Effect of heat input on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the high strength and low alloy steel welded joint in quenched and tempered condition (AISI 4340)

This research deals with the effect of heat input on microstructure and mechanical properties of a sheet welded joints made of low alloy quenched and tempered steel (AISI 4340). Samples were prepared by manual gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) with the low carbon consumable and also pre and post-weld heat treatment has been applied. Macro etch analysis showed that as the heat input increases, the HAZ area widespread. Indeed, the primary austenite grain phase grows up. The microstructure of HAZ consists of bainite and different ferrite morphology. The martensite and ferrite can be seen in the weld section. The volume fraction of ferrite increases as heat input increases. Furthermore, the ferrite morphology changes to acicular ferrite due to reduced cooling rate in the weld. Tensile strength decreases from 1078 Mpa to 970 Mpa correlatively coarsening in the heat-affected zone. Impact energy results vary with heat input correspondingly, the toughness increases in the weld and was reduced in HAZ. However, for conclusion, improved mechanical properties of the weld joints were achieved using low heat input and low carbon consumable.