Analysis of Welding Groove Angle and Geometry on Strength of Armor Steel

The primary reason for the widespread use of armor steel in tanks and other similar military vehicles is its material properties such as high strength, good weldability, sufficient toughness, and its lower manufacturing cost compared to other armor materials. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of welding groove angle and geometry on mechanical properties such as tension, compression, and bending strength of butt-joint armor steel. Armor steel plates have been prepared using X and V type welding geometries and three different types of groove angles, and these were joined through gas metal arc welding method (GMAW). The effects of welding parameters such as welding groove geometry and welding groove angle on tension, compression, and bending strength have also been studied numerically using finite element analysis (FEA). As a result, a welding angle of 54 degree and V-groove geometry were found to be the best mechanical properties for tension strength. Additionally, welding groove angle of 48 degree and X-groove geometry were found to be the best solution for compression strength of butt-joint welded armor steel.