Browsing by Author "Banura, Pascal"

Filter results by typing the first few letters
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Analysis of the effects of different types of welding electrodes on the integrity of Smaw-welded recycled steel in Uganda
    (Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2025-11) Banura, Pascal
    The mechanical performance of welded joints in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) of recycled steel are significantly influenced by the type of electrode used. Different welding electrodes produce varying mechanical and microstructural properties in the weld because each electrode introduces distinct thermal and metallurgical conditions during welding. This study examined the effects of different welding electrodes (E6013, E7018, and E7024) on the hardness, tensile strength (breaking load), and microstructural characteristics of SMAW-welded recycled steel with the aim of determining the optimal electrode for achieving a balance between strength, hardness, and ductility. Rockwell hardness tests, tensile strength tests, and microstructural examinations were performed on welds made on steel samples obtained from three steel manufacturers in Uganda. The findings revealed that the E6013 electrode produced welds that exhibited moderate hardness across all steel manufacturers while E7018 electrodes produced the highest breaking load (78.4kN) indicating superior tensile strength and ductility; whereas E7024 electrodes produced welds that exhibited the highest hardness value of 63.9 HRB but with lower breaking load (28.2kN) suggesting a more brittle nature. Furthermore, microstructural analysis confirmed that E7018 welds had fine-grained acicular ferrite and bainite which enhanced toughness while E7024 welds displayed coarse martensitic structures which increased hardness but reduced ductility. The results suggest that E7018 electrodes are ideal for load-bearing structural applications whereas E7024 electrodes are better suited for applications where hardness is prioritized over toughness. Although this study provides valuable insights into electrode selection, further study is needed to explore the effects of welding parameters, long-term durability, and alternative welding techniques to enhance the performance of SMAW-welded recycled steel.