Initial testing for the recommendation of improved gas metal arc welding procedures for HY-80 steel plate butt joints at Norfolk Naval Shipyard

Abstract

Hull cut welding proficiency is an essential skill maintained by personnel at naval shipyards. This thesis explores arc weld theory to develop ideal submarine hull butt joint designs and recommends preliminary testing to be used to develop improved butt joint welding procedures at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Pulsed gas metal arc welding (GMAW-P) is the ideal process for shipboard hull welding applications, theoretically. Butt joint samples were created using HY-80 steel plate so that the following comparisons could be made: 90%Ar-10%CO2 versus 95%Ar-5%CO2 shielding gases and their effect upon weld penetration, Miller brand versus Lincoln Electric brand power supply synergic GMAW-P algorithm performance, and Single-V versus Double-V butt joint design. Based upon the creation of butt joint samples, it was determined that 90%Ar-10%CO2 is a more ideal gas mixture for this application and that Lincoln Electric brand machines have preferred interface by Norfolk Naval Shipyard welders. Future research is still needed in a controlled environment to develop optimized GMAW-P procedures.