Assessment of the Solidification Cracking Susceptibility of Welding Consumables in the Varestraint Test by Means of an Extended Evaluation Methodology. Issue 6 (31st March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kromm, Arne; Thomas, Maximilian; Kannengiesser, Thomas; Gibmeier, Jens; Vollert, Florian
• Is Part Of: Advanced engineering materials. Volume 24:Issue 6(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-03-31
• Subjects: low transformation temperature alloys -- solidification cracking -- varestraint test -- welding; Materials -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/adem.202101650
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1438-1656

Abstract

Abstract : Various test methods are available for assessing the susceptibility of materials to solidification cracking during welding. In the widely used Varestraint test, the crack length is selected as a criterion as a function of the applied bending strain. Unfortunately, the crack length does not characterize the material behavior alone but depends to varying degrees on the individual test parameters used, which makes the interpretation of the results difficult. In addition, the crack length is not comparable under different test conditions. To overcome these disadvantages, we have developed a novel evaluation methodology that decouples the machine influence from the material behavior. The measured crack length is related to the maximum possible value specified by welding speed and deformation time. This relative crack length is calculated numerically, considering the orientation of the cracks. Experiments on two high‐alloy martensitic welding consumables show that, in contrast to the conventional evaluation, a comparison of different welding parameters becomes possible. Furthermore, the strain rate proved to be a suitable crack criterion in agreement with Prokhorov's hot cracking model. Abstract : A novel evaluation method for solidification cracking in the Varestraint test allows considering the influence of test conditions on the crack length. A strain rate‐based evaluation criterion is presented, which enables the comparison of different Varestraint test results. The advantages of the new method are demonstrated in comparison to the conventional evaluation using two high‐alloy weld filler metals.