Metallurgical Cracking Mechanisms

The metallurgical causes of cracking in welded assemblies, especially in carbon and low alloy steels, will be the main topic of discussion at this event. Understanding how materials respond to welding requires knowledge of metallurgy, the study of metal properties and behavior.

Six potential metallurgical reasons for cracking during fabrication will be discussed in the presentation, and one with metallurgical susceptibility associated with service cracking.

In addition to learning how to lower the danger of cracking, attendees will also learn about the consequences of phase transformations, microstructural changes, and residual stresses.

Professionals may reduce rework, increase the dependability of welded structures, and avoid expensive repairs by putting these concepts into practice.

Key Benefits of Attending this Event:

• Understand the key causes of cracking in welded assemblies, especially in carbon and low alloy steels.
• Learn how cracking can occur during fabrication and service.
• Gain insights into factors like phase changes, microstructural shifts, and residual stresses.
• Discover practical ways to prevent cracking through material selection, welding techniques, and process controls.
• Learn to identify potential cracking risks and apply strategies to minimise them.
• Improve the reliability and durability of welded structures.
• Reduce costly repairs and rework by preventing cracks before they occur.

Meet the Speaker:

Joanna Nicholas, CEng, CIWE/CEWE, FWeldI, FIMMM Consultant Welding Engineer, TWI

Joanna Nicholas obtained her degree in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Wales, University College Swansea in 1999.

Joanna joined TWI in the same year, and has been involved in research, materials selection and failure investigations. Joanna has broad knowledge of steels with particular emphasis on hydrogen cracking and hydrogen diffusion, HAZ hardness, heat treatment, mooring chain, fasteners, in-service welding and 9% Ni steels. Joanna has knowledge of steels used in power plants and their welding and heat treatment, and has undertaken failure investigations on these types of steels.

Joanna currently serves on several BSI committees, providing welding and metallurgy input to the standards as required. Joanna lectures on the IIW/EWF diploma, with a focus on ferrous metallurgy, and provides training and mentoring in other areas of welding metallurgy specialisms.

The Welding Institute awards points towards CPD for delegates attending this webinar. Every hour attendance of an event will earn 2 points towards your continuing professional development.