Influence of Welding Sequence on Residual Stresses Induced in As-Welded Plug Weld of Low-Carbon Steel Plate

Abstract

Weld distortion is a major issue in splice joint to get a perfect contact between mating parts. The hole in the bolted spliced joints of boiler structure may get dislocated due to error in process. The bolt hole is to be plug-welded for critical applications. Plug weld was carried out in a prepared drilled hole of low-carbon steel plate by shielded metal arc welding process with welding sequences A and B. Investigation was carried out to find out the effect of welding sequence on tensile residual stress and deflection in as-welded condition. The temperature gradient, hardness, and angular distortions were measured, microstructure was examined through optical microscope, and tensile residual stresses were estimated by blind-hole drilling. The experimental results revealed that the distortion and residual stress were minimum in welding sequence A and concluded that the welding sequence A was suitable for plug welding.