AE Evaluation of Relationship between AE Signals and Fracture Mechanisms for the Weldment of Pressure Vessel Steel

The purpose of this study is to find out the AE characteristics and fracture mechanisms through AE signal analysis for the weldment, PWHT specimen and basemetal of the pressure vessel steel. Charpy sized specimens were taken from the multi-passed weld block. Specimens were given to four point bend and AE tests. Lots of AE signals were emitted from the weldment compared with the basemetal and PWHT specimen. Besides, amplitude for the weldment was the largest, followed by PWHT specimen and basemetal and more AE counts for the weldment were emitted in the process of deformation. Lots of microcracks around the notch for the weldment were formed so that more AE signals were produced. In addition, second phase particle such as MgO for the basemetal acts as AE source. However, in case of weldment, debonding mechanisms between matrix and hard oxides which are formed during welding in air attributed to the emission of AE signals and softened particles for the PWHT specimen cause to produce the low level AE signals.