Fracture Toughness of ASTM A533 Grade B Class 1 Heavy Section Submerged Arc Weldments

Fracture toughness data are presented for two ASTM A533 Grade B Class 1, 12-in-thick plate submerged arc process weldments. These data were generated in accordance with current ASTM recommended toughness testing procedures using compact tension specimens up to 8 in. thick. The toughness (K_Ic) properties show a strong temperature dependence resulting in rapidly increasing toughness with increasing temperature. Each of the weld deposit materials and also some limited heat-affected-zone data revealed toughness properties comparable or superior to ASTM A533 Grade B Class 1 plate material. Pertinent data relating to the weld parameters and composition, as well as the conventional tensile and Charpy V notch data are also given. For these weldment materials, the high toughness (K_Ic) properties found provide excellent reliability against brittle fracture in heavy section pressure vessel applications.