Abstract
Variation of HAZ toughness of Ti-containing steel with nitrogen content was investigated and interpreted in terms of its microstructure and the amount of soluble nitrogen present. The amounts of Ti and Al combined in TiN and AlN, respectively, in HAZ at $1400^{\circ}C$ peak temperature were less than those in base plate; 55~88% in TiN and 21~28% in AlN, indicating the dissolution of nitrifies in HAZ. The calculated amounts of soluble nitrogen using the thermodynamic analysis showed a good agreement with the measured values in other experiment. Therefore, the analysis can be used to estimate the amount of soluble nitrogen in HAZ. Simulated HAZ toughness was influenced not only by its microstructure but also by the amount of soluble nitrogen present after the formation of BN during the cooling cycle of welding. It showed maximum value when the nitrogen content is in stoichiometric ratio with titanium content, showing that soluble nitrogen in HAZ is detrimental to its toughness.