Abstract
Electron beam weldability of 9%Ni steels has been investigated to apply EBW to the construction of LNG storage tank. While mechanical properties of welded joints were satisfied by ASTM specification, impact energy of weld metal was as low as 27 - 55J at $-196^{\circ}C$. As the result of Ni wires inserted at the joint to be welded, Ni content of weld metal was increased to about 10%, resulting on the improvement of impact toughness to 110 ~ 120J at $-196^{\circ}C$. This improvement of impact toughness in weld metal was due to the formation of tempered martensite and retained austenite. Above results indicate that, if Ni content of weld metal was increased about 10% by Ni wires addition, electron beam welded 9%Ni steels weld metal had sufficient impact energy necessary for a LNG storage tank.