When a procedure qualification test requires reduced section tension tests, the test specimens must meet what minimum tensile strength?

When a procedure qualification test requires reduced section tension tests, the test specimens must meet what minimum tensile strength?

• A. The minimum tensile strength specified for the base metal
• B. The yield strength of the filler metal
• C. The ultimate tensile strength of the weld metal
• D. A fixed value defined by the standard

Answer: (A)

In a reduced-section tension test, the goal is to ensure the welded joint isn’t the weak link and that its strength is compatible with the metal being welded. The stress is concentrated in the weld region (and adjacent heat-affected zone), so the test checks that the weld can carry at least the same minimum tensile strength as the base metal. If the weld area were weaker than the base metal, the joint would fail there, indicating the weld procedure isn’t qualified for that base metal. Therefore, the required minimum tensile strength for the test specimens is the minimum tensile strength specified for the base metal.

In a reduced-section tension test, the goal is to ensure the welded joint isn’t the weak link and that its strength is compatible with the metal being welded. The stress is concentrated in the weld region (and adjacent heat-affected zone), so the test checks that the weld can carry at least the same minimum tensile strength as the base metal. If the weld area were weaker than the base metal, the joint would fail there, indicating the weld procedure isn’t qualified for that base metal. Therefore, the required minimum tensile strength for the test specimens is the minimum tensile strength specified for the base metal.