Strain ageing in welded joints of API5L X65Q seamless pipes

Abstract

In this work, we investigated the effects of the phenomenon of strain ageing in joints obtained by gas-shielded arc welding (gas metal arc welding, GMAW), of seamless pipes of API5L X65Q steel. Test specimens obtained from the welded joints were submitted to cold plastic strain of 3% and then aged for 1 h at 250 °C, so as to induce static ageing. For evaluating dynamic ageing, the test specimens were strained to 3% and loading was maintained for 1 h at 250 °C. The aged specimens were submitted to tensile testing and representative samples were examined in the light microscope and the scanning electron microscope. It was observed that the phenomenon altered the volume fraction of secondary constituents in the weld metal and in the HAZ, with increase in the proportion of ferrite–carbide aggregates. Regarding the mechanical properties, it was found that the phenomenon reduced the elastic ratio of the welded joints due to an increase in the ultimate strength, besides increasing the total elongation, but without impairing the tensile properties of the welded joints. On comparing static ageing with dynamic ageing, it was observed that the increase in the capacity for plastic strain of the welded joints was greater after static strain ageing.