Part 1: Crack-Starter Weld Bead Deposition for ASTM E-208 Drop-Weight Testing: Qualification of Electrodes for the Crack-Starter Bead on P-2 Type Drop-Weight Specimens-ASTM E-208-95a

The determination of the NDT Temperature of ferritic materials has long been accomplished in accordance with ASTM E 208. The production of the traditional electrodes utilized for the Crack-Starter Bead in the determination of the NDT Temperature has been discontinued and thus it is necessary to define which electrodes may be suitable for the deposition for the critical Crack-Starter Bead deposit. It is to this end that the PVRC Committee Failure Modes, with Project 97-33, has undertaken an investigation into the applicability of suitable consumables. This investigation is divided into two parts, with Part 1 providing test data applicable to the definition of the qualification of electrodes suitable for Crack-Starter weld bead deposition and Part 2 providing insight into some of the variables associated with the deposition of the Crack-Starter Bead welds.

Nine electrodes were qualified for use as Crack-Starter Beads at temperatures below 112°F (44°C) in accordance with ASTM E 208-95a on two strength level steels (SA 537 Class 1 and SA 517 Grade F): Murex Hardex N, McKay DWT, Lincoln Wearshield MM, Conarco Conarcrom 350, Esab Selectrode OK 83.30, Esab Selectrode OK 83.50, Bohler FoxDur 350, Bohler FoxDur 500 and Kobe Steel NRL-S. The electrodes were also characterized as to operability. Recommendations are suggested as to the proper fixturing and methodology for welding the Drop-Weight samples.

The NDT Temperature was determined for both the SA 537 Class 1 and SA517 Grade F materials with variation of the Crack-Starter Bead energy input and bead width consistent with good operability of the electrodes. Except for an anomalous behavior with one set of samples welded with the Lincoln Wearshield MM electrode, no significant differences were apparent in the NDT Temperatures measured when the energy input and Crack-Starter Bead width was varied.

Part 2: Crack-Starter Weld Bead Deposition for ASTM E-208 Drop-Weight Testing: Determination of the NDT Temp Using Qualified Electrodes on P-2 Type Specimens with Different Strength Base Materials-ASTM E 208-95a

The determination of the NDT Temperature of ferritic materials has long been accomplished in accordance with ASTM E 208. The production of the traditional electrodes utilized for the Crack-Starter Bead in the determination of the NDT Temperature has been discontinued and thus it is necessary to define which electrodes may be suitable for the deposition for the critical Crack-Starter Bead deposit. It is to this end that the PVRC Committee Failure Modes, with Project 97-33, has undertaken an investigation into the applicability of suitable consumables. This investigation is divided into two parts, with Part 1 providing test data applicable to the definition of the qualification of electrodes suitable for Crack-Starter weld bead deposition and Part 2 providing insight into some of the variables associated with the deposition of the Crack-Starter Bead welds.

In order to provide more insight into Drop-Weight testing in accordance with ASTM E 208-95a, a series of tests involving the NDT Temperature determination using the electrodes qualified as described in Part 1 of this document was undertaken for both base metal strength levels. An often expressed concern with regard to Drop-Weight testing under ASTM E 208 is the effect of Crack-Starter Bead width (and concomitantly Weld Heat Input) on the NDT Temperature. Thus, included in the follow-on evaluations was the testing of "narrow" (lower Weld Heat Input) Crack-Starter Bead deposits. The data obtained on the NDT Temperature, as influenced by base metal strength and Crack-Starter Bead size, together with the appearance of the cracking morphology at and near the NDT Temperature is presented for information and to assist those conducting such tests in the understanding of the basic tenets of Drop-Weight testing.