Finite element modeling of hydrogen diffusion in fusion zone of HQ130 high strength steel

The distribution of hydrogen in the welding zone of HQ130 high strength steel is calculated by using finite element method (FEM). The finite element program of hydrogen in the welding zone is worked out. In the program, the effects of welding heat input (q/image), temperature and surface-escaping coefficient of hydrogen, etc., are taken into account. Crack morphology in the fusion zone and effect of diffusion hydrogen on cracks are analyzed. Cracks originated in the partially melted zone at about 20–60 μm from the melting interface line and propagated parallel to the fusion zone or turned into the weld metal. Hydrogen accumulates seriously near the fusion zone, particularly at the root fusion zone. This is one of the importance reasons for the forming of cracks in this zone. The test results and analysis indicate that welding heat input should be controlled about q/image = 16.0 kJ/cm to prevent cracks being produced and propagated for HQ130 steel.