Evaluation of Microstructure and Impact Toughness of Shielded Metal Arc Dissimilar Weldments of High Strength Low Alloy Steel and Austenitic Stainless Steel

There is a growing interest for novel materials of dissimilar metals due to higher requirements needed for some critical engineering applications. In this research, different dissimilar weld joints of high strength low alloy (HSLA) and 316 austenitic stainless steel grades were successfully produced using shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) process with 316L-16 and E7018 electrodes. Five variations of welding currents were employed within the specified range of each electrode. Other welding parameters such as heat inputs, welding speeds, weld sizes, arc voltages and time of welding were also varied. Specimens for different weld joint samples were subjected to microstructural studies using optical and scanning electron microscopes. The impact toughness test was also conducted on the samples using Izod impact testing machine. The analysis of the weld microstructures indicated the presence of type A and AF solidification patterns of austenitic stainless steels. The results further showed that the weld joints consolidated with E7018 electrode presented comparatively superior impact energy to the weldments fabricated by 316L-16 electrode. The optimum impact energy of E7018-weld joints (51J) was attained at higher welding heat inputs while that of 316L-16-weld joints (35J) was achieved at lower welding heat inputs, which are necessary requirements for the two electrodes used in the experiment. Hence, the dissimilar weld joints investigated could meet requirement for engineering application in offshore and other critical environments.Keywords—Dissimilar metal weld, heat input, impact toughness, microstructures