EVALUATION OF WELDED JOINT (SMAW) AFTER POST WELD HEAT TREATMENT (PWHT)

Abstract

Joining of two materials having similar physical, chemical, and thermal properties and to make the
joint tough and stiff, special attention and investigation are required. In this research, the welding joint between
two mild steel (MS) of IS 2062 grade E, was accomplished by using shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). To
investigate the effect of electrode in the welding joint, MS electrode was exercised. For post-weld heat treatment
(PWHT), temperature of 700 °C were investigated over the welded specimen. To explore the optimum welding
process and PWHT process for this joint, both tensile and bending tests were carried out. Destructive tests have
suggested that PWHT at 700 °C is better for the SMAW process with MS electrode. As the smallest hardness
values were observed in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) which makes the sample susceptible to failure. The
hardness values have decreased after PWHT which justified the achievement of higher ductility after heat
treatment.