Investigation and comparison of S700E steel grade weldability in shipbuilding : numerical analysis on S700E steel grade

Abstract

The numerical analysis provided valuable guidelines for improving welding practices and material selection in Shipbuilding. The aim of this research is to contribute to a deeper understanding of S700 steel’s behaviour under some certain welding parameters, considering different working temperature with difference in number of passes. These considerations offer a pathway to enhance the performance, safety, and sustainability of marine vessels. In this regard, by utilizing simulation analysis this study explores how variations in the number of passes influence weldability of steel structures particularly S700E steel grade. In the following, temperature distribution, cooling rates, microstructural transformations within the weld zone, and the resulting microstructure within the heat-affected zone (HAZ) and fusion line are investigated. Moreover, results demonstrate the importance of optimising the number of welding passes in order to achieve desirable mechanical properties, such as toughness and ductility while reducing in phase transformations and residual stresses after welding process. The outcomes of this research are significant for the advancement of shipbuilding techniques, the application of high strength steels in heavy structures, particularly in the application of high-strength steels like S700. Consequently, by optimising the welding configuration, like the number of passes, under a specific welding process, shipbuilders can enhance the structural integrity and durability of marine structures, ensuring better performance in demanding environments.