Metal welding: specific destructive testing

Most destructive tests on welded joints are subject to standardization, as are tests on base metals. The more specific standards for each test will be dealt with in the paragraphs below relating to these destructive tests. In addition to test descriptions, these standards provide the reader with all the nomenclature needed to designate destructive tests, as well as examples of test reports.

In our first article [BM 7 792] , we dealt with general destructive testing: tensile testing, impact bending impact testing and hardness testing. In the present article, we'll be looking at destructive tests specific to welded joints, such as hot and cold cracking tests. For aspects common to destructive testing of welded joints, the reader is referred to the introduction to the first article [BM 7 792] .

There are other very specific destructive tests on welded joints which will not be detailed in this article: fatigue test, toughness test (Crack Tip Opening Displacement)...

In addition, a number of destructive tests specific to welding processes will not be covered in this article. A typical example is resistance welding, for which a whole battery of destructive tests has been developed.