BRC-CORP 37-74-F 108 Section 23. _HOT SHORTNESS “ Definition of the Problem Hot shortness leads to the formation of cracks in welds, metal castings, and wrought products at elevated temperatures. Formation of thece eracke reducec the load-carrying capacity of the metal and can cause failure during service if not detected prior to equipment installation. Discussion of the Problem Hot shortness occurs in metals when @ small volume of liquid phase is present between solid metal grains during cooling. This can occur in welds and castings during solidification and in some wrought materials when exposed to excessive temperatures. Thermal contraction during cooling causes the previously formed solid metal to pull avay from the Liquid, fvsuiny cracks foequeutly celled “lut tears", Impurities, ta many cases, segregate to the remaining liquid phase, becoming brittle, non-metallic material upon cooling. In such cases, as the liquid solidifies, the contraction etracese can ha euffintantly large tn fracture the brittle phase. Figure 23-1 illustrates the appearance of hot shortness cracks in a welded HT Modified statically cast return bend. The micrograph in Figure 23-2 shows the nature of a precipitate in the alloy. Electron microprobe analysis of this sample showed that copper was segregated in the precipitate. Silicon also is commonly involved in production of brittle phases of this type. e Methods of Checking for the Problen Dye penetrant examination can readily reveal the presence of surface cracks. Exverienced users of ultrasonic inspection equismenr can also detect internal cracks, if present. Several welding tests have been designed to check the hot shortness susceptibility of welding electrodes. Methods of Eliminating the Problem Careful control of composition is the best way Lv avold hot shortness or hot tearing, For example, in carbon steels, the manganese content is maintained at five times the sulfur content, to avoid formation af low melting point sulfides, Other campacition contral guidelines vary with alloy syste Pitfalls Excessive amounts of manganese, sometimes added to prevent hot shortness, can result in manganese segregation. This condition can Produce undesirable hard zones which can initiate failure. Oe ee eee ae10 BAC-CORP 37-74. Figure 23-1 Hot Shortness Gracks in Welded HT Modified Return Bend Tube (Statically Cast) Magnification: 1X, e e e e e e e e e e @ e eBRC-CORP 37-74. m