SOLIDIFICATION (HOT) CRACKING Define Hot/Solidification Cracking: - During the solidification of the weld metal, tensile shrinkage stress

can accumulate and cause liquid films along the solidification grain boundaries in the structure. - If the shrinkage stress exceeds the ductility of the weld metal, cracking occurs - It occurs in the Brittle Temperature Range - Occurs in the fusion zone of the weld near the end of solidification - Cracks form to alleviate stress - Requires mechanical restraint and a weld microstructure that is susceptible - At high rates of applied stress, both the weld metal and the HAZ have limited time to compensate by deforming plastically - Caused by low heat input and high travel speeds - There are various forms of cracking such as crater cracks and centreline cracks Visual Appearance: - Occur only in the weld metal - Normally appear as straight lines along the centreline of the weld bead, but may also appear as transverse cracks - May have a branching appearance if present in the final crater - Visible open cracks Variables/Influences of Hot Cracking: - Composition of Weld and Parent Metal - Depth/Weld ratio of the weld avoid deep and narrow weld, convex beads, or inadequate welds - Joint preparation and root gaps clamp to avoid root gap opening over long seams, narrow steep bevels contribute to hot cracking - Weld pool shape and weld speed high speed processes and teardrop shaped weld pool contribute - Restraint excessive restraint can contribute, ensure good fit up - Welding sequence likely to occur in root pass of multi-bead weld because if the increase restraint and the increased current. Balance the run sequence to ensure no distortion - Preheat may contribute to distortion if not properly clamped Composition: - Alloys with wide solidification temperature range are more susceptible - Niobium/phosphorous/sulphur and high levels of manganese steels - Use filler metals with low carbon, sulphur and higher manganese Control of Solidification Pattern -