Study of Welding Parameters Effects On Residual S
Study of Welding Parameters Effects On Residual S
Haider Maath
Mohammad
© 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution
License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribu
tion, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The terms on
which this article has been published allow the posting of the Accepted Manuscript in
a repository by the author(s) or with their consent.
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1. Introduction
In some of manufacturing processes, the residual stresses result from exiting heat and mechanical
forming process. Changes in geometrical shapes and properties have often produced residual stresses
in materials (Akinlabi et al., 2018). To investigate the influence of various manual welding process
parameters on the mechanical and microstructural properties of 316 stainless steel pipes, both
experimental and theoretical studies have been carried out. Shielded metal arc welding, also known
as stick welding, has involved melting and metals being joined by heating them using an electric arc
formed between a rod-like metal and electrode. A welding cable has established a connection
between the electrode holder and a terminal of the power source, and another cable has established
a connection between the workpiece and the remaining terminal. Welding has involved three primary
concerns: A solidified weld metal (W.M.) has consisted of base metals or base metals and filler metals,
Heat-affected zone (HAZ) has been a region wherein the base metal has undergone heating at high
temperatures but below the melting point, A base metal (B.M.) has been subjected to moderate
heating or has remained unheated altogether (Handbook, 1993; Series, 1988).
In the realm of experimental investigation, Karadeniz et al. (2007) have underscored the
significance of welding parameters on the depth of penetration in Erdemir 6842 steel, highlighting
the direct correlation with welding current and the influence of arc voltage. The practical applica
tion of these findings is crucial for selecting optimal welding parameters to enhance penetration
levels and overall weld quality in similar steel applications. Tseng and Hsu (2011) directed their
study toward the effects of the activated tungsten inert gas welding process on 316 L stainless
steel, exploring the impacts of various oxide fluxes on weld morphology, angular distortion, delta-
ferrite content, and hardness, thereby providing a comprehensive overview of weld quality deter
minants. The investigation by Ranjbarnodeh et al. (2015) on dissimilar TIG welds between low
carbon steel and ferritic stainless steel has shed light on the importance of understanding residual
stress origins to manage them effectively during welding, with special focus given to a thermo-
mechanical model for prediction and control.
When it comes to modeling and theoretical insights, the relationship between welding parameters
and residual stresses has been thoroughly explored. Wang et al. (1999) have documented how
residual stresses can alter thermal expansion behavior, while Li (2016) utilized in-situ deflection
and X-ray diffraction to investigate these stresses in oxide scale formation. Bastola et al. (2023)
brought attention to the generation of residual stresses in metal additive manufacturing due to
thermal energy and thermal cycling, emphasizing the complex interplay between thermal dynamics
and material behavior. Kumar and Nagamani Jaya (2023) have added to this narrative by discussing
the significant role of residual stresses in material reinforcement, indicating how these stresses
induce compressive states that influence the mechanical behavior of reinforced materials.
The connection between welding parameters, residual stresses, and material hardness in 316
stainless steel pipes is a critical aspect that has been meticulously investigated in the present study.
By utilizing shielded metal arc welding and varying welding currents and wire diameters, the study has
examined how these parameters affect the residual stresses and hardness, using a combination of arc
welding, hardness tests, and X-ray diffraction. The findings underscore the intricate relationship
between welding conditions and the resultant mechanical properties of the welded components.
Furthermore, factors such as electrode type, welding technique, welder skill, and joint design are
highlighted as determinants of weld quality. The implications of SMAW in producing high-quality
welds are evident in its application in industries that demand impeccable welding standards, such
as submarine hull construction and high-pressure pipeline fabrication. Cruz et al. (2020) have
provided insights into the corrosion characteristics of SLM-316 L specimens under residual stresses,
while Wu et al. (2020) leveraged machine learning algorithms to untangle the complex variables
affecting residual stresses in different alloys. Chao et al. (2021) have examined the effect of heat
treatments on residual stress in 316 L steel produced by selective laser melting, establishing
a correlation with microstructural changes, which aids in optimizing structural designs.
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In the quest for enhancing the microstructure and mechanical properties of 316 stainless steel,
Guan et al. (2021) have implemented laser shock peening, revealing its efficacy in improving micro
defects, microhardness, and introducing beneficial compressive residual stress. Conversely, Sander
et al. (2021) found that rapid heating and cooling-induced residual stresses could lead to corrosion
and pitting in 316 L stainless steel, although not affecting the passivity of the material. Finally, the
study points to the essential nature of further research into the specific effects of activated welding
parameters on SS 316, a material widely used across numerous industries, which informs subsequent
practical applications and contributes to the broader knowledge base in welding science.
2. Methodology
The W-H plot is constructed by plotting the integral breadth (β) of the diffraction peak as
a function of the scattering vector (4πsin(θ)/λ), where θ is the diffraction angle and λ is the
wavelength of the incident radiation. Integral breadth represents the angular range over which
the peak is observed and is related to the full width at half maximum (FWHM). In the W-H plot, the
integral breadth is plotted against the scattering vector squared (s^2) on a linear scale. The plot
typically exhibits a linear relationship. A linear relationship is represented by a slope equal to the
inverse of crystallite size and an intercept equal to microstrain according to the Williamson-Hall
equation. The Williamson-Hall equation is given by (Prabhu et al., 2014):
Where:
β is the integral breadth of the diffraction peak.
θ is the diffraction angle.
K is a shape factor related to the sample and instrument geometry.
λ is the wavelength of the incident radiation.
D is the crystallite size.
ε is the microstrain.
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Sample of
stainless steel
316 pipe
welding
Data Analysis
transitions in the metal, leading to residual stresses. So that external and internal oxidation may
cause growth stresses (Bertali et al., 2016; Jasim, 2007; Mohammad et al., 2022; Ochał et al., 2021;
Tewari et al., 2010). An X-ray diffractometer was used to perform X-ray diffraction (XRD) with Cu Kα
radiation at 1.5406 Å wavelength. The dimensions for the sample inspection are (50 mm long, 50
mm wide, and 8 mm thick), angles of incidence ranged from 10° to 90°. Results of XRD analyses are
based on scattering angles, wavelengths, and incident angles of X-ray beams on crystalline
specimen surfaces. Figure 2 illustrates the X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of eight samples that
were exposed to varying welding parameters at welding magnitude (W.M.). Specifically, the
analysis includes the following configurations: Sample A with wire 6010 at a diameter of 3.2 mm
and a current of 90A, Sample B with the same wire and diameter at a current of 100A, Sample
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Figure 2. (Continued)
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Figure 2. (Continued)
C using the same wire at a current of 110A, Sample D employing wire 6013 at a diameter of 2.25
mm and a current of 90A, Sample E with wire 6013 at the same diameter and a current of 110A,
Sample F with wire 6013 at a current of 120A, Sample G utilizing wire 7018 at a diameter of 3.2
mm and a current of 140A, and Sample H with wire 7018 at the same diameter but a higher
current of 160A. As you can see from the chart, the samples were welded under the specified
conditions, which resulted in the crystallographic structure and phase composition of the samples.
A single peak detected in an X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, particularly in stainless steel 316 (SS
316), can indicate a few scenarios. SS 316 is an austenitic grade of stainless steel, meaning its
primary crystal structure is face-centered cubic. As indicated, the peak between 40 and 50 degrees
could correspond to the (011) plane, which is typically the most intense peak for BCC structures.
The reasons for observing only one peak could be the orientation of the crystals: If the sample has
been subjected to processes such as welding, the grains may have a preferred orientation (tex
ture), leading to an enhancement of certain peaks in the XRD pattern. The distance of 1 cm
separates between (B.M.), (HAZ), and (W.M.) in Figures 3, 4 and 5. Figure 3 shows the hardness
distribution of welded joint for the currents (90, 100, and 110 A), which clearly shows a broadening
of hardness on wire 6010, even in the same wire. When the hardness was increased to 230 HR in
W.M. with the currents 90A and 100A, compared to the current 110 A, the hardness distribution
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changed slightly. When using 90 A current in wire 7018, joints cannot be welded. This is shown in
qryyigure 3, where wire 6013 has a maximum hardness of 302 HR, W.M., As shown in qryyigure 4,
there are different hardness results for (B.M.), (HAZ), and (W.M.). Hardness 260 HR in (W.M.) at 120
A, but in qryyigure 5, (W.M.) hardness is obtained at 242 HR and 260 HR, at 140A and 160A,
respectively.
It is crucial to acknowledge that the correlation between hardness and residual stresses
exist in a welded joint is complex and can vary depending on the specific welding conditions
and material properties. Experimental measurements, such as hardness testing and non-
destructive evaluation techniques, are typically conducted to assess the presence and distribu
tion of residual stresses present in welded joints, according to the resultant for different
welding current, welding wire types, and wire diameters, Figure 6 shows that when the hard
ness increase the residual stresses decrease. Welding currents ranging from 90A to 160A
require an understanding of residual stress measurements. X-ray diffraction analysis was
used to measure residual stress. A consistent relationship was observed between residual
stresses and hardness in welded components. Stress distribution and structural implications
are provided by these measurements.
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XRD analysis for A-(wire 6010, d = 3.2 mm, current = 90A), B-(wire 6010, d = 3.2 mm, current = 100A),
C-(wire 6010, d = 3.2 mm, current = 110A), D-(wire 6013, d = 2.25 mm, current = 90A), E-(wire 6013, d =
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2.25 mm, current = 110A), F-(wire 6013, d = 2.25 mm, current = 120A), G-(wire 7018, d = 3.2 mm, cur
rent = 140A) and H-(wire 7018, d = 3.2 mm, current = 160A).
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(Continued)
(Continued)
4. Conclusions
This study presents novel findings on the impact of welding parameters on the hardness
distribution of 316 stainless steel weldments. Our results indicate that a welding current of
100A results in notable changes in hardness, albeit less pronounced than at 110A. We have
discovered that the hardness in the weld metal (W.M.) can reach 230 HR at 90A and 100A
currents, contrasting with the minor changes observed at 110A. Significantly, at 140A and
160A, hardness levels escalate to 242 HR and 260 HR, respectively, underscoring the strong
influence of welding current. With wire type 6013 and a 90A current, there is a marked
hardness increase, peaking at 302 HR. Additionally, using wire type 6010, an extensive hardness
distribution becomes evident, especially at 90A, revealing a hardness upsurge in the W.M. up to
230 HR. Contrarily, the combination of 90A current with wire type 7018 either yields unsatis
factory results or proves to be infeasible, emphasizing the challenges of this specific parameter
set. The study elucidates a clear inverse correlation between residual stress and hardness,
offering critical insights for optimizing the welding process to tailor the mechanical properties
of welded components.
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