Influence in the Mechanical Properties and Residual Stresses of ASTM A572 Grade 50 Material Welded by Submerged Arc Welding with Post Weld Heat Treatment

Abstract

The ASTM A572 Grade 50 material is used in welded structural components in the manufacture of wind turbines. In this way, it is important to apply the stress relief process to correct the effects caused by the welding processes, and then assess the final properties obtained with this process. The objective of this article is to evaluate the mechanical properties of specimens of the ASTM A572 Grade 50 material welded by the submerged arc welding, comparing the thermal stress relief condition (PWHT) with the as welded condition (SST), following the normative requirements of AWS D1. 1-2015. Tensile testing, impact test, lateral bending, hardness and residual stresses measured by hole drilling method for the conditions tested. The results showed lower values of hardness, residual stress, yield strength, and ultimate tensile strength of the PWHT specimens. On the other hand, the values of elongation and impact energy absorbed of the PWHT specimens were higher than those of the SST specimens. Both conditions tested were approved in the lateral bending test. The results demonstrate the importance of the stress relief process, which reduces the unwanted effects of the welding processes, thereby delivering better quality of the components.

Key-words:
Windgenerators; Post weld heat treatment; Mechanical properties; Submerged arc welding