9/27/2017 Carbon Equivalent
Carbon Equivalent
Carbon Equivalent (CE) is an empirical value in weight percent, relating the combined effects of different
alloying elements used in the making of carbon steels to an equivalent amount of carbon. This value can be
calculated using a mathematical equation. By varying the amount of carbon and other alloying elements in the
steel, the desired strength levels can be achieved by proper heat treatment. A better weldability and low
temperature notch toughness can also be obtained.
In terms of welding, the Carbon Equivalent governs the hardenability of the parent metal. It is a rating of
weldability related to carbon, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, nickel and copper content. There
are several commonly used equations for expressing Carbon Equivalent. One example of such mathematical
formula is:
CE = C + Mn/6 + (Cr + Mo + V)/5 + (Ni + Cu)/15
The table below shows the preferred and maximum weight percent content of some elements and the diagram
that follows shows the influence of certain element content on the hardness.
Element Composition
Preferred (%) High (%)
Carbon 0.06 to 0.25 0.35
Manganese 0.35 to 0.80 1.40
Silicon 0.10 or less 0.30
Sulphur 0.035 or less 0.05
Phosphorus 0.030 or less 0.04
Base composition: 0.25% C, 0.30% Si, 0.70% Mn
The ability to form hard metallurgical constituents such as martensites or any other hard phases is dependent on
the carbon equivalent and the cooling rate of the steel involved in cooling from the transformation temperature.
The higher the carbon equivalent value, the faster the cooling rate, the higher the tendency for hard, brittle
phases to form during cooling.
[Link] 1/2
9/27/2017 Carbon Equivalent
The metallurgical characteristics of steels are mainly determined by its chemical composition. As such, any
small changes in its chemical composition of the base and filler metals can substantially increase cracking
tendency. The risk of cracking also increases with increasing hardness of the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) in
welding for a particular hydrogen level and joint restraint. The diagram below shows the influence of carbon
content and the transformation temperature on the HAZ microstructure and toughness.
As such, the value of the Carbon Equivalent is a useful guide to the possibility of cracking in alloy steels by
comparison with an equivalent plain carbon steel. The two main problems faced in the cracking of the welded
metals are hot cracking and cold cracking.
Hot cracking occurs immediately after solidification in a weld, caused by the segregation of certain alloying
elements during the solidification process. Sulphur, boron and other elements that tend to segregate excessively
are reduced in order to prevent hot cracking. Cold cracking, also known as delayed or hydrogen-induced
cracking, develops after solidification of the fusion zone as the result of residual stress. It generally occurs below
200°C, sometimes several hours, or even days after welding.
Although a carbon equivalent is sometimes useful in planning welding procedures, its value is limited because
only the chemical composition of the steel is considered. The section size being welded and joint restraint is of
equal or greater importance, because of their relations to heat input and cooling rate.
References
1. [Link]
2. N. Bailey, Welding Steels without Hydrogen Cracking, Cambridge: Abington Pub, 1993, p. 11-12, 35-36
3. [Link]
4. [Link]
5. [Link]
6. [Link]
7. [Link]
8. [Link]
[Link] 2/2