Study the Influence of Heat Input on the Shape Factors and HAZ width during Submerged Arc Welding

Welding process variables play a significant role in determining the quality of a weld joint. The joint quality can be defined in terms of properties such as weld- bead geometry, mechanical properties and distortion. In this paper, an experimental study was conducted to investigate the influence of welding parameters in submerged arc welding (SAW) process particularly welding current (I) and traverse speed (T_s) on weld shape factors and heat affected zone (HAZ). These responses have different meaning in joint properties. Penetration shape factor (PSF) defines the deposition and distortion of weldment whereas reinforcement form factor (RFF) means the excess of the deposited material. Width of HAZ indirectly defines the mechanical properties of the weld. It was found that an increase in current PSF has a significant effect and RFF has a little effect. And traverse speed shows a mixed trend over PSF and little change in RFF. Welding current and traverse speed have a positive effect on HAZ.