Abstract: Stud welding experiments of thick steel plate and large diameter stud were carried out based the induction heating and stud arc welding, and the effects of welding process and parameters on joint performance were researched.Results show that for medium carbon heat treated high strength steel with thickness of 30-80 mm and stud with 16-27 mm in diameter, the stable welding process and the joint with good appearance and high strength and without defection can be acquired with the proper welding parameters.Microstructure of the joint shows that heating and melting of both the base metal and stud is homogeneous and there are no defects such as incomplete fusion and porosity on the joint interface.The microstructure is lath martensite and bainite and the structure performance is good.The EDAX analyses on the joints show that the transition of Cr exists from base metal to stud zone and the joint quality has been effectively improved.