Initial stages of high-temperature oxidation using the gleeble thermal-mechanical simulator

The experimental technique introduced in this paper is designed to simulate the oxidation conditions which may exist prior to weld upsetting during the electric resistance welding of pipe. Tubular-shaped specimens are resistively heated using AC current in a Gleeble thermal-mechanical simulator. Specimen heating rates of up to 3500 °C/sec have been achieved. A controlled gas atmosphere can be passed through a bore in the specimen during the thermal cycle. After heating, the outside wall of the specimen can be cooled via water quench, forced air flow or in still air. The oxidized inside wall of the specimens are studied using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy. Some preliminary results are presented. © Institute of Materials Engineering Australasia Ltd.