Microstructure and mecharical properties of HAZ of 980 MPa high strength steel joints

Microstructure and mechanical properties of HAZ of 980 MPa low carbon bainite high strength steel joints were studied. The different regions of welded joint HAZ were simulated by welding thermal simulation technique. Microstructure observation, phase analysis, and corresponding tensile and impact test for different regions of welded joint HAZ were taken. The results indicate:the impact property of coarse grain zone is the best, while the impact property of fine grain zone is the worst. So the fine grain zone is the weakest part of the welded joint. Microstructure of coarse grain zone is uniform interweaved coarse and fine lath martensites, and precipitation acicular ferrite are distributed between the lath martensites. Toughness of coarse grain zone is increased owing to the austenite thin film adherent lath martensite interface. Microstructure of fine grain zone are twin martensite and a small number of lath maartensite, only minor acicular ferrite are distributed in the twin martensite. Toughness of fine-grained zone was decreased owing to twin martensite.