A Study on the Development of an Optimization Algorithm and Determination Procedure for Toughness Deterioration Characteristics through Flux Core Arc Heat Input Control of ASTM A553-1 (9% Nickel Steel)

Abstract

The International Maritime Organization has adopted the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from ships as an important priority, and is continuously strengthening its regulations on marine air pollution. By 2035, it is expected that LNG-powered ships will account for more than 50% of the available ships. Accordingly, the demand for equipment related to LNG-fueled ships is expected to grow as well, requiring the development of a lot of equipment. However, the characteristics of LNG-powered ships mean that they require a high level of reliability and long history of operating reliably. Even when a product is developed, numerous demonstrations and quality assurance measures are needed to reach the technological level ship owners and customers require. Therefore, an optimization procedure to determine the welding quality for 9% Ni steel is necessary. In this study, the heat input criteria that induce brittle fracture characteristics were analyzed to optimize the flux core arc welding process for 9% Ni steel used in the manufacture of LNG storage tanks. We developed an optimization algorithm (Welding Current, Arc Voltage, Welding Speed) that can select a group of fracture conditions by examining the tendency of the tissue to brittle fracture due to excessive heat input among potential quality issues of cryogenic steel. Capable of selecting the range in which quality deterioration occurs, determining quality of a weld and avoiding the range in which toughness degradation occurs, through which a process to derive high quality 9% Ni welds is proposed.