A stray arc can cause which type of weld imperfection?

A stray arc can cause which type of weld imperfection?

• A. Metallurgical notch
• B. Porosity
• C. Hydrogen embrittlement
• D. Lamellar tearing

Answer: (A)

Stray arc creates a localized metallurgical disruption at the weld toe, forming a notch-like feature in the heat-affected zone. That notch acts as a stress concentrator, making the weld more susceptible to crack initiation under load, which is exactly what a metallurgical notch describes. Porosity comes from gas entrapment during welding, not from an arc strike. Hydrogen embrittlement involves hydrogen weakening the metal, not a surface notch from an arc. Lamellar tearing results from weld metal and joint restraint issues in thick plates, not from a stray arc creating a notch.

Stray arc creates a localized metallurgical disruption at the weld toe, forming a notch-like feature in the heat-affected zone. That notch acts as a stress concentrator, making the weld more susceptible to crack initiation under load, which is exactly what a metallurgical notch describes.

Porosity comes from gas entrapment during welding, not from an arc strike. Hydrogen embrittlement involves hydrogen weakening the metal, not a surface notch from an arc. Lamellar tearing results from weld metal and joint restraint issues in thick plates, not from a stray arc creating a notch.