Effect of Martensite–Austenite Constituent on Low-Temperature Toughness in YS 500 MPa Grade Steel Welds

The effect of martensite–austenite (M–A) constituents and simulated microstructure on low-temperature toughness was investigated in YS 500 MPa grade structural steel welds. The specimens were fabricated using a direct quenching and tempering process. After simulated weld thermal cycles, the coarse-grained heat-affected zone (CGHAZ) and intercritically reheated coarse-grained heat-affected zone (IRCGHAZ) were produced using a Gleeble tester and real welded joint to support the simulation results. The largest low-temperature toughness was observed in the fine-grained heat-affected zone (FGHAZ) owing to the fine-ferrite microstructure. However, the toughness decreased in the IRCGHAZ because of the slender morphology of the M–A constituents that formed primarily along the prior austenite grain boundaries in the IRCGHAZ.