High Strength Heavy Wall HY-80 Flux Cored Arc Welding

HY-80 is a quenched and tempered high strength low alloy steel developed for use in naval applications, specifically for the submarine pressure hulls. Properly developed welding procedures and correct welding consumable selection are important for obtaining quality welds for HY-80 welding, especially when metal thickness is 50 mm and over. Welding procedure qualification on 50 mm thick high strength HY-80 steel was performed using the mechanized flux cored arc welding (FCAW) process. A series of procedure qualification test panels were fabricated. Non-destructive examinations (NDE) and mechanical testing of the qualification panels were performed in accordance with the requirements of the applicable MOD UK standards. Through detailed analysis of the welding parameters, mechanical properties, microstructures and NDE results of the test panels, this paper provides insight into the effects of welding process variables on mechanical properties and weld quality of heavy wall HY-80 welding.