Crack initiation and growth in welded joint of steel for operation at elevated temperature

In a paper given, experimental investigations have included the analysis of crack initiation and growth in welded joint of steel for operation at elevated temperatures. For better understanding of the phenomenon of crack initiation and propagation in welded joints of A-204 Gr. A steel, designed for high-temperature and high-pressure application, it is necessary to determine the effect of heterogeneity of microstructural and mechanical properties on fracture toughness and fatigue crack initiation and propagation in welded components. Based on the tests conducted with pre-cracked CT and Charpy size specimens, the effect of heterogeneity of microstructural and mechanical properties of welded joints on fracture toughness and fatigue-crack growth parameters was determined.