Alívio de tensões residuais em junta soldada com arame de baixa temperatura de transformação martensítica

Abstract

The multi-pass welding of thick plates imposes to the welded joint a state of residual stresses that can be very harmful when they are in service. There are various phenomena that can alter the levels of residual stresses after materials welding; one of them is phase transformation. This work presents a comparative study of the levels of residual stresses in three welded joints, produced with different filler metals by Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW). A martensitic stainless steel wire Fe-12% Cr-5% Ni with low transformation temperature was the first to be used. After this an austenitic stainless steel Fe-18.5% Cr-10% Ni was used and finally a low alloy steel Fe -1.25% Cr-0.5% Mo. In the welding process, we used a workbench robot with multiprocess source for making joints, and the AISI 4140 the base metal.. Residual stresses were measured on the surface of welded joints using X-ray diffraction method. Tensile strength, toughness and hardness, as well as the resultant microstructure in weld metal, heat affected zone and base metal were evaluated. The results showed that the joint produced with wire electrode that has undergone low temperature martensitic transformation presents significant levels of compressive residual stress, unlike the other joints which present tensile residual stress at most of the measured points. In tensile tests, the joint of martensitic stainless steel showed high yield limits and tensile strength, and its rupture occurred at the interface between base metal and weld metal. Results of the impact tests of this joint showed relatively low absorbed energy values at the weld metal and heat affected zone.