Comparative Analysis of Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Beads in Dry and Wet Environments

Abstract

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) is a versatile and reliable welding process widely used across various industries. The environment in which SMAW is performed can significantly impact the characteristics of the weld bead, influencing factors such as bead appearance, penetration depth, and weld integrity. This paper presents a comparative analysis of SMAW weld beads produced in dry and wet environments, specifically underwater conditions. The study reveals that welds made underwater exhibit greater penetration due to the shorter arc length required to maintain stability, with a measured penetration depth of 1.44 mm compared to 2.05 mm for dry welds. Additionally, underwater welds demonstrate a higher convexity (2.28 mm) and narrower width (6.72 mm) compared to dry welds (1.67 mm convexity and 10.75 mm width). The increased hardness observed in underwater welds (88 HRB versus 74 HRB for dry welds) is attributed to the rapid cooling effect of the water, which acts as a quenching medium. Both dry and wet welds show no signs of porosity, indicating that underwater welding can produce structurally sound and dense welds in shallow water using conventional welding machines and electrodes designed for dry environments. Understanding these differences is essential for optimizing welding processes and ensuring weld quality in varying environmental conditions.