Using Erichsen testing to evaluate the performance of welded joints

Abstract

Mechanical tests are frequently used to assess welded joint performance and to approve the joint for certain applications. Among others, the Erichsen test has been used to evaluate low thickness joint ductility. However, for this kind of application the use of the Erichsen test is not well established. This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of this application by comparing results from Erichsen, tensile, and bending tests of 1.5 mm thick ferritic stainless steel welded samples. Joints that were welded using the GTAW process were used to optimize Erichsen test conditions. Strain distribution around these welds after testing was quantitatively evaluated by specialized software. Tensile, bending, and the Erichsen test results were compared in gas metal arc welding weld beads. It was shown that the Erichsen test can detect ductility variations in the weld bead caused by changes in the welding variables more effectively.

Keywords:

• ductility
• Erichsen testing
• GTAW
• GMAW
• deformation analysis

Notes

^1. Email: [email protected]

*Published with permission from ABCM – Brazilian Association of Engineering & Mechanical Sciences – Article originally presented at the 5th COBEF, Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais (MG), April 2009.