Characteristics of GMAW Narrow Gap Welding on the Armor Steel of Combat Vehicles

Abstract

The primary purpose of this investigation was to study the characteristics of the armor steel weldment of combat vehicles by using GMAW narrow gap welding (NGW). The results showed that the mechanical properties and residual stress distribution of NGW weldment were improved, compared with conventional X-groove weldment. Additionally, ballistic tests according to MIL-HDBK-1941 were carried out to verify the ballistic ability of NGW weldment and the result showed that the NGW process was qualified for welding the armor steel of combat vehicle.

Keywords

• narrow gap welding
• finite element analysis
• welding
• residual stress