Journal of Engineering in Industrial Research

h-index: 18     i10-index: 25

Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Heat-Treated Low Carbon Steel Welded with Varied Joint Designs

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Isiaka Oluwole Oladele 1
Samuel Olumide Falana 1
Collins Chidiebere Okoye 1
Peace Pamilerin Adara 1
Adesuyi Kole Aladenika 2, 3
Sunday Gbenga Borisade 4

1 Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

2 Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria

3 Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

4 Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Federal University Oye, Ekiti State, Nigeria

https://doi.org/10.48309/jeires.2024.2.5
Abstract
This study examined the effects of joint design and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) on the microstructural features and mechanical properties of low-carbon steel welded using the shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) process. Three joint configurations—bevel, butt, and half-lap—were welded under consistent parameters, with a subset of samples subjected to PWHT involving quenching in either used or unused oil baths. Mechanical testing, including tensile, hardness, and impact toughness tests, was conducted on both as-welded (AW) and PWHT-treated samples. Results showed that bevel joints exhibited the highest tensile, yield, and impact strengths, while butt joints demonstrated superior hardness. PWHT, particularly quenching in unused oil, significantly enhanced tensile strength, yield strength, and hardness, whereas quenching in used oil achieved the highest impact strength. Microstructural analysis of the bevel joints after quenching in unused oil, along with mechanical testing for tensile strength, yield strength, hardness, and impact toughness, revealed that PWHT notably improved mechanical performance compared to AW conditions. The bevel joints exhibited significantly higher tensile and yield strengths, as well as enhanced hardness, indicating the formation of a refined martensitic structure due to the quenching process. The study concluded that the choice of joint design and quenching medium can optimize welded joint properties for specific industrial applications. Bevel joints were recommended for high tensile and yield strength, whereas butt joints were preferable when hardness and toughness were essential.

Keywords

Low carbon steel
Weld joints
Oil bath
Post weld treatment
Shielded metal arc welding

Subjects

OPEN ACCESS

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Journal of Engineering in Industrial Research
Volume 5, Issue 2
Spring 2024
Pages 116-135

  • Receive Date 07 September 2024
  • Revise Date 12 November 2024
  • Accept Date 07 December 2024

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