Effect of Heat Input on Impact Toughness of Coarse-Grained Heat-Affected Zone of a Nb-Ti Microalloyed Pipeline Steel

The effect of varying heat inputs (20, 100, 200 kJ/cm) on the microstructures and toughness of the simulated coarse-grained heat-affected zone of a Nb-Ti microalloyed pipeline steel were investigated utilizing optical and electron microscope. Results showed that the impact toughness of the coarse-grained heat-affected zone maintained a higher level at the heat input of 20 and 100 kJ/cm, whereas it dropped to a much lower level at the heat input of 200 kJ/cm. The good toughness was attributed to the grain refinement and the homogenous distribution of fine and elongated martensite/austenite constituents. The deterioration of toughness for high heat input simulated welding was mainly caused by the coarse bainitic microstructure and massive martensite/austenite constituents.