The effects of several factors on the weld cracking susceptibility in the through-thickness direction were investigated by oblique Y-groove cracking test, Heel cracking test and Insert window type weld cracking test.
The results obtained are summarized as follows:
(1) The cracking susceptibility in the through-thickness direction increases as sulphur content and Pct value of steel plate increase.
(2) Sulphur content is thought to indicate inclusion content, and total length of inclusion increases as sulphur content increases. Therefore, spherizing of inclusion improves greatly cracking susceptibility in the through-thickness direction.
(3) The cracking susceptibility in the through-thickness direction is affected also by the diffusible hydrogen content in weld metal. For the prevention of the cracking in the through-thickness direction, it is effective to reduce the diffusible hydrogen content.
(4) New formula PL for evaluation of the cracking susceptibility in the through-thickness direction was obtained.
