Technology of T-1 and T-1A steels is emphasized in investigation of their weld-fabrication. Welding heat input rate, production weldment circumstances, and standards of welding control are considered

Davis, R. A.

Olsen, M. G.

Worden, S. W.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

June 1967	 Brief 67-10163 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Effects of Heat Input Rates on Ti and T-1A Steel Welds 
Widespread weld-fabrication of 1-I and T-IA steels 
by a comparably wide variation in technical com-
petence of fabricators has produced apparent contra-
dictions and confusion regarding their use. Much of 
the information reported in the literature has been 
pertinent, but some has been challenged by practical 
fabricators. The unusual requirements for reliable, 
quenched and •tempered structural steel weldments 
present problems which warrant recognition and cau-
tious handling. The potential advantages of these 
steels relative to meeting aerospace objectives have 
emphasized the need for dependable, working knowl-
edge of them, especially with regard to the reliability 
of weldments. The primary purposes of this investiga-
tion were to resolve some of these questions by 
emphasizing and correlating the technology of these 
steels pertinent to practical production weld-fabri-
cation. 
The program was designed to investigate 16 com-
binations comprised of two variations in each of four 
significant criteria as follows: 
1. Grades of steel: 	 T-1 and T-IA 
2. Plate thickness:	 ½ inch and 1 inch 
3. Weld groove design:	 U and V 
4. Welding heat intensity:	 *Low and high 
*(Related to manufacturer's recommendations) 
All weidments were designed to represent the fol-
lowing: 
1. Plane butt-joints: flat position 
2. Maximum possible restraint 
3. Manual arc welding with coated electrodes 
4. Malpractices in welding these steels with both 
insufficient and excessive heat.
This investigation was approached from the fol-
lowing viewpoints: 
First, the main interest in these steels is based on 
their impressive potential for efficient engineering 
design in welded structures. Enthusiasm for them 
has suffered substantial restraint due to fears of failure 
based largely upon unfamiliarity and suspicion in-
herent to using such a relatively new type of structural 
steel. The frequency and substance of reports indi-
cating disappointment with the weldability of these 
steels have probably distorted the truth. However, 
this indicates that minimum standards of welding 
control and discipline are more critical in this class 
of steel than in conventional structural steels. 
Second, conditions corresponding to production 
weldment circumstances were considered. The pro-
gram was based on the use of good commercial weld-
ing practices which allowed a certain amount of 
latitude to welders fabricating the test weldments, 
although sound welding techniques were always used. 
Third, welding heat input rate was considered the 
primary control parameter in the program. Under 
predetermined conditions of interpass temperature, 
arc energy and welding speed, the significant problem 
to resolve was that of maintaining uniformity quite 
comparable to machine welding. With this problem 
resolved, necessary control could be exercised con-
currently with reasonably close simulation of produc-
tion conditions. 
Complete details of this investigation are contained 
in: "A Study on the Effects of Various Heat Input 
Rates on T-1 and T-IA Steel Welds," by M. G. 
Olsen, R. A. Davis, and S. W. Worden, NASA TM 
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19670000163 2020-03-11T20:47:25+00:00Z
X-53537, November 14, 1966, Marshall Space Flight 
Center. 
Note: 
Copies of this technical memorandum are available 
from:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Marshall Space Flight Center 
Huntsville, Alabama 35812 
Reference: B67-10163
Patent status: 
No patent action is contemplated by NASA. 
Source: M. G. Olsen, R. A. Davis 
and S. W. Worden 
(M-FS-2475) 
Brief 67-10163	 Category 03


Effects of heat input rates on T-1 and T-1A steel welds

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