Effect of process parameters on bead geometry, tensile and microstructural properties of double-sided butt submerged arc welding of SS 304 austenitic stainless steel

The purpose of this investigation is to study the effect of welding variables on bead geometry, fusion zone profile and tensile properties of double-sided submerged arc welding on SS 304 austenitic stainless steel. The individual effect of welding parameters, i.e., welding current, voltage and traverse speed, on bead geometry and tensile properties was investigated. Both microstructural and mechanical characterizations of the weldment were carried out in the present study. It was observed that the operating parameters have significant effect on bead geometry and tensile properties. The double-sided welding effectively enhanced the weld seam ductility. The percentage of elongation is improved by 19.48% to 50.2% for double-sided samples as compared to base material. A comparative study between single and double-sided butt welding was also carried out. For single-sided sample the percentage of elongation is lower than the base material. The percentage reduction in angular distortion of 55.17% is observed with double-sided weld sample as compared to single-sided weld sample.