Investigation of weld defects in PROTAC500 steel joined with hybrid welding method using NDT (non-destructive testing) techniques

In this study, the mechanical properties, hardness values, macro and microstructural characteristics, and toughness behavior of joints produced by fusion welding methods on Protac 500 armor steel were investigated. For this purpose, a total of six specimens cut from Protac 500 steel were prepared; two were joined using butt welding and two using fillet welding methods. A hybrid welding technique was applied during the process, utilizing the SMAW (111) method for the root pass and the GTAW (141) method for the cover pass. Although the same shielding gas composition was used in all welding operations, the welding parameters varied depending on the applied current intensity. To ensure the quality of the welds, the prepared test specimens were first subjected to non-destructive testing methods. In this context, Visual Inspection, Magnetic Particle Testing, and Radiographic Testing were conducted, and no welding defects were detected. The performance of the welded joints was then evaluated using destructive testing methods. In this scope, tensile testing, Charpy impact testing, hardness measurements, and macro/microstructural examinations were carried out. The results obtained provided a comparative understanding of the mechanical and structural behavior of Protac 500 steel under different welding conditions.