Effects of Ultrasonic-Frequency Pulse Current on Arc Stability, Acoustic Signal Emission and Weld Quality in Underwater Wet Multi-Layer Multi-Pass Welding with Q345 Steel

Hongliang Li; Rui Yang; Junjie Hu; Rui Zhao; Jida Wang; Zeshi Jin; Feng Yu

doi:10.2478/pomr-2026-0025

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Effects of Ultrasonic-Frequency Pulse Current on Arc Stability, Acoustic Signal Emission and Weld Quality in Underwater Wet Multi-Layer Multi-Pass Welding with Q345 Steel

Polish Maritime Research

Volume 33 (2026): Issue 2 (June 2026)

By: Hongliang Li, Rui Yang, Junjie Hu, Rui Zhao, Jida Wang, Zeshi Jin and Feng Yu

Open Access

|May 2026

Abstract

ITo address limitations of poor arc stability and inadequate weld quality in conventional underwater wet welding for marine structural repairs, this study developed an ultrasonic-frequency pulsed (UFP) assisted underwater wet welding (UFP-UWW) process by coupling a constant-voltage power source with an ultrasonic-frequency pulse current generator. The dynamic features of arc voltage, welding current, and underwater acoustic signal were systematically investigated under varying excitation voltages (10–60 V) and frequencies (20–90 kHz). The microstructure, mechanical performance and corrosion resistance of underwater multi-layer multi-pass welds on Q345 low-alloy steel were evaluated. Results indicated that ultrasonic-frequency pulsed current modulation improved overall arc stiffness and enhanced arc combustion stability. The arc acoustic signal pressure and electrical signals exhibited consistent synchronization with external ultrasonic excitation frequency. The arc acoustic signal pressure amplitude increased with elevating excitation voltage but decreased with increasing frequency. The UFP-UWW process successfully produced defect-free multi-layer multi-pass welds. Ultrasonic-frequency electromagnetic stirring in the pool enhanced thermal convection and mass transfer, which disrupted columnar grain growth and refined the weld microstructure. Compared with conventional UWW, the UFP-UWW weld metal showed a significant improvement in tensile strength (an increase of ~7.4%) and impact toughness (by 22.7%), alongside enhanced corrosion resistance. This study confirmed the applicability of UFP-UWW in multi-layer multi-pass welding of thick plates, providing a reliable technical solution for high-quality marine engineering repairs.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/pomr-2026-0025 | Journal eISSN: 2083-7429 | Journal ISSN: 1233-2585

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Language: English

Page range: 105 - 121

Published on: May 6, 2026

Published by: Gdansk University of Technology

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Publication frequency: 4 issues per year

Keywords:

Q345 steel,

underwater welding,

Underwater acoustic signal,

multi-layer multi-pass welding,

Mechanical properties

Related subjects:

Engineering,

Introductions and overviews,

Engineering, other,

Geosciences,

Atmospheric science and climatology,

Life sciences,

Life sciences, other

© 2026 Hongliang Li, Rui Yang, Junjie Hu, Rui Zhao, Jida Wang, Zeshi Jin, Feng Yu, published by Gdansk University of Technology
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Volume 33 (2026): Issue 2 (June 2026)