Microstructures and Type-IV Creep Damage of High Cr Steel Welds

Abstract

Creep strength of welded joints in high Cr steels decreases due to the formation of Type-IV creep damage in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) during long-term use at high temperatures. This paper aims to elucidate the processes and mechanisms of Type-IV failure. Creep tests for the welded joints with different groove configurations of Mod.9Cr-1Mo steel were conducted. Distributions of Type-IV creep damages in HAZ of these welds were measured quantitatively, and were compared with FEM computations using damage mechanics analysis. For the welded joints with double U groove, creep voids were observed mostly at 20% below the surface of the plate, and scarcely near surfaces and center of thickness. For the welded joints with single U groove, creep voids were observed inside the plate thickness more than 3mm below the surfaces. From the comparison of experimental damage distributions with FEM analysis, it is considered to be important to take the stress triaxiality into account for the prediction of damage location and fracture life of high Cr ferritic steel welds.