Effect of vibratory weld conditioning on valve residual stress and fracture toughness

In the present work the effects of vibratory weld conditioning (VWC) on residual stress and fracture toughness of full welded valve have been investigated. The experiment results show that vibration reduces residual deformation and stress generally. Fracture test is carried out using single edge notch bend (SENB) specimens. The fracture surfaces of failed weld metal (WM) specimens are characterized by dimple-like structures. The depth and density of these dimples increase with vibration applied in welding. While the fracture characteristic of the heat-affected zone (HAZ) is river marking, indicating brittle fracture mode. The possible solidification behaviour in VWC is discussed in this paper.