A "controlled thermal severity" test (CTS) uses which type of weld?

A "controlled thermal severity" test (CTS) utilizes a groove weld. This type of weld is specifically designed to assess the effects of various thermal cycles on the weld metal and the heat-affected zone (HAZ). Groove welds provide a substantial cross-section for testing, allowing for more controlled and measurable results.

In a CTS test, the precise thermal conditions experienced during welding can be monitored, making it possible to examine the performance and qualities of the welds under simulated service conditions. The groove design helps in generating a relevant thermal profile that is crucial for the material properties being evaluated.

Fillet welds, while commonly used in various applications, do not create the same thermal distribution or stress profiles needed for a CTS. Spot welds are typically limited to joining two overlapping sheets and do not subject the material to extensive thermal testing like groove welds do. Edge welds, likewise, are less commonly used for this specific type of thermal severity assessment.

Consequently, groove welds are the preferred choice for conducting controlled thermal severity tests, allowing for an in-depth understanding of the tempering effects of thermal cycles on the material properties.