Cause and Prevention of Stress-Relief Cracking in Quenched and Tempered Steel Weldments

Abstract

The paper reviews the causes and characteristics of stress-relief cracking, i.e., intergranular cracking in the heat-affected zone that occurs during the exposure of welded assemblies to the elevated temperatures produced by postweld heat treatments or high-temperature service. The findings presented are based largely on work at the Homer Research Laboratories with quenched and tempered steels. Means for preventing cracking during fabrication and service are discussed.