Approaches to consistently achieve full penetration in pipeline steel welds using friction stir welding
- Mahoney M. ,
- Sanderson S. ,
- Fend Z. ,
- et al
- Mahoney M. ,
- Sanderson S. ,
- Fend Z. ,
- Steel R. ,
- Packer S. and
- Higgins P.
Repository
Description
Friction stir welding (FSW) experiments were conducted on X52 and X60 pipeline steel specimens (outer diameter 324 mm, wall thickness 6.35 mm) and weldment integrity was evaluated by metallography, NDE and mechanical properties characterisation. Welding was performed in a MegaStir portable FSW pipe welding machine using a convex scroll shoulder step spiral polycrystalline cubic BN tool. The main process parameters included a plunge rate of 12.7 mm/min, a rotational speed of 100-500 rpm and a travel speed of 25-250 mm/min. Transverse tensile strength and Vickers microhardness of welds were determined. Radiography and ultrasonic testing were used to identify lack of penetration flaws at the weld root, and flaw morphology and weld nugget morphology were observed by metallography. Methods to achieve consistent full penetration welds, such as the sacrificial anvil concept and the root run arc welding approach, are discussed.
9th International Symposium, 15-17 May 2012, Session 10A: FSW Steel, Paper 01
Related Records
