Ageing Embrittlement of 15Cr1Mo1V Steel Welded Joints Evaluated by Small Punch Test

The microstructure and property of 15Cr1Mo1V steel welded joints after 70,000h service have been researched by OM, SEM, Vickers hardness test and small punch test (SPT). The microstructure of 15Cr1Mo1V steel welded joints after service became coarse and the grain boundary became vague. More carbide particles were observed in welded joints after service. The microhardness gradient curve of 15Cr1Mo1V steel welded joints before service was higher than that after service. The SPT properties gradient curves, including yield strength gradient curve and tensile strength gradient curve by SPT, had the same shape and trend as the microhardness gradient curve before and after service. The SEM fracture appearance of SPT specimens was the characteristic of ductile fracture, irrespectively of before or after service, though the dimple size was a little bit big and deep before service and some cluster particles were observed after service for the ripening of carbides.