Bruno Vandenberghec, Johan Vekemana and

Claus Jochumd

aBelgian Welding Institute, Gent, Belgium, bLaborelec, cVallourec & Mannesmann Tubes

and dBo¨ hler Thyssen Welding

*E-mail: alfred.dhooge@UGent.be

 

ABSTRACT

Nowadays, intense efforts are made to increase efficiency and thereby minimize harmful emissions of

power plants. This can be achieved by increasing operating pressure and temperature to ultrasupercritical

conditions. Presently martensitic 9% Cr-steels, e.g. P91, E911 and P92 are used for

power plants with advanced steam parameters. Whilst these materials have the highest creep rupture

strength values of ferritic steels, their oxidation resistance is lower than 12% Cr-steels, such as

X20CrMoV12-1. With increasing steam temperature (target: 650_C) the lifetime of components made

of 9% Cr-steel becomes limited not only by creep but also by oxidation. The present paper reports a

new 12Cr martensitic steel developed by Vallourec & Mannesmann, which is designed for use at

temperatures up to 650_C. It is the outcome of a normative research project of the Belgian Welding

Institute in collaboration with Laborelec and with industrial partners (Carnoy Industrial Piping,

Cockerill Mechanical Industries, Fabricom, Stork Mec, Bo¨hler Thyssen Welding Germany, Vallourec

& Mannesmann Tubes, AIB-Vinc¸otte, VCL, Tractebel and WTCM). Base metal properties (creep

strength, toughness, reheat cracking susceptibility, oxidation behavior. . .), welding and high temperature

behavior of the new 12% Cr-steel, and welds are addressed.

 

Keywords: 12%Cr steel, power plant, welding, creep

 

 

Intergranular cracking of Hastelloy C-276 in the

socket welded assemblies

Byung-Hak Choea*, Jin-Woo Kima, Chong-Chun Chob, Seon-Hwa Kimc, Ungyu Paikd,

Je Hyun Leee and Kee-Bong Yoonf

aDepartment of Metal and Materials Eng., Kangnung National Univ., Kangnung, 210-702, Korea

bMaterials Evaluation Eng. Tech., #2313 AFRA Center, 66 Sangnam-dong, Changwon, 641-831, Korea

cDepartment of Materials Eng., Soonchunhyang Univ., 646 Eupnae-ri, Asan, 336-745, Korea

dHanyang University, Ceramic Eng., 17 Haenadand-Dong, Seoul 133-791, Korea

eDept. of Metall. & Matls. Sci., Changwon National University, Changwon 641-773, Korea

fSchool of Mechanical Eng., Chung-Ang Univ., 221 Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul, 156-756, Korea

*E-mail: cbh@kangnung.ac.kr

 

ABSTRACT

The cause of thermal cracking about a socket welded tube was investigated by stress simulation and

its comparison to hardness distribution of welding seam, HAZ and matrix of the tube. In the condition

of heat-input in melting range of 1349_C, the stress was concentrated in HAZ at the opposite side of

welding area by ANSYS program, which corresponded to the distribution of real hardness values of

the tube. The high stress concentration in HAZ might be induced from fine carbide precipitation

which formed during welding process. It could cause, therefore, tube cracking in operating condition

simultaneously followed by bulging inside of the welded tube. In the crack propagation through all

the tube originated from inside HAZ, it might be accelerated by thermal fatigue, and propagated along

grain boundaries accompanied by the metal dust formation.

 

Keywords: intergranular cracking, Hastelloy C-276, socket welded assemblies

 

 

Effect of water-shower cooling during welding on

tensile residual stress improvement in multi-layer

welding of austenitic stainless steel plates

Nobuyoshi Yanagida a* and Hiroo Koideb

aHitachi Research Laboratory, Hitachi, Ltd., 3-1-1, Saiwai-cho, Hitachi, Ibaraki, 317-8511

Japan. E-mail nobuyoshi.yanagida.fw@hitachi.com

bHitachi Works, Hitachi, Ltd, Japan

 

ABSTRACT

A new welding method that uses a water shower behind the welding torch has been developed in

order to reduce tensile residual stress in a welded region. When this method is applied to the welding

of austenitic stainless steel, the welding and cooling conditions mainly determine how much the

residual stress can be reduced. To optimize these conditions, we first used the robust design technique

to determine the effects of the interpass temperature, the heat input quantity and the water-shower

area on the residual stress distribution of bead-on-plate. We found that, to decrease the tensile residual

stress, the interpass temperature should be high, the heat input low, and the water-shower area large.

Effect of the water-shower cooling on multi-layer welding was examined analytically and experimentally.

It was found that the residual stresses were tensile without water-shower cooling, but

compressive with water-shower cooling under the optimized conditions. It can therefore be concluded

that the new welding method is appropriate for reducing tensile residual stress in multi-layer welding

of austenitic stainless steel.

 

Keywords: residual stress, multi-layer welding, austenitic stainless steel, robust design technique, FEM

 

 

Features of thermal stress generated by welding

and cutting of dissimilar steels

S.H. Leea*, K.H. Changb and G.C. Jangb

aJoining and Welding Research Institute, Osaka University, 11-1, Mihogaoka, Ibaraki,

Osaka, 567-0047, Japan

E-mail: semtong@jwri.osaka-u.ac.jp

bDepartment of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Chung-Ang University, 221

Huksuk-dong, Dongjak-ku, Korea

 

ABSTRACT

Bridges that are damaged by an increase of vehicle load, corrosion and earthquake need repair or

strengthening. Repair procedures of steel bridge generally include cutting, bolting and welding, which

occasionally bring in a stress concentration within limit range. Therefore, a chain of confirmation

about the safety of the structure is necessary. A safety evaluation method that considers heat effect is

necessary to repair damaged structure by welding. Generalized welding and cutting residual stress is

employed to estimate the safety of structure during the welding repair work. This research investigates

the features of thermal stress generated by welding and cutting. The pattern of cutting residual stress