Effect of shielded-electrode wet welding conditions on diffusion hydrogen content in deposited metal

Abstract

Wet welding is the most popular method of joining in aquatic environments. During underwater joining, the weldability of steel is limited by the higher cooling rates and hydrogen content in the welded metals. This article presents the results of preliminary tests on the effect of wet welding conditions on diffusion hydrogen amounts. Seven parameters were optimized using a Plackett–Burman design to get the most relevant variables. These parameters were salinity of water, contamination of electrode, electrode polarity, and welding current.