crystals

Article
Study on Micro-Structure and Tensile Mechanical Properties of
Dissimilar Metal Weld Joint Connecting Steam Generator
Nozzle and Safe-End
Shuang Qi 1,2,3 , Wenxin Xiang 2, *, Lixun Cai 1, *, Xiaokun Liu 1 , Yonggang Wang 2 , Fangmao Ning 2 , Lei Qi 2 ,
Weiwei Yu 3 and Jinhua Shi 3

1 Applied Mechanics and Structure Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Mechanics and
Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China; [email protected] (S.Q.);
[email protected] (X.L.)
2 Taishan Nuclear Power Joint Venture Co., Ltd., Jiangmen 529200, China;
[email protected] (Y.W.); [email protected] (F.N.); [email protected] (L.Q.)
3 Suzhou Nuclear Power Research Institute, Suzhou 215004, China; [email protected] (W.Y.);
[email protected] (J.S.)
* Correspondence: [email protected] (W.X.); [email protected] (L.C.)



Abstract: The safe-end of a steam generator (SG) nozzle dissimilar metal weld (DMW) for pressurized


water reactors (PWRs) is the weakest point of failure which is crucial for the safe operation of a nuclear
Citation: Qi, S.; Xiang, W.; Cai, L.; power station. Related to materials micro-structures, a uniaxial stress–strain relationship is the basic
Liu, X.; Wang, Y.; Ning, F.; Qi, L.;
input parameter for nuclear power plant design, safety evaluation, and life management. In this
Yu, W.; Shi, J. Study on
paper, the micro-structure and tensile mechanical properties of a DMW of a European pressurized
Micro-Structure and Tensile
water reactor (EPR) were studied. Vickers hardness tester, optical microscope, and electron back
Mechanical Properties of Dissimilar
scatter diffraction were used to analyze the micro-structure of the DMW joint. In addition, the residual
Metal Weld Joint Connecting Steam
Generator Nozzle and Safe-End.
strain of the DMW joint base material, heat-affected zone, weld metal, and fusion boundary region
Crystals 2021, 11, 1470. were studied. Based on digital image correlation (DIC) technology, tensile mechanical properties of
https://doi.org/10.3390/ the DMW joint were obtained. The results show that an accurate tensile stress–strain relationship of
cryst11121470 dissimilar metal welded joints can be obtained by using the DIC technique, the weld is the relatively
weak link, and the residual strain is concentrated in the heat-affected zone. This study provides
Academic Editors: Guangjie Feng, valuable engineering information regarding nuclear power plant design, in-service performance
Yifeng Wang, Dean Deng, testing, and structural analysis and evaluation of welds containing defects.
Xiaopeng Li, Dongqing Yang,
Shaojie Wu and Pavel Lukáč
Keywords: European pressurized water reactor; dissimilar metal weld joint; electron backscatter
diffraction; digital image correlation; stress-strain relationship
Received: 22 October 2021
Accepted: 21 November 2021
Published: 26 November 2021

1. Introduction
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral
with regard to jurisdictional claims in Welding joints are widely used in various key structures, such as steam generators
published maps and institutional affil- (SG) and reactor pressure vessels (RPV) in reactor engineering. Nickel-based alloy and
iations. austenitic stainless steel are mainly applied for welding due to their high temperature
resistance, corrosion resistance, and applicable mechanical properties. According to the
differences in welding alloy materials and base materials (BMs), welding joints can be
divided into a same-metal welding joint or a dissimilar metal weld joint (DMW joint) [1,2].
Copyright: © 2021 by the authors.
The DMW joint includes a fusion boundary (FB), heat-affected zone (HAZ), weld material
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. (WM), and two kinds of BMs [3–5]. Its material, structure, and service environment are
This article is an open access article complex, but it is possible to detect service-induced defects. Research on its mechanical
distributed under the terms and behavior has important engineering value.
conditions of the Creative Commons It is well known that the FB of a DMW joint exhibits a complex micro-structure,
Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// such as the composition gradient across the FB, the high residual strain adjacent to the FB,
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ the change of grain boundary characteristic distribution in the HAZ of the stainless steel,
4.0/).

Crystals 2021, 11, 1470. https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst11121470 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/crystals

Crystals 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 2 of 13

Crystals 2021, 11, 1470 2 of 12

change of grain boundary characteristic distribution in the HAZ of the stainless steel, etc.
Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) [6] texture testing technology enables crystallo-
etc. Electron
graphic backscatter
orientation diffraction
analysis while (EBSD) [6] texture
observing testing
the tissue technology
morphology ofenables
specimens,crystallo-
ena-
graphic
bling theorientation analysis
micro-structure to while observing
be correlated withthecrystallographic
tissue morphology of specimens,
information, and enabling
is a pow-
the
erfulmicro-structure
analytical tool toforbe correlated
rapid with crystallographic
and accurate material textureinformation,
measurements and[7,8].
is a powerful
This tech-
analytical tool for rapid and accurate material texture measurements
nology has been widely used in metallurgy, material processing, and other fields [9,10],[7,8]. This technology
has been widely
especially used
in grain in metallurgy,
boundary materialdistribution
characteristic processing,and andresidual
other fields
strain[9,10], especially
distribution of
in grain boundary
welding joints [11]. characteristic distribution and residual strain distribution of welding
jointsRelated
[11]. to materials micro-structures, a uniaxial stress–strain relationship is the basic
Related
input parameter to materials
for nuclearmicro-structures, a uniaxial
power plant design, stress–strain
safety evaluation, relationship is the basic
and life management.
input parameter
Generally, for nuclear
the uniaxial power
tensile plant design,
properties safetyby
are obtained evaluation, and life
uniaxial tensile management.
tests. However,
Generally, the uniaxial tensile properties are obtained by uniaxial
a heterogeneous micro-structure brings about certain difficulties in the measurement tensile tests. However, of
a heterogeneous micro-structure brings about certain difficulties in the measurement
local mechanical properties of the DMW joint. The strain information of BMs, HAZs, and
of local mechanical properties of the DMW joint. The strain information of BMs, HAZs,
WM cannot be obtained by using the traditional contact strain extensometer. The width
and WM cannot be obtained by using the traditional contact strain extensometer. The width
of a DMW with a narrow-gap automatic welding process is only about 10 mm; therefore,
of a DMW with a narrow-gap automatic welding process is only about 10 mm; therefore,
it is impossible to obtain the uniaxial stress–strain relationship curve by a traditional
it is impossible to obtain the uniaxial stress–strain relationship curve by a traditional
standard specimen uniaxial tensile test. In recent years, the rapid development of com-
standard specimen uniaxial tensile test. In recent years, the rapid development of computer
puter technology has promoted the gradual maturity of 3D digital technology. The digital
technology has promoted the gradual maturity of 3D digital technology. The digital image
image correlation (DIC) technology used for measuring surface deformities has the char-
correlation (DIC) technology used for measuring surface deformities has the characteristics
acteristics of “non-contact” [12,13] and “full-field” [14–16] displacement information on
of “non-contact” [12,13] and “full-field” [14–16] displacement information on the surface.
the surface. It is the most promising 3D data acquisition method in current engineering
It is the most promising 3D data acquisition method in current engineering applications
applications and can be used to measure tensile mechanical properties of welding joints.
and can be used to measure tensile mechanical properties of welding joints.
A nickel-based
A nickel-based alloy
alloy (INCONEL
(INCONEL 52) 52) was
was used
used toto connect
connect ananaustenitic
austenitic stainless
stainlesssteel
steel
(Z2 CND 18.12 N2 controlled) safe-end of a primary circuit piping
(Z2 CND 18.12 N2 controlled) safe-end of a primary circuit piping to a low alloy steel to a low alloy steel
(20MND 5)
(20MND 5) SG
SG nozzle
nozzle inin European
European pressurized
pressurized waterwater reactor
reactor (EPR)
(EPR) nuclear
nuclear power
power plants.
plants.
In this paper, the micro-structure, residual stress, Vickers hardness,
In this paper, the micro-structure, residual stress, Vickers hardness, and the uniaxial and the uniaxial ten-
sile mechanical properties of an SG safe-end DMW joint prepared
tensile mechanical properties of an SG safe-end DMW joint prepared by narrow-gap by narrow-gap gas-
tungsten arc welding
gas-tungsten were were
arc welding studied. The accurate
studied. characterization
The accurate of the material
characterization mechan-
of the material
ical properties and micro-structure is helpful to understand the complex
mechanical properties and micro-structure is helpful to understand the complex local local damage and
fracture behavior
damage and fractureof the DMW joint
behavior andDMW
of the aids injoint
evaluating
and aids theinstructural
evaluating integrity of DMW
the structural
joints with
integrity of defects.
DMW joints with defects.

2. Materials
2. Materials and
and Methods
Methods
The structure
The structure andand size
size ofof the
the DMW
DMW joint
joint between
between thethe SG
SG nozzle
nozzle and
and safe-end
safe-end ofof an
an
EPRnuclear
EPR nuclearpower
powerstation
stationis is presented
presented in in Figures
Figures 1 and
1 and 2. The
2. The materials
materials of theofprimary
the primary
side
nozzle of theofsteam
side nozzle generator
the steam and safe-end
generator pipe were
and safe-end pipe20MND 5 manganese
were 20MND nickel molyb-
5 manganese nickel
denum alloy steel and Z2 CND 18.12 austenitic stainless steel with
molybdenum alloy steel and Z2 CND 18.12 austenitic stainless steel with nitrogen con-nitrogen controlled,
respectively. The DMW
trolled, respectively. Thejoint
DMW wasjoint
fabricated by narrow-gap
was fabricated gas tungsten
by narrow-gap arc welding
gas tungsten arc using
weld-
INCONEL 52 as the WM
ing using INCONEL and
52 as theadopted
WM and ϕ 0.9 mm welding
adopted φ 0.9 mm wire. The minimum
welding wire. Thepreheating
minimum
temperature of the specimen
preheating temperature of thewas 175 ◦ C, was
specimen and 175
the maximum
°C, and theinterlayer
maximum temperature during
interlayer temper-
welding was 225 ◦ C. After
ature during welding was making the weld,
225 °C. After the the
making heatweld,
treatment temperature
the heat treatmentranged from
temperature
595 ◦ C to 620 ◦ C. The heating rate was less than or equal to 55 ◦ C/h, the cooling rate was
ranged from 595 °C to 620 °C. The heating rate was less than or equal to 55 °C/h, the cool-
less
ing than or equal
rate was less to 55 ◦or
than C/h, andtothe
equal 55discharging
°C/h, and thetemperature
discharging 350 ◦ C. The width
wastemperature was 350of the
°C.
WM was 9.5–11 mm, and the thickness of the DMW was approximately
The width of the WM was 9.5–11 mm, and the thickness of the DMW was approximately 97 mm. A stainless
steel
97 mm.cladding layersteel
A stainless wascladding
butteredlayer
on the
wasinner surface
buttered of the
on the innerSGsurface
nozzle.of The chemical
the SG nozzle.
composition
The chemicalofcomposition
BMs and WM in weight
of BMs and WMis shown in Table
in weight 1.
is shown in Table 1.

Figure 1.
Figure 1. The
The weld
weld joint
joint between
between the
the primary
primary side
side nozzle
nozzle of
of the
the steam
steam generator
generator and
andthe
thesafe-end.
safe-end.
 Crystals 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 13
Crystals 2021,11,
Crystals2021, 11,1470
x FOR PEER REVIEW 33 of
of 12
13

Figure 2. The size and configuration of the weld joint.

Figure 2.
Figure 2. The
The size
size and
and configuration
configuration of
of the
the weld
weld joint.
joint.
Table 1. Chemicalcomposition
composition ofthe
the BMsand
and WMof
of theDMW
DMW joint(%).
(%).
Table1.1.Chemical
Table Chemical compositionof
of theBMs
BMs andWM
WM ofthe
the DMWjoint
joint (%).
Materials
Materials C C Si Mn P S Cu Mo Ni Cr Fe V V Ti Ti Al
Materials CSi SiMn Mn P P S S Cu Cu MoMo NiNi CrCr FeFe V Ti Al
Al
20MND 5 0.150 0.260 1.290 <0.010 <0.010 0.092 0.490 0.720 0.026 Bal. <0.010 - -
20MND
20MND 5 5 0.150 0.260
0.150 1.290 1.290
0.260 <0.010<0.010
<0.010 0.0920.0920.490
<0.010 0.490 0.720
0.720 0.026
0.026 Bal.
Bal. <0.010
<0.010 - - --
Z2 CND18.12
18.12 N2 con-
Z2 CND 18.12N2N2 con-
Z2 CND
0.030 0.030
0.590 0.590
1.830 1.830
0.023 0.023 <0.010
<0.010 1.0501.0502.480
2.480 12.46
12.46 17.74 Bal.
17.74 Bal. - - - - --
trolled
controlled 0.030 0.590 1.830 0.023 <0.010 1.050 2.480 12.46 17.74 Bal. - - -
INCONELtrolled
52 52 0.017 0.11 0.29 0.29 0.005 0.005
<0.003 0.02 0.02 <0.01 59.8 28.9 9.89 - 0.21 0.66
INCONEL 0.017 0.11 <0.003 <0.01 59.8 28.9 9.89 - 0.21 0.66
INCONEL 52 0.017 0.11 0.29 0.005 <0.003 0.02 <0.01 59.8 28.9 9.89 - 0.21 0.66
In order to
In to obtain the
the tensile stress–strain
stress–strain curve ofof the DMW
DMW joint, three
three tensile
In order
order to obtain
obtain the tensile
tensile stress–strain curve
curve of the
the DMW joint,
joint, three tensile
tensile
straight flat (SF) specimens—as shown in Figure 3—were processed,
straight flat (SF) specimens—as shown in Figure 3—were processed, and the weldand the weldwas
wasatat
straight flat (SF) specimens—as shown in Figure 3—were processed, and the weld was at
the center
the center of
of the
the length
length of
of the
the specimen.
specimen. The
The isometric
isometric width,
width, thickness,
thickness,and
andlength
lengthofofthe
the
the center of the length of the specimen. The isometric width, thickness, and length of the
SF specimens
SF specimens werewere 88 mm,
mm,11mm,mm,andand30
30mm,
mm,respectively.
respectively.
SF specimens were 8 mm, 1 mm, and 30 mm, respectively.

Figure 3. The
Figure3. The dimensions
dimensions of
of aa uniaxial
uniaxial tensile
tensile SF
SFspecimen
specimenfor
foraaDMW
DMWjoint.
joint.
Figure 3. The dimensions of a uniaxial tensile SF specimen for a DMW joint.
The
The typical
typical positions
positions (from
(from “A”“A” to to “F”,
“F”, as
as shown
shown inin Figure
Figure3) 3)of
ofmicro-structures
micro-structuresof of
DMW The typical positions (from “A” to “F”, as shown in Figure 3) of micro-structures of
DMW joint
joint materials
materials were
were observed
observed with with anan optical
optical microscope
microscope (in (in Figure
Figure 4,4, “A”
“A” to
to “F”).
“F”).
DMW joint
20MND materials
etchedwere observed with an optical microscope (in Figureacid);
4, “A”Z2toCND
“F”).
20MND 55 waswas etched by4%
by 4% nital(96
nital (96mL mLof of ethanol
ethanol andand 4 mL
4 mL of nitric
of nitric acid); Z2 CND 18.12
20MND
18.12 5 was
and INCONEL etched
WM INCONEL by 4% nital
52 were (96 mL
etched of ethanol
by a solutionand 4 mL of nitric acid); Z2 CND 18.12
and WM 52 were etched by a solution made made
of 16 gofferric
16 g chloride,
ferric chloride,
11 mL11 mL
water,
and WM
water, 80 INCONEL
mL 52 were
hydrochloric etched
acid, and by2 a solution
mL nitric made of 16 g ferric chloride, 11 mL water,
acid.
80 mL hydrochloric acid, and 2 mL nitric acid.
80 mL hydrochloric acid,distribution
The and 2 mL nitricthe acid.
The micro-hardness
micro-hardness distributionof of theDMW
DMWjointjointwas
wasmeasured
measuredusing usingaaQness
QnessQ10
Q10
A+ The micro-hardness distribution ofload
the DMW joint was measured using a10Qness Q10
A+ micro-hardness instrument with a load of 1000g and a holding time of 10s.s. In
micro-hardness instrument with a of 1000g and a holding time of In the
the
A+ micro-hardness
direction of line “L” instrument
in Figure 4, with
the a load of
hardness 1000g andofathe
distribution holding
DMW time
joint of
was 10obtained
s. In the
direction of line “L” in Figure 4, the hardness distribution of the DMW joint was obtained
direction
by of line
measuring “L” in
points at Figure
0.4 mm4,intervals.
the hardness distribution of the DMW joint was obtained
by measuring points at 0.4 mm intervals.
by measuring
The residualpoints at of
stress 0.4ammDMW intervals.
joint is also an important part of its mechanical proper-
ties. Although there are many methods to detect the macro residual stress, the X-ray stress
diffraction method is the most typical. This method is widely used in the world because of
its rigorous theoretical basis, mature experimental technology, and reliable measurement
results. Compared with other detection and analysis methods, X-ray has the advantages of
non-contact, non-destructive, high accuracy, and repeatable detection. Therefore, the ad-
Crystals 2021, 11, 1470 4 of 12

Crystals 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW

vancedProto iXRD portable X-ray stress meter, shown in Figure 5, was used to test4 and
of 13
obtain the welding residual stress of a narrow-gap automatic welding seam.

Figure 4. Locations for observing micro-structures (from A to F) and measuring micro-hardness

(along L line) along the DMW joint.

The residual stress of a DMW joint is also an important part of its mechanical prop-
erties. Although there are many methods to detect the macro residual stress, the X-ray
stress diffraction method is the most typical. This method is widely used in the world
because of its rigorous theoretical basis, mature experimental technology, and reliable
measurement results. Compared with other detection and analysis methods, X-ray has the
advantages of non-contact, non-destructive, high accuracy, and repeatable detection.
Therefore, the advanced Proto iXRD portable X-ray stress meter, shown in Figure 5, was
used
Figureto
Figure 4.4.test and obtain
Locations
Locations for the welding
for observing
observing residual stress
micro-structures
micro-structures (from of
(from atoF)
A to
A narrow-gap
F)and automatic
andmeasuring
measuring welding
micro-hardness
micro-hardness
seam.
(alongLLline)
(along line)along
alongthe
theDMW
DMWjoint.
joint.

The residual stress of a DMW joint is also an important part of its mechanical prop-
erties. Although there are many methods to detect the macro residual stress, the X-ray
stress diffraction method is the most typical. This method is widely used in the world
because of its rigorous theoretical basis, mature experimental technology, and reliable
measurement results. Compared with other detection and analysis methods, X-ray has the
advantages of non-contact, non-destructive, high accuracy, and repeatable detection.
Therefore, the advanced Proto iXRD portable X-ray stress meter, shown in Figure 5, was
used to test and obtain the welding residual stress of a narrow-gap automatic welding
seam.

Figure5.
Figure 5. The
The Proto
Proto iXRD
iXRD portable
portableX-ray
X-raystress
stressmeter.
meter.

Consideringthat
Considering thatthe
thedepth
depthofof X-ray
X-ray penetrating
penetrating thethe material
material waswas shallow
shallow and and
that that
the
the surface
surface statestate
had ahad a direct
direct impactimpact onresults,
on test test results, the surface
the surface of theof the
test test was
piece piecerequired
was re-
quired
to to be smooth,
be smooth, clean,
clean, and and
free offree of attached
attached dirt,
dirt, oil oil and
film, film,oxygenated
and oxygenatedskin.skin. There-
Therefore,
fore,surface
the the surface
of theoftest
thepiece
test piece
was was subject
subject to corrosion
to corrosion treatment
treatment before
before thethe test.
test. Figure
Figure 6
shows
6 shows thethe
test site
test of of
site residual stress
residual of of
stress thethe
test block.
test block.

Figure 5. The Proto iXRD portable X-ray stress meter.

Considering that the depth of X-ray penetrating the material was shallow and that
the surface state had a direct impact on test results, the surface of the test piece was re-
quired to be smooth, clean, and free of attached dirt, oil film, and oxygenated skin. There-
fore, the surface of the test piece was subject to corrosion treatment before the test. Figure
6 shows the test site of residual stress of the test block.

Figure6.
Figure 6. The
The residual
residual stress
stresstest
testsite.
site.

The grain boundary characteristic distribution and residual strain distribution of

the DMW joint were analyzed by the EBSD. The specimens for the EBSD analysis were
mechanically ground using SiC papers up to 2000 grit, polished using 1 µm diamond
paste, polished using silk, and finally, polished by 0.04 µm colloidal silica slurry. The EBSD
analysis of 20MND 5 was performed with a step size of 0.5 µm at a voltage of 20 keV. Due to
a huge difference in grain size between 20MND 5 and WM INCONEL 52, the EBSD analysis
was performed with a step size of 5 µm at a voltage of 20 keV to show the micro-structure
of WM INCONEL 52 and Z2 CND 18.12 N2 controlled, while a step size of 2 µm was used
Figure 6. The residual stress test site.
 DMW joint were analyzed by the EBSD. The specimens for the EBSD analysis were me-
chanically ground using SiC papers up to 2000 grit, polished using 1 μm diamond paste,
polished using silk, and finally, polished by 0.04 μm colloidal silica slurry. The EBSD anal-
ysis of 20MND 5 was performed with a step size of 0.5 μm at a voltage of 20 keV. Due to
Crystals 2021, 11, 1470 a huge difference in grain size between 20MND 5 and WM INCONEL 52, the EBSD5anal- of 12
ysis was performed with a step size of 5 μm at a voltage of 20 keV to show the micro-
structure of WM INCONEL 52 and Z2 CND 18.12 N2 controlled, while a step size of 2 μm
was used for the precise analysis of the FB region on the side of 20MND 5. The EBSD
for the precise analysis of the FB region on the side of 20MND 5. The EBSD analysis of the
analysis of the FB region on the side of the austenitic stainless steel (Z2 CND 18.12 N2
FB region on the side of the austenitic stainless steel (Z2 CND 18.12 N2 controlled) was
controlled)with
performed was performed
a step size ofwith
6 µma step
at a size
voltageof 6of
μm 20atkeV.
a voltage of 20 keV.
The SHIMADZU AG-IS (30kN) universal
The SHIMADZU AG-IS (30kN) universal material testing material testing machine
machine was
was used
used to per-
to per-
form the tensile testing for the DMW joint. The strain extensometer
form the tensile testing for the DMW joint. The strain extensometer 3542-025M-025-ST 3542-025M-025-ST (a
gauge
(a gauge length
lengthof of
2525mmmm andanda range
a rangeof of
+25%+25% ~−10%)
~−10%) waswas used to measure
used to measurethe the
strain of the
strain of
SF specimen. The accuracy of both the testing machines and strain
the SF specimen. The accuracy of both the testing machines and strain extensometers were extensometers were
0.5. Before
0.5. Before the
the test,
test, the
the SF
SF specimens
specimens werewere sprayed
sprayed with
with white
white matte
matte paint,
paint, then
then thethe black
black
ink was sprayed evenly on the surface of the SF specimens with a spray gun. Speckles of of
ink was sprayed evenly on the surface of the SF specimens with a spray gun. Speckles a
a uniform
uniform size,different
size, differentshapes,
shapes,andandclear
clearedges,
edges,asasshown
shownininFigure
Figure7,7,were
wereproduced
producedon on
the surface
the surface ofof the
the SF
SF specimens,
specimens, which
which were
were key key information
information features
features used
used to to calculate
calculate
displacement during
displacement during DIC
DIC deformation
deformation measurement.
measurement. During During DIC DIC measurement,
measurement, both both the
the
overall strain of the welded joint and the strain distribution in the weld
overall strain of the welded joint and the strain distribution in the weld zone, base metal, zone, base metal,
and heat-affected
and heat-affected zone
zone could
could bebe determined
determined by by obtaining
obtaining the the deformation
deformation information
information of of
the region of interest in the distance segment during
the region of interest in the distance segment during tensile loading.tensile loading. During the DIC test,
the speckled
the speckled areaarea of
of interest
interest of
of the
the DMW
DMW joint joint specimen
specimen was was photographed
photographed at at aa sampling
sampling
frequency of
frequency of 1Hz.
1Hz. When the speckle began to to fall
fall off,
off, the
the corresponding
corresponding measurement
measurement
data were
data were absent.
absent. The ARAMIS system was used to measure the strain of the SF speci-
mens. Figure 8 illustrates the experimental device, which consists of the testing machine,
mens.
the ARAMIS
the ARAMIS system,
system, andand the
the SF
SF specimen.
specimen.

SF-1# 8 mm

SF-2#

SF-3#

Crystals 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 13

Figure 7.
Figure 7. The
The SF
SF specimens.
specimens.

Figure8.8. The
Figure The tensile
tensiletest
testof
ofan
anSF
SFtensile
tensilespecimen.
specimen.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Metallographic Examination
There is an obvious HAZ within 3 mm from the 20MND 5 BM to the FB, as shown in
Crystals 2021, 11, 1470 6 of 12

Figure 8. The tensile test of an SF tensile specimen.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Metallographic
3.1. Metallographic Examination
Examination
There is
There is an
an obvious
obvious HAZ
HAZ within
within 33 mm
mm from
from the
the 20MND
20MND 55 BMBM to
to the
the FB,
FB, as
as shown
shown in
in
Figure 9A. It was clearly observed in Figure 9A that the typical dendritic grain of INCONEL
Figure 9A. It was clearly observed in Figure 9A that the typical dendritic grain of IN-
52 grew approximately
CONEL perpendicular
52 grew approximately to the weld
perpendicular FB. weld FB.
to the

Figure 9. Optical
Opticalmicroscope
microscopeobservation
observationofof
thethe
DMW
DMW joint. (A) (A)
joint. at 25atmagnification, the metallographic
25 magnification, structure
the metallographic of weld-
structure of
ing joint;joint;
welding (B) at(B)
500atmagnification, the the
500 magnification, metallographic structure
metallographic of the
structure SG nozzle
of the basebase
SG nozzle metal; (C) (C)
metal; at 500 magnification,
at 500 the
magnification,
heatheat
the affected zonezone
affected on the
onside
the of SGof
side nozzle and the
SG nozzle weld
and thefusion
weld line;
fusion(D)line;
at 500
(D)magnification, the metallographic
at 500 magnification, structure
the metallographic
of the weld; (E) at 500 magnification, the heat affected zone on the side of safe-end and the weld fusion line; (F) at 500
structure of the weld; (E) at 500 magnification, the heat affected zone on the side of safe-end and the weld fusion line; (F) at
magnification, the metallographic structure of the safe-end base metal.
500 magnification, the metallographic structure of the safe-end base metal.

The
The micro-structures
micro-structuresof ofthe
theBMs,
BMs,WM,
WM, FBs, and
FBs, HAZs
and HAZsare are
shown
shown in Figure 9B–F.9B–F.
in Figure The
BM 20MND
The BM 20MND 5 contained a largeaamount
5 contained of tempered
large amount bainite tissue,
of tempered as tissue,
bainite shown as in Figure
shown9B.in
The BM Z2 CND 18.12 material contained a large number of twin austenite
Figure 9B. The BM Z2 CND 18.12 material contained a large number of twin austenite grains, as
shown in Figure 9F. Figure 9D shows the as-cast dendrite structure in the
grains, as shown in Figure 9F. Figure 9D shows the as-cast dendrite structure in the WMWM INCONEL
52. The element
INCONEL diffusion
52. The elementanddiffusion
heat flowand
in the welding
heat flow inprocess made the
the welding interface
process region
made the
of different materials form a complex micro-structure. Figure 9C shows the
interface region of different materials form a complex micro-structure. Figure 9C shows micro-struc-
ture of the 20MND 5/INCONEL
the micro-structure of the 20MND 52 5/INCONEL
interface area,52and the heat-affected
interface area, and thezone near the in-
heat-affected
terface 20MND
zone near 5 side was
the interface 20MNDbainite structure.
5 side Figurestructure.
was bainite 9E showsFigure
the micro-structure of the
9E shows the micro-
structure of the INCONEL 52/Z2 CND 18.12 interface area. The micro-structure of Z2
CND 18.12 near the interface was mainly as twin austenite grains.

3.2. Vickers Hardness Test

Figure 10 shows the Vickers hardness distribution along the DMW joints. The hardness
values of base metals 20MND 5 and Z2 CND 18.12 are in the range of 179–201 HV and
176–204 HV, respectively. From the hardness distribution of the three interface areas, it can
be seen that there were large hardness changes in the interface area, especially in the
20MND 5/INCONEL 52 interface area. On the 20MND 5 side near the interface (the heat-
affected zone), there was a local high hardness zone with a width of about 1.2 mm and
a hardness value of about 230 HV. The existence of a bainite micro-structure lead to the
formation of a high hardness region. In the heat-affected zone of 20MND 5, within the
range of 1.5–2.8 mm from the interface of 20MND 5/INCONEL 52, the hardness value
rapidly decreased from a peak value of 230 HV to a minimum value of 179 HV. The sharp
change of hardness is mainly due to the transformation from bainite to tempered bainite
in local materials, and the change of micro-structure in these areas is caused by the rapid
reduction of local temperature during welding. With an increased distance, it can be seen
that the hardness essentially does not change in the area 3–7.6 mm away from the interface
and is maintained at a low hardness value of about 200 HV. This means that the 2.4 mm
 range of 1.5–2.8 mm from the interface of 20MND 5/INCONEL 52, the hardness value
rapidly decreased from a peak value of 230 HV to a minimum value of 179 HV. The sharp
change of hardness is mainly due to the transformation from bainite to tempered bainite
in local materials, and the change of micro-structure in these areas is caused by the rapid
Crystals 2021, 11, 1470 reduction of local temperature during welding. With an increased distance, it can be7seen of 12
that the hardness essentially does not change in the area 3–7.6 mm away from the interface
and is maintained at a low hardness value of about 200 HV. This means that the 2.4 mm
wide area
wide area isisthe
thelocal
localsoftening
softeningzone
zoneofof dissimilar
dissimilar metal
metal welded
welded joints.
joints. TheThe formation
formation of
of the
the local softening zone was due to the high tempering temperature in this
local softening zone was due to the high tempering temperature in this local zone, resulting local zone,
resulting in diffusion
in diffusion and migrationand migration
of carbon of carbon
and otherand other elements,
elements, whichthe
which reduced reduced the
hardness
hardness
of the tempered bainite micro-structure. A tempering softening zone usually occursoc-
of the tempered bainite micro-structure. A tempering softening zone usually in
curs in the heat-affected
the heat-affected zone ofzone
lowof low steel.
alloy alloy steel.
On the OnINCONEL
the INCONEL 52 side
52 side nearnear
the the inter-
interface,
face, the hardness
the hardness valuevalue rapidly
rapidly decreased
decreased fromfrom
a peaka peak value
value of 230
of 230 HVHV to atolower
a lower value
value of
of 183 HV (the hardness level of INCONEL 52) from the 20MND
183 HV (the hardness level of INCONEL 52) from the 20MND 5/INCONEL 52 interface5/INCONEL 52 interface
to
to 0.4
0.4 mm
mmaway awayfromfromthetheinterface.
interface.This was
This wasrelated to the
related chemical
to the composition
chemical composition andand
mi-
cro-structure of the interface material.
micro-structure of the interface material.

400
Vickers micro-hardness （HV1）

300 20MND 5 HAZ DMW Z2 CND 18.12

Hardness /HV

200

100

0
-10 0 10 20
Position /mm

Figure 10. The results of Vickers micro-hardness

micro-hardness test
test of
of aa DMW
DMW joint.
joint.

3.3. Residual
3.3. Residual Stress
Stress Test
Test
There were
Crystals 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW There were 1111 measuring points in
measuring points in the
the axial
axial direction
direction of
of the
the outer
outer wall
wall of
of the
the test
test
block (Figure 11). The distance between the base metal and the weld width was greater
block (Figure 11). The distance between the base metal and the weld width was greater
than twice the weld width, with each place measured twice. The test results are shown in
than twice the weld width, with each place measured twice. The test results are shown in
Figure 12.
Figure 12.

Figure Location
Figure11.11. of residual
Location stress measuring
of residual points on the
stress measuring outeron
points wall
theof outer
the testwall
block.of the test block.

200
Longgitudinal direction 1
Transverse direction 1
100 Longgitudinal direction 2
tress sR /MPa

Transverse direction 2

0
Crystals 2021, 11, 1470 8 of 12

Figure 11. Location of residual stress measuring points on the outer wall of the test block.

200
Longgitudinal direction 1
Transverse direction 1
100 Longgitudinal direction 2

Residual stress sR /MPa

Transverse direction 2

−-100
100

−-200
200
Z2 CND 18-12 weld 20MND5

300
−-300
− 30
-30 20
−-20 −-10
10 0 10 20 30
Displacement X /mm
Figure 12.
Figure 12. The
Location of residual
residual stress measuring
stress measuring results. points on the outer wall of the test block.

It can
It can be
be seen
seen from
from Figure
Figure 1212 that
that the
the highest
highest residual
residual stress
stress of
of the
the dissimilar
dissimilar metal
metal
welded joint
welded joint of
of narrow-gap
narrow-gap automatic
automatic welding
welding is is in
in the
the heat-affected
heat-affected zone
zone on
on the
the side
side of
of
low alloy
low alloy steel.
steel. The
The residual stress was
residual stress was low
low because
because thethe dissimilar
dissimilar metal
metal weld
weld underwent
underwent
44 hh of
of intermediate
intermediatetempering
temperingfrom 250◦ C°Ctoto
from250 400
400 ◦ C and a final heat treatment from 595 ◦ C
°C and a final heat treatment from 595
◦
°C620
to to 620 °C for
C for 2.752.75
h toh3.25
to 3.25
h. h.

3.4. EBSD Analysis

3.4. EBSD Analysis
Figure
Figure 1313 shows
shows the inverse pole
the inverse pole figures
figures (IPFs),
(IPFs), kernel
kernel average
average misorientation
misorientation (KAM)
(KAM)
maps
maps and grain boundary character distribution (GBCD) maps in BMs, the HAZ of
and grain boundary character distribution (GBCD) maps in BMs, the HAZ of the
the
20MND
20MND 5, the FB region of the 20MND 5/INCONEL 52 dissimilar welding structure, WM
5, the FB region of the 20MND 5/INCONEL 52 dissimilar welding structure, WM
INCONEL
INCONEL 52, 52, and
and theFB
theFB region
region of
of the
the INCONEL
INCONEL52/Z2 CND 18.12
52/Z2 CND 18.12 N2-controlled
N2-controlled and
and Z2
Z2
CND 18.12 N2-controlled dissimilar welding structures. This shows that the residual stress
CND 18.12 N2-controlled dissimilar welding structures. This shows that the residual
in the heat-affected zone of 20MND 5 is high, which was in good agreement with the test
stress in the heat-affected zone of 20MND 5 is high, which was in good agreement with
results in Figure 12.
the test results in Figure 12.
3.5. Uniaxial Tensile Test Based on DIC
Uniaxial tensile tests of three SF specimens were completed. The non-uniform defor-
mation law of DMW joint was analyzed by GOM-correlation analysis software. As shown
in Figure 14, strain localization and damage first appeared in the weld area and continued
to expand with increased tensile stress; the specimens then began to necking at the position
where the local damage was the most serious. As the loading continued, the speckle
deformation was serious, but it can still be seen that the maximum deformation in the
weld area reached 0.8635, and the maximum average strain in the corresponding region
of interest was only 0.2046. Since the yield strength of 20MND5 material is higher than
INCONEL 52 and Z2 CND 18.12 and austenitic stainless steel has good ductility, the main
deformation occurred at the weld and austenitic stainless steel side during the tensile
process, which was also consistent with the cloud diagram test results of the specimen
surface strain in Figure 14. Varying information for tensile strain of a welded joint with a
loading process was obtained according to DIC measurement. The average deformation
data of different areas of a welded joint were obtained based on the averaging idea and
zoning extensometer method, that is, three virtual overall extensometers were selected at
equal intervals (2 mm) along the width direction of a welded joint, 15 measurement points
were selected on each extensometer, and the overall extensometer was divided into zone
extensometers for metallographic measurement of the weld, HAZ and BM. In order to
obtain the strain distribution on the specimen section, 81 measuring points were selected
in the width direction of the specimen, as shown in Figure 15. Figure 16 shows the strain
Crystals 2021, 11, 1470 9 of 12

change curves in the width direction at the middle of the weld at different tensile times.
Crystals 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 13
The Young’s elasticity modulus, the yield strength, the tensile strength, and the elongation
of the DMW joints integrity are listed in Table 2.

Figure13.
Figure 13.EBSD
EBSDanalyses
analysesof
ofdifferent
differentregions
regionsofofthe
theDMW
DMWjoint.
joint.

Table 2. Uniaxial
3.5. Uniaxial tensile
Tensile testing
Test Basedresults
on DICof BMs and a DMW joint.
Uniaxial tensile
Materials tests of threeE/MPa
Specimen SF specimensσwere completed.
y /MPa
The non-uniform
σ m /MPa A/mm·mm defor-
−1
mation law of DMW joint was analyzed by GOM-correlation analysis software. As shown
1# 196,276 416 599 19.50
inDMW
Figure 14, strain localization
joint 2# and damage first appeared
196,993 427 in the weld
625 area and24.00
continued
to expand with increased3# tensile stress;
196,299 the specimens
420 then began592to necking at the posi-
23.00
tion where the local damage was the most serious. As the loading continued, the speckle
deformation was serious, but it can still be seen that the maximum deformation in the
weld area reached 0.8635, and the maximum average strain in the corresponding region
of interest was only 0.2046. Since the yield strength of 20MND5 material is higher than
INCONEL 52 and Z2 CND 18.12 and austenitic stainless steel has good ductility, the main
deformation occurred at the weld and austenitic stainless steel side during the tensile pro-
cess, which was also consistent with the cloud diagram test results of the specimen surface
strain in Figure 14. Varying information for tensile strain of a welded joint with a loading
process was obtained according to DIC measurement. The average deformation data of
different areas of a welded joint were obtained based on the averaging idea and zoning
extensometer method, that is, three virtual overall extensometers were selected at equal
 selected on each extensometer, and the overall extensometer was divided into zone exten-
someters for metallographic measurement of the weld, HAZ and BM. In order to obtain
someters for metallographic measurement of the weld, HAZ and BM. In order to obtain
the strain distribution on the specimen section, 81 measuring points were selected in the
the strain distribution on the specimen section, 81 measuring points were selected in the
width direction of the specimen, as shown in Figure 15. Figure 16 shows the strain change
width direction of the specimen, as shown in Figure 15. Figure 16 shows the strain change
curves in the width direction at the middle of the weld at different tensile times. The
curves in the width direction at the middle of the weld at different tensile times. The
Crystals 2021, 11, 1470 Young’s elasticity modulus, the yield strength, the tensile strength, and the elongation of
10 of 12
Young’s elasticity modulus, the yield strength, the tensile strength, and the elongation of
the DMW joints integrity are listed in Table 2.
the DMW joints integrity are listed in Table 2.

Figure 14.The
The straincloud
cloud diagramof
of thespecimen.
specimen.
Figure 14. The strain
Figure 14. strain cloud diagram
diagram of the
the specimen.

Crystals 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 13

Figure 15. Layout diagram of virtual extensometers.

Figure 15. Layout diagram of virtual extensometers.
Figure 15. Layout diagram of virtual extensometers.
1.0
e =tensile
Table 2. Uniaxial 0.02 testing results of BMs and a DMW joint.
Table 2. UniaxialY tensile testing results of BMs and a DMW joint.
eY= 0.10
Materials Specimen E/MPa σy/MPa σm/MPa A/mm·mm−1
Materials Critical
0.8 Specimen
failure E/MPa σy/MPa σm/MPa A/mm·mm−1
Strain e /mm·mm−1

DMW 1# 196,276 416 599 19.50

1# 196,276 416 599 19.50
DMW joint 2# 196,993 427 625 24.00
DMW
0.6
joint 2# 196,993 427 625 24.00
3# 196,299 420 592 23.00
3# 196,299 420 592 23.00

0.4

0.2

0.0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Position /mm

Figure 16. Strain variation curves in the width direction at the middle of the weld.

stress–strain curves
The uniaxial tensile stress–strain curves obtained
obtained by by the
the DIC
DIC technology
technology were
were con-
con-
sistent with the measurement results obtained by the strain extensometer.
sistent with the measurement results obtained by the strain extensometer. In particular,In particular,
the DIC
the DIC technology
technology can
can be
be used
used to
to observe
observe the
the full-field
full-field strain
strain of
of the
the specimens,
specimens, the
the place
place
where
where stress concentration occurs, and the failure process of the specimens during the
stress concentration occurs, and the failure process of the specimens during the
entire tensile
entire tensile testing. Figure 17
testing. Figure shows the
17 shows the stress–strain
stress–strain curves
curves of
of an
an SF specimen of
SF specimen of aa DMW
DMW
joint tested
joint tested by
by DIC
DIC and
and the
the comparison
comparison results
results measured
measured by by an
an extensometer.
extensometer.
Figure 18 shows the relationship between stress and average strain in the low alloy
steel base metal area, austenitic stainless steel base metal area, and weld area. It can be
1000
seen that theDMWyield stress in the weld area was the lowest, and the specimen was the most

750
/MPa
 Position /mm

Figure 16. Strain variation curves in the width direction at the middle of the weld.

The uniaxial tensile stress–strain curves obtained by the DIC technology were con-
Crystals 2021, 11, 1470 11 of 12
sistent with the measurement results obtained by the strain extensometer. In particular,
the DIC technology can be used to observe the full-field strain of the specimens, the place
where stress concentration occurs, and the failure process of the specimens during the
entire
damagedtensile testing.
at the weld.Figure 17 shows
This also the
reveals stress–strain
the reason whycurves of an SFbroke
the specimen specimen ofposition
at the a DMW
joint tested
of the weld. by DIC and the comparison results measured by an extensometer.

1000
DMW

750
Stress s /MPa

500

Flat-tensile-specimens Uniaxial tensile stress-strain curve 1#

250
Uniaxial tensile stress-strain curve 2#
Uniaxial tensile stress-strain curve 3#
DIC 1#
DIC 2#
DIC 3#
0
0.00 0.04 0.08 0.12 0.16 0.20
Crystals 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 13
Strain e /mm·mm−1
The results of tension stress-strain curves for an SF-DMW joint.
Figure 17. The
800
Figure 18 shows the relationship between stress and average strain in the low alloy
steel base metal area, austenitic stainless steel base metal area, and weld area. It can be
seen that the yield stress in the weld area was the lowest, and the specimen was the most
600
damaged at the weld. This also reveals the reason why the specimen broke at the position
Stress s /MPa

of the weld.

400

200
Base metal area of low alloy steel
Base metal area of Austenitic stainless steel
Weld area
0
0.00 0.04 0.08 0.12 0.16 0.20
Strain eavg /mm·mm−1

Figure
Figure18. Relationshipcurve
18.Relationship curvebetween
betweenstress
stressand
andaverage
averagestrain
strainin
ineach
eachregion
regionof
ofinterest.
interest.

4.4.Conclusions
Conclusions
TheDMW
The DMWjoint joint located
located between
between thethe
SG SG nozzle
nozzle and and the safe-end
the safe-end of an of
EPRanwere
EPR stud-
were
studied
ied in paper.
in this this paper.
The The micro-structure
micro-structure of the
of the DMWDMW joint
joint waswas analyzedbybyusing
analyzed usingVickers
Vickers
hardness tester, optical microscope, Proto iXRD portable X-ray stress meter, and EBSD.
hardness tester, optical microscope, Proto iXRD portable X-ray stress meter, and EBSD.
The strain distribution of the DMW joint SF specimens during tensile tests were obtained
The strain distribution of the DMW joint SF specimens during tensile tests were obtained
by the DIC technique. The following conclusions were drawn from this investigation:
by the DIC technique. The following conclusions were drawn from this investigation:
(1) The distribution of micro-structure, Vickers hardness, residual stress and yield
(1) The distribution of micro-structure, Vickers hardness, residual stress and yield
strength of a DMW joint are very uneven.
strength of a DMW joint are very uneven.
(2) The Proto iXRD portable X-ray stress meter was used to test the residual stress of
(2) The Proto iXRD portable X-ray stress meter was used to test the residual stress of
the DMW joint. The results showed that the residual stress of the DMW joint based on the
the DMW joint. The results showed that the residual stress of the DMW joint based on the
use of narrow-gap automatic welding was lower, and the residual stress of the heat-affected
use of narrow-gap automatic welding was lower, and the residual stress of the heat-af-
zone was higher than that of the weld.
fected zone was higher than that of the weld.
(3) It was observed by the DIC technology that during the process of the tensile testing
(3) It was observed by the DIC technology that during the process of the tensile test-
for SF specimens of the DMW joint, strain concentration occurred in the HAZs of BMs
ing
andfor SF specimens
WM. All failures of of
thethe
DMW joint, strainoccurred
SF specimens concentration
at theoccurred in the HAZs
weld locations. of BMs
The varying
and WM. All failures of the SF specimens occurred at the weld locations.
information of the tensile strain of a welded joint with a loading process was obtained The varying
information of the tensile strain of a welded joint with a loading process was obtained
according to DIC measurement. The average deformation data of different areas of a
welded joint were obtained based on the averaging idea and zoning extensometer method,
then used to obtain the relationship between stress and average strain in the low alloy
steel base metal area, austenitic stainless steel base metal area, and weld area.
Crystals 2021, 11, 1470 12 of 12

according to DIC measurement. The average deformation data of different areas of a

welded joint were obtained based on the averaging idea and zoning extensometer method,
then used to obtain the relationship between stress and average strain in the low alloy steel
base metal area, austenitic stainless steel base metal area, and weld area.

Author Contributions: W.X., conceptualization, project administration, methodology, data cura-

tion, writing—review and editing, funding acquisition; S.Q., methodology, investigation, software,
validation, writing—original draft preparation; L.C. and J.S., methodology, writing—original draft
preparation, investigation; X.L. and L.Q., methodology, investigation, software; Y.W., F.N. and W.Y.,
methodology, data curation, supervision, writing—original draft preparation, writing—review and
editing. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research was funded by National Nature Science Foundation of China (L.C., Grant
No. 11872320), Policy Guidance Program of Jiangsu Province (Y.F., Grant No. BZ2020057).
Data Availability Statement: The data presented in this study are available on request from the
corresponding author.
Acknowledgments: The work was carried out with the use of equipment and software from the
Suzhou Nuclear Power Research Institute. The authors are grateful to Min Yu and Minyu Fan for
their help in measuring using DIC.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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