The effect of joint shape geometry on the microstructural evolution, fracture toughness, and corrosion behavior of the welded joints of a Hadfield Steel

Effect of joint shape geometry on properties of Hadfield steels welded via Shield Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) was studied. Fracture toughness, tensile strength, hardness and corrosion behavior were examined by uniaxial tensile testing, Charpy impact test, microhardness test, polarization measurement, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, respectively. Results showed that the microstructures of V-shape joint design have smaller grains and more carbide precipitates. Higher microhardness, and strengths were observed for the V-shape joint designs. However, fracture toughness was reduced. Structural micrographs of corrosion surfaces for both joint shapes showed that microgalvanically localized corrosion was lower in X-shape joint.