Examination of fatigue life of HSLA Domex 700 MC welded joints

Abstract Manufacturing of steel which meets the conditions of a high-strength low alloy (HSLA) steel, requires three key criteria: low carbon content, microalloying and thermomechanical treatment. Mechanical properties of HSLA steels have shown higher yield strength and toughness as well as good weldability and formability without long-standing loss of these superior mechanical characteristics. Few researchers have already addressed the main problem of HSLA steels which is decreasing their mechanical properties during welding. Most studies have only focused on mechanical properties during welding processes, but it is also very important to test the fatigue behaviour of those steels in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) on welded joints. The present paper discusses the fatigue life of gas metal arc welded (GMAW) joints of HSLA steel Domex 700 MC comparing to the fatigue properties of as-received material. Rotating bending fatigue tests were used for analysis of fatigue life and showed a reduction of the fatigue limit on welded specimens.