JP5612532B2 - Steel sheet excellent in low temperature toughness and weld joint fracture toughness and method for producing the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a steel sheet excellent in low temperature toughness (base metal) and welded joint (HAZ) fracture toughness, and a method for producing the same, for example, when used for offshore structures in cold regions, etc. The present invention relates to a steel sheet exhibiting excellent low temperature toughness and weld joint fracture toughness, and a method for producing the same.

  In recent years, drilling and production of resources such as oil have shifted to ocean deep water and cold regions. Therefore, in such a region, a steel plate for offshore structures used for resource excavation and the like is required to be excellent in low temperature toughness and weld joint fracture toughness.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an improved weld joint fracture toughness. In this Patent Document 1, by defining the chemical component values of Ti and N, the grain size of TiN, and the number of the grain sizes, a high CTOD guaranteed low temperature steel having excellent fracture toughness in the weld heat affected zone is obtained. Is shown. Specifically, TiN particle size 0.01~0.1μm in the steel material before welding 5 × ¹⁰ 5 ~5 × ^{10 6} cells / mm ² exists and a particle size 0.5μm or more TiN 10 It is shown that the number of particles / cm ² or less is sufficient.

Patent Document 2 discloses a steel sheet suitable for an offshore structure in an extremely cold ice sea area. (A) Fine grain size of effective crystal grain size, (b) Reduction of island martensite and trace Nb The effect of improving the grain boundary hardenability by the combination of (c) suppression of precipitation hardening, (d) reduction of HAZ hardness, and simultaneously improving the CTOD characteristics of the multi-layer welds has been achieved. It is shown. As manufacturing conditions,
(A) The steel slab is heated to 950 to 1300 ° C., rough rolling is performed with a reduction rate of 10 to 90% in the recrystallization temperature range, and then the reduction rate is 10 in the non-recrystallization temperature range of Ar ₃ points or more. Perform ~ 90% finish rolling, immediately control cooling to 650-500 ° C. at a cooling rate of 1-50 ° C./s, air cool to room temperature, or
(A) The steel slab is heated to 950 to 1300 ° C., rough rolling is performed with a reduction rate of 10 to 90% in the recrystallization temperature range, and then the reduction rate is 10 in the non-recrystallization temperature range of Ar ₃ points or more. It is mentioned that finish rolling of ˜90% is performed, the cooling is immediately controlled to 200 ° C. or less at a cooling rate of 1 to 50 ° C./s, and then tempering is performed at 500 to 650 ° C.

Patent Document 3 shows a method for producing a thick high-tensile steel sheet excellent in low-temperature toughness and weldability. The specified steel is heated to 900 to 1150 ° C., rolled to an intermediate stage thickness, and the rolling is temporarily interrupted. to remain cool slab state or without rolling to cool, heated uniformly coercive the steel to a temperature of Ar 3 ₊ 0.99 ° C. to Ar ₃ before the surface temperature divided by Ar _3, then the rolling reduction at Ar ₃ or more Rolling 50 to 70%, after rolling, cooling to 250 to 600 ° C at a cooling rate of 1 to 10 ° C / sec, followed by air cooling, or heating steel to 900 to 1150 ° C and rolling to intermediate thickness once or cooled to interrupt rolling, or uniformly heated holding the steel before cooling to the surface temperature remains slab state without rolling divide Ar ₃ temperature of Ar 3 ₊ 0.99 ° C. to Ar ₃ are, then Reduction rate of 50 to 70% at Ar ₃ or higher A method is proposed in which after rolling, after rolling, the steel is cooled to 250 to 600 ° C. at a cooling rate of 1 to 10 ° C./sec and then air-cooled.

Patent Document 4 discloses a low-yield ratio high-tensile steel sheet that is excellent in low-temperature toughness of HAZ and excellent in low-temperature toughness of a base material (steel sheet) even when welding is performed with high heat input. As a manufacturing method, after performing hot rolling, from the temperature exceeding (Ar ₃ transformation point −40 ° C.) of the steel sheet to the temperature below (Ar ₃ transformation point −40 ° C.) at an average cooling rate of 10 ° C./second or more. After cooling, the cooling is temporarily interrupted at that temperature, and air cooling is performed for 30 to 150 seconds. Subsequently, the temperature at the t / 4 (t: plate thickness) position is (Ar ₃ transformation point −80 ° C.) to (Ar ₃ transformation point). It is shown that cooling is performed at an average cooling rate of 10 ° C./second or more from a temperature range of −190 ° C. to a temperature range of more than 350 ° C. and 550 ° C. or less.

  However, in Patent Documents 1 to 4, as the low-temperature toughness of the base material, the low-temperature toughness in the center direction (t / 2) C direction, which is particularly difficult to ensure, is enhanced, and the weld joint fracture toughness (HAZ-CTOD characteristics) is also provided. It is not considered to increase.

JP 2001-247932 A JP-A-11-229077 Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-74454 JP 2008-266735 A

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above-mentioned circumstances, and the purpose thereof is a steel plate (in particular, a deep water region or a cold region) exhibiting low temperature toughness and weld joint fracture toughness superior to those of conventional steel plates. And a method of manufacturing the steel sheet.

The steel sheet excellent in the low temperature toughness and weld joint fracture toughness of the present invention that has solved the above problems is
C: 0.02 to 0.10% (meaning “mass%”; the same shall apply hereinafter)
Si: 0.5% or less (excluding 0%),
Mn: 1.0-2.0%,
Ni: 0.10 to 1%,
Nb: 0.005 to 0.03%,
Ti: 0.005 to 0.02%,
N: 0.0030 to 0.065%,
P: 0.02% or less (excluding 0%),
S: 0.015% or less (excluding 0%), and Al: 0.01 to 0.06%
And the balance is iron and inevitable impurities,
All the following conditions (A) to (D) are satisfied, and the tensile strength is 470 MPa or more.

(A) Surface part, t / 4 part [t indicates the plate thickness. The same shall apply hereinafter), and when the fraction of the acicular ferrite is measured at part t / 2, the minimum value (Amin) of the acicular ferrite fraction is 50 area% or more and the highest acicular ferrite fraction The difference between the value (Amax) and the minimum value (Amin) satisfies the following formula (1).
Amax−Amin ≦ 20 area% (1)
(B) At the surface portion, t / 4 portion, and t / 2 portion, the average crystal grain size of a region (large-angle crystal grain) surrounded by a large-angle grain boundary in which the orientation difference between the two crystals is 15 ° or more was measured. Sometimes, the maximum value (Mmax) of the average crystal grain size is 40 μm or less, and the difference between the maximum value (Mmax) and the minimum value (Mmin) of the average crystal grain size satisfies the following formula (2): .
Mmax−Mmin <40 μm (2)
(C) When the hardness is measured at the surface portion, t / 4 portion, and t / 2 portion, the difference between the maximum hardness value (Hvmax) and the minimum hardness value (Hvmin) is the following (3) Satisfy the formula.
Hvmax−Hvmin ≦ 50 (3)
(D) When an ultrasonic flaw detection test specified in JIS G 0901 is subjected to full flaw detection with a detection sensitivity of +12 dB, the UT echo height of the internal defect is 50% or less.

The above steel plate is still another element,
V: 0.5% or less (excluding 0%),
B: 0.0005 to 0.003%, and Ca: 0.0005 to 0.003%
It may contain at least one element selected from the group consisting of:

In addition, the steel plate, as another element,
Cu: 0.3% or less (excluding 0%),
Cr: 0.5% or less (not including 0%) and Mo: 0.5% or less (not including 0%)
It may contain at least one element selected from the group consisting of:

  The steel sheet can be used for offshore structures.

  The present invention also defines a method for manufacturing the steel sheet, and the manufacturing method uses a slab that satisfies the above component composition, and after heating to 1050 ° C. or higher, the first hot rolling, the first cooling, It is characterized in that the two hot rolling and the second cooling are sequentially performed so as to satisfy the following conditions (a) to (d), respectively.

(A) In the first hot rolling, the final pass rolling is performed at a reduction rate of 10% or more in a state where the temperature at t / 2 part is 950 ° C. or higher.

(B) As the first cooling, the temperature difference between the surface part and the t / 2 part is set within 70 ° C. by performing two-stage cooling satisfying the following conditions.
(First stage cooling) The thickness in the plate thickness direction average cooling rate of 0.6 ° C./s or more is 0.5 T seconds or more [T represents the starting plate thickness (mm) of the first cooling. The same applies hereinafter] After cooling for 1.5 T seconds or less, air cooling is performed for 0.5 T seconds to 1.5 T seconds.
(Second stage cooling) Following the first stage cooling, after cooling at an average cooling rate of 0.6 ° C./s or more in the plate thickness direction from 0.07 T seconds to 1.3 T seconds, the air cooling is performed from 0.07 T seconds to 1 Perform for 3T seconds or less.

(C) In the second hot rolling, rolling in a temperature range where the temperature at t / 2 part is less than 950 ° C. is performed so as to satisfy the following expression (4).
Q + (Ni + Nb) × 10 ≧ 33 (4)
[In the above equation (4),
Q: Cumulative rolling reduction (%) in a temperature range where the temperature of t / 2 part is less than 950 ° C.
Ni: Ni content (mass%),
Nb: Nb content (% by mass).
In addition, the rolling reduction is obtained by the following equation (5).
Reduction ratio = 100 × (thickness before rolling start−thickness after rolling) / thickness before rolling start (5)]

(D) As the second cooling, from the temperature range where the temperature of the surface part is equal to or higher than the Ar ₃ transformation point to the temperature range where the temperature of t / 2 part is 500 ° C. or less, the plate thickness direction average satisfying the following expression (6) Cool at the cooling rate.
Average cooling rate in the plate thickness direction ≧ 6420t ^−1.60 (6)
[In the above formula (6), t represents the final product plate thickness (mm).
Moreover, the plate thickness direction average cooling rate is obtained from the following equation (7).
Plate thickness direction average cooling rate (° C./s)=(θs−θf)/τ (7)
In the above equation (7), θs represents the plate thickness direction average temperature (° C.) at the start of cooling, θf represents the plate thickness direction average temperature (° C.) at the time of cooling stop, and τ represents the cooling time (s). ]

  According to the present invention, the structure and hardness are constant regardless of the plate thickness direction, and defects inside the steel plate are suppressed, so that both low temperature toughness and weld joint fracture toughness superior to conventional steel plates are combined. . Such a steel sheet of the present invention is particularly suitably used for offshore structures constructed in deep water or cold regions.

FIG. 1 is a graph showing the relationship between the difference in acicular ferrite fraction (Amax−Amin) and the vTrs in the t / 2 part C direction. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between the large-angle crystal grain size difference (Mmax−Mmin) and the vTrs in the t / 2 part C direction. FIG. 3 is a graph showing the relationship between the hardness difference (Hvmax−Hvmin) and the limit CTOD value (−10 ° C.) of the HAZ part. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the echo height in the ultrasonic flaw detection test and the limit CTOD value (−10 ° C.) of the HAZ part. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the manufacturing process of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the rolling reduction of the final pass rolling in the first hot rolling and the echo height in the ultrasonic flaw detection test. FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the temperature difference between the surface portion (after the first cooling) and the t / 2 portion, and the hardness difference (Hvmax−Hvmin). FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the first-stage cooling coefficient and the temperature difference between the surface portion (after the first cooling) and the t / 2 portion. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the second-stage cooling coefficient and the temperature difference between the surface portion (after the first cooling) and the t / 2 portion. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the left-side value [Q + (Ni + Nb) × 10] of equation (4) and the acicular ferrite fraction difference (Amax−Amin). FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the left-side value [Q + (Ni + Nb) × 10] of equation (4) and the large-angle crystal grain size difference (Mmax−Mmin). FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the sampling position of the test piece in the example, and the cross section indicated by the hatched portion is the optical microscope observation surface and the EBSP observation surface. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a welding configuration in the example.

This inventor repeated earnest research to obtain the steel plate which satisfy | fills the outstanding low temperature toughness and weld joint fracture toughness, specifically, the following (I) and (II).
(I) As an excellent low temperature toughness of the base material, the vTrs in the thickness direction central portion (t / 2) C direction measured in Examples described later is −100 ° C. or lower (preferably −110 ° C. or lower, more preferably − 120 ° C. or lower, more preferably −130 ° C. or lower).
(II) As an excellent weld joint fracture toughness, the critical CTOD value (−10 ° C.) of the HAZ part measured in Examples described later (hereinafter, this characteristic may be referred to as “HAZ-CTOD characteristic”) is 0. 46 mm or more (preferably 0.6 mm or more, more preferably 0.8 mm or more, still more preferably 1 mm or more, particularly preferably 1.2 mm or more).

  In the present invention, the evaluation position of the low temperature toughness of the above (I) is particularly set to “plate thickness central part (t / 2) C direction”. The toughness of the t / 2 part is evaluated as a brittle crack generation characteristic. It is known that the vTrs is higher by about + 20 ° C. in the C direction than in the L direction at the t / 2 part. However, in the present invention, the evaluation is more effective than in the L direction. This is to obtain a steel sheet that reliably exhibits excellent low-temperature toughness by evaluating in the severe C direction (that is, a safer evaluation).

  The inventor first found that it is necessary to make the structure, hardness, etc. in the thickness direction uniform in order to achieve both of the above characteristics (I) and (II), and further studied in detail. However, it has been found that all the conditions (A) to (D) described above may be satisfied. Hereinafter, the relationship between the above two characteristics and the conditions (A) to (D) will be described in detail.

First, it was found that the following (A) and (B) should be satisfied in order to satisfy the above (I).
(A) When the acicular ferrite fraction is measured at the surface portion, t / 4 portion, and t / 2 portion, the minimum value (Amin) of the acicular ferrite fraction is 50 area% or more, and The difference between the maximum value (Amax) of the acicular ferrite fraction and the minimum value (Amin) satisfies the following formula (1).
Amax−Amin ≦ 20 area% (1)
(B) At the surface portion, t / 4 portion, and t / 2 portion, the average crystal grain size of a region (large-angle crystal grain) surrounded by a large-angle grain boundary in which the orientation difference between the two crystals is 15 ° or more was measured. Sometimes, the maximum value (Mmax) of the average crystal grain size is 40 μm or less, and the difference between the maximum value (Mmax) and the minimum value (Mmin) of the average crystal grain size satisfies the following formula (2): .
Mmax−Mmin <40 μm (2)

  The above (A) will be described.

  In the present invention, in order to make the entire structure in the plate thickness direction uniform, the main component is acicular ferrite, which is easy to obtain a stable uniform structure under a wide range of manufacturing conditions. That is, the steel sheet of the present invention has a structure mainly composed of acicular ferrite regardless of the thickness direction.

  In the conventional steel plate, even though the surface portion and the structure of t / 4 part are mainly composed of acicular ferrite, the thickness of t / 2 part is different (that is, the acicular ferrite is less than 50% by area). It is considered that the structure was different depending on the direction, and this was one of the impediments to improving the low temperature toughness of the base material. In the present invention, not only the surface portion and t / 4 portion of the steel sheet, but also the t / 2 portion is mainly composed of acicular ferrite (50 area% or more), and has a structure mainly composed of acicular ferrite regardless of the plate thickness direction (ie, By reducing the difference in the acicular ferrite fraction in the plate thickness direction), it was possible to secure the low temperature toughness in the t / 2 part C direction, which is said to be most difficult to ensure.

  FIG. 1 uses the results of the examples described later (hereinafter, FIGS. 2 to 4 and 6 to 11 are also organized using the results of the examples), the surface portion, the t / 4 portion, and the t The relationship between the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the / 2 part acicular ferrite fraction (Amax−Amin, the difference between the acicular ferrite fractions) and the vTrs in the t / 2 part C direction is organized. 1 that vTrs ≦ −100 ° C. can be achieved by setting (Amax−Amin) to 20 area% or less. (Amax−Amin) is preferably 15 area% or less, more preferably 10 area% or less.

  The minimum value (Amin) of the acicular ferrite fraction is 50 area% or more, preferably 55 area% or more, more preferably 60 area% or more.

  Although the present invention stipulates that it is mainly composed of acicular ferrite (50 area% or more) at any position in the plate thickness direction, other structures are not particularly limited, and there are structures such as upper bainite. sell.

  Next, (B) will be described.

  In the single-phase structure mainly composed of the above-mentioned acicular ferrite, it is considered that the grain boundary serves as resistance to crack propagation. If the frequency of the collision between the grain boundary and the crack is increased during the crack growth, it is considered that the crack growth can be suppressed. That is, it is considered that the frequency of collision with cracks should be increased by making the grain boundaries finer. However, in a small-angle grain boundary where the orientation difference between two crystal planes forming the grain boundary is small (for example, less than 15 °), the grain boundary energy is small and the effect is small, so the large-angle grain boundary where the orientation difference is 15 ° or more. It is necessary to refine the grain size (large-angle crystal grain size) of the crystal grains (large-angle crystal grains) surrounded by the large-angle grain boundary for (large tilt boundary).

  From such a viewpoint, in the present invention, the maximum value (Mmax) of the large-angle crystal grain size of the surface portion, t / 4 portion, and t / 2 portion is set to 40 μm or less. Mmax is preferably 35 μm or less, more preferably 30 μm or less.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, low-temperature toughness can be ensured in the entire plate thickness direction by uniformly refining large-angle crystal grains in the plate thickness direction, and excellent low-temperature toughness in the t / 2 part C direction can be ensured. can do.

  FIG. 2 shows the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value (Mmax−Mmin, large-angle crystal grain size difference) of the average crystal grain size of the large-angle crystal grains at the surface part, t / 4 part, and t / 2 part, and t / 2. It is the figure which showed the relationship of vTrs of the part C direction. From FIG. 2, it can be seen that by setting (Mmax−Mmin) to less than 40 μm, vTrs ≦ −100 ° C. can be achieved. (Mmax−Mmin) is preferably 35 μm or less, more preferably 30 μm or less, and even more preferably 20 μm or less.

Next, it was found that the following (C) and (D) should be satisfied in order to satisfy the above (II).
(C) When the hardness is measured at the surface portion, t / 4 portion, and t / 2 portion, the difference between the maximum hardness value (Hvmax) and the minimum hardness value (Hvmin) is the following (3) Satisfy the formula.
Hvmax−Hvmin ≦ 50 (3)
(D) When an ultrasonic flaw detection test specified in JIS G 0901 is subjected to full flaw detection with a detection sensitivity of +12 dB, the UT echo height of the internal defect is 50% or less.

  First, the above (C) will be described.

  When the difference in hardness between the surface portion and the inside of the steel sheet is large, stress concentration occurs there, and fracture toughness (HAZ-CTOD characteristics) deteriorates. Therefore, it is preferable to reduce the difference in hardness between the surface portion and the inside.

  FIG. 3 shows the difference between the maximum value (Hvmax) and minimum value (Hvmin) of the hardness of the surface part, t / 4 part, and t / 2 part (hardness difference, Hvmax−Hvmin), and the limit CTOD of the HAZ part. Although it is a figure which showed the relationship of a value (-10 degreeC), by making the said hardness difference into 50 or less from this FIG. 3, limit CTOD value (-10 degreeC) of HAZ part: 0.46 mm or more You can see that it can be achieved. The hardness difference is preferably 40 or less, and more preferably 30 or less.

  Next, the above (D) will be described.

  If the UT echo height of the internal defect is large, that is, if there is a large defect, stress concentration occurs there, and the fracture toughness decreases.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the echo height in the ultrasonic flaw detection test and the critical CTOD value (−10 ° C.) of the HAZ part. From FIG. 4, the echo height by the UT is 50% or less. When it exists, it turns out that the limit CTOD value (-10 degreeC) of a HAZ part: 0.46 mm or more can be achieved. The echo height due to the UT is preferably 45% or less, more preferably 40% or less.

[Production method]
As described above, the steel sheet of the present invention needs to have a uniform structure in the thickness direction, such as reducing (Amax-Amin), (Mmax-Mmin), (Hvmax-Hvmin), etc. If it becomes a material, the temperature difference in the plate thickness direction during rolling becomes large, so that the above-mentioned uniforming becomes difficult. Under such circumstances, the present invention has also studied means for obtaining a steel sheet that satisfies all of the above (A) to (D) and further has a tensile strength of 470 MPa or more.

  As a result, in the manufacturing process, after using a slab satisfying the component composition described later, after heating to 1050 ° C. or more, in particular, the first hot rolling, the first cooling, the second hot rolling, and the second cooling, It has been found that it is necessary to carry out sequentially so as to satisfy the prescribed conditions (a) to (d).

  Hereinafter, it demonstrates in order of a manufacturing process.

  First, as shown in FIG. 5, the slab is heated to 1050 ° C. or higher, which means that Nb effective for the formation of acicular ferrite and refinement of crystal grains is completely dissolved, and the structure is an austenite single phase. For the purpose. The heating temperature is preferably 1100 ° C. or higher, but the upper limit is about 1200 ° C.

<(A) First hot rolling>
In the first hot rolling (rough rolling), final pass rolling is performed with a rolling reduction of 10% or more in a state where the temperature at t / 2 part is 950 ° C. or higher. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the rolling reduction ratio and the echo height due to the UT. From FIG. 6, it can be seen that by setting the rolling reduction ratio to 10% or more, internal defects are pressure-bonded and the echo height by the UT defined by (D) above: 50% or less can be achieved. Thus, by achieving the echo height by UT: 50% or less, the HAZ-CTOD characteristic can be enhanced as shown in FIG. The rolling reduction is preferably 12% or more, more preferably 15% or more.

  The upper limit of the rolling reduction is about 20% from the viewpoint of securing the cumulative rolling reduction during the second hot rolling.

  The other conditions in the first hot rolling are not limited, and for example, the rolling conditions of the pass before the final are not particularly limited.

<(B) First cooling>
By performing two-stage cooling that satisfies the following conditions as the first cooling, the temperature difference between the surface portion after the first cooling and the t / 2 portion (hereinafter simply referred to as “temperature difference between the surface portion and the t / 2 portion”) Be within 70 ° C. The first cooling may be performed subsequent to the first hot rolling (rough rolling), and the disclosed temperature of the following two-stage cooling is not particularly limited, but the surface temperature is within a range of about 900 to 950 ° C. It is.

(First stage cooling) After cooling for 0.5 T seconds or more at a plate thickness direction average cooling rate of 0.6 ° C./s or more [T is the starting plate thickness (mm) of the first cooling] for 1.5 T seconds or less, Air cooling is performed for 0.5 T seconds or more and 1.5 T seconds or less.
(Second stage cooling) Following the first stage cooling, after cooling at an average cooling rate of 0.6 ° C./s or more in the plate thickness direction from 0.07 T seconds to 1.3 T seconds, the air cooling is performed from 0.07 T seconds to 1 Perform for 3T seconds or less.

  As shown in FIG. 3, it is necessary to achieve Hvmax−Hvmin ≦ 50 in order to sufficiently enhance the HAZ-CTOD characteristic. In the present invention, investigations were made to achieve the regulation of the hardness difference, and it was first found that the temperature difference between the surface portion and the t / 2 portion should be within 70 ° C. in the first cooling.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the temperature difference between the surface portion and the t / 2 portion, and the hardness difference (Hvmax−Hvmin). From FIG. 7, it is understood that the temperature difference between the surface portion and the t / 2 portion needs to be within 70 ° C. in order to make the hardness difference 50 or less. The temperature difference between the surface part and the t / 2 part is preferably within 65 ° C, and more preferably within 60 ° C, the hardness difference can be further reduced, and as a result, more excellent HAZ-CTOD characteristics can be secured. it can. Also, in order to keep Amin, (Amax−Amin), Mmax, and (Mmax−Mmin) within the specified ranges, the temperature difference between the surface portion and the t / 2 portion should be within 70 ° C. in this first cooling. Is effective.

  The inventor also examined specific means for setting the temperature difference between the surface portion and the t / 2 portion within 70 ° C. As a result, it was found that the cooling (first cooling) after the first hot rolling (rough rolling) may be two-stage cooling as described above. Furthermore, in each of the first-stage cooling and the second-stage cooling in the two-stage cooling, by defining the cooling rate and the cooling time, the surface portion and the t / 2 portion can be formed in a short time without causing coarsening of crystal grains. It was found that the temperature difference can be within 70 ° C.

First, the first-stage cooling is an average cooling rate in the thickness direction of 0.6 ° C./s or more (hereinafter, the cooling rate at this time may be indicated as “C ₁₁ ”) for 0.5 Tsec or more and 1.5 Tsec. Thereafter, cooling is performed, and then air cooling is performed for 0.5 T seconds to 1.5 T seconds. The sheet thickness direction average cooling rate is a cooling rate obtained by the method shown in Examples described later (hereinafter the same).

If C ₁₁ is less than 0.6 ° C./s, it is difficult to make the temperature difference between the surface portion and t / 2 portion within 70 ° C. within a specified time. Preferably it is 0.7 degreeC / s or more, More preferably, it is 0.8 degreeC / s or more, More preferably, it is 1.0 degreeC / s or more. Note that the scale is generated on the surface of the steel sheet part when C ₁₁ is too high, the cooling efficiency is reduced. Therefore in order to prevent _this, the upper limit of the _{C 11} is set to 5.0 ° C. / s approximately.

C ₁₁ : The cooling time (C ₁₁ cooling time) at 0.6 ° C./s or more is 0.5 T seconds or more and 1.5 T seconds or less.

8, (C ₁₁ starting thickness of the cooling time / first cooling) in the first stage cooling and the value of (the ratio of "first stage cooling coefficient"), the temperature difference between the surface portion and the t / 2 parts It is a figure which shows the relationship. FIG. 8 shows that the first stage cooling coefficient needs to be 0.5 or more in order to make the temperature difference between the surface portion and the t / 2 portion within 70 ° C. The first stage cooling coefficient is preferably 0.8 or more, more preferably 1.0 or more.

  On the other hand, even if the first-stage cooling coefficient is too large, that is, the cooling time is too long, oxides are generated on the steel sheet surface and the cooling efficiency is lowered, and the temperature difference between the surface portion and the t / 2 portion is 70. The upper limit of the first stage cooling coefficient is set to 1.5 because it cannot be set within the temperature.

C ₁₁ : After cooling at 0.6 ° C./s or higher, air cooling is performed for 0.5 T seconds to 1.5 T seconds. By performing this air cooling and reheating, it is possible to minimize the oxide generated on the surface of the steel sheet and efficiently cool it.

The reason for determining the first-stage cooling coefficient in this air cooling is as described above. In order to ensure that the temperature difference between the surface portion and the t / 2 portion is within 70 ° C. in a short time, the air cooling time should be equal to or greater than the cooling time at C _11. The stage cooling coefficient may be equal to or higher than the above-described first stage cooling coefficient at 0.6 ° C./s or higher (however, the upper limit is 1.5).

  Subsequent to the first stage cooling, the second stage cooling is performed.

The second-stage cooling is an average cooling rate in the thickness direction of 0.6 ° C./s or more (hereinafter, the cooling rate at this time may be indicated as “C ₁₂ ”) from 0.07 Tsec to 1.3 Tsec. After cooling, air cooling is performed for 0.07 T seconds or more and 1.3 T seconds or less.

The reason why C _{12 is set} to 0.6 ° C./s or more is the same as that in the first stage cooling.

C ₁₂ : The cooling time (C ₁₂ cooling time) at 0.6 ° C./s or more is 0.07 T seconds or more and 1.3 T seconds or less.

9, in the second stage cooling (starting thickness of the C ₁₂ cooling time / first cooling) and the value of (the ratio of "second-stage cooling coefficient"), the temperature difference between the surface portion and the t / 2 parts It is a figure which shows the relationship. FIG. 9 shows that the second stage cooling coefficient needs to be 0.07 or more in order to make the temperature difference between the surface portion and the t / 2 portion within 70 ° C. The second stage cooling coefficient is preferably 0.1 or more, more preferably 0.2 or more.

  On the other hand, even if the second stage cooling coefficient is too large, that is, if the cooling time is too long, an oxide is generated on the surface of the steel sheet and the cooling efficiency is lowered. The upper limit of the second stage cooling coefficient is 1.3.

C ₁₂ : After cooling at 0.6 ° C./s or higher, air cooling is performed at 0.07 T seconds or more and 1.3 T seconds or less. By performing this air cooling and reheating, it is possible to minimize the oxide generated on the surface of the steel sheet and efficiently cool it.

The reason for determining the second-stage cooling coefficient in this air cooling is as described above. Incidentally, to within surely 70 ° C. in a short time the temperature difference between the surface portion and the t / 2 parts, even cooling time here, it is preferable to cool time equal or at C _12. Therefore, the second-stage cooling coefficient in air cooling may be the same as or higher than the second-stage cooling coefficient during cooling at 0.6 ° C./s or more (however, the upper limit is 1.3).

  As described above, the present invention has an important point in that the second stage cooling is performed subsequent to the first stage cooling. (Cooling + air cooling at 0.6 ° C / s or more) is repeated twice to improve the cooling efficiency by removing the oxide film formed on the steel sheet surface during air cooling (double heat) in the first stage cooling. it can. As a result, even if the total cooling time is the same as only once (cooling at 0.6 ° C./s or higher + air cooling), since the cooling efficiency is higher, the surface portion and t The temperature difference of / 2 parts can be within 70 ° C.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 4 described above, such a cooling method is not described, and from the viewpoint of productivity, usually only one cooling of 0.6 ° C./s or more is performed. Seem. As a result, in these prior arts, it seems that the structure in the thickness direction is not uniformized.

  In addition, the manufacturing method of Patent Document 3 has the same concept of reducing the temperature difference of t / 2 from the plate thickness surface layer portion, but in Patent Document 3, a method of keeping the steel piece warm is taken. . However, if the temperature is kept in this way, it takes time for the temperature difference of t / 2 from the surface layer portion to become small, that is, it is assumed that the crystal grains will be coarsened because it is exposed to a high temperature for a long time. The

<(C) Second hot rolling>
In the second hot rolling (finish rolling), rolling in a temperature range where the temperature at t / 2 part is less than 950 ° C. is performed so as to satisfy the following expression (4).
Q + (Ni + Nb) × 10 ≧ 33 (4)
[In the above equation (4),
Q: Cumulative rolling reduction (%) in a temperature range where the temperature of t / 2 part is less than 950 ° C.
Ni: Ni content (mass%),
Nb: Nb content (% by mass).
In addition, a rolling reduction is calculated | required by following (5) Formula.
Reduction ratio = 100 × (thickness before rolling start−thickness after rolling) / thickness before rolling start (5)]

  By performing the second hot rolling (finish rolling) under the above conditions, the entire thickness direction can be formed into an acicular ferrite structure, and the acicular ferrite defined in (A) can be achieved. Moreover, the definition of the large-angle crystal grains specified in (B) can be achieved.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the left side value [Q + (Ni + Nb) × 10] of equation (4) and the acicular ferrite fraction difference (Amax−Amin). From this figure, the left side of equation (4) The second hot rolling is performed so that the value is 33 or more (that is, the temperature of t / 2 part so that the value on the left side of the equation (4) becomes 33 or more according to the amount of Ni and the amount of Nb in the steel. (Amax−Amin) can be reduced to 20 area% or less by controlling the cumulative rolling reduction in the temperature range of less than 950 ° C.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the left side value of the formula (4) and the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the large-angle crystal grain size (Mmax−Mmin, large-angle crystal grain size difference). It can be seen that (Mmax−Mmin) can be made less than 40 μm by performing the second hot rolling so that the left side value of the equation (4) is 33 or more.

  The left side value of the formula (4) is preferably 40 or more, more preferably 50 or more.

  Other conditions in the second hot rolling (finish rolling) are not particularly limited, and generally performed conditions can be employed.

  In the present invention, after the second hot rolling, the second cooling is further performed so as to satisfy the following condition (d), whereby a certain strength or more can be ensured.

<(D) Second cooling>
As the second cooling, the average cooling rate in the plate thickness direction satisfying the following expression (6) from the temperature range where the temperature of the surface portion is equal to or higher than the Ar ₃ transformation point to the temperature range where the temperature of t / 2 part is 500 ° C. or less ( Hereinafter, the cooling rate at this time may be indicated as “C ₂ ”).
Average cooling rate in the plate thickness direction ≧ 6420t ^−1.60 (6)
[In the above formula (6), t represents the final product plate thickness (mm).
Moreover, the plate thickness direction average cooling rate is obtained from the following equation (7).
Plate thickness direction average cooling rate (° C./s)=(θs−θf)/τ (7)
In the above equation (7), θs represents the average thickness direction temperature (° C.) at the start of cooling, θf represents the average thickness direction temperature at the time of cooling stop, and τ represents the cooling time (s). ]

In the present invention, the second hot rolling is performed under the above conditions, and the cooling rate (C from the temperature range where the temperature of the surface portion is equal to or higher than the Ar ₃ transformation point to the temperature range where the temperature of t / 2 portion is equal to or lower than 500 ° C. (C ₂ ) is a plate thickness direction average cooling rate that satisfies the above formula (6), so that the hardness value is stable within a wide cooling rate range (cooling rate is in the range of about 2 to 30 ° C./s), A certain level of strength (a tensile strength of 470 MPa or more, preferably 510 MPa or more) can be ensured.

  After the second cooling (that is, after cooling to a temperature range where the temperature of t / 2 part is 500 ° C. or lower under the above conditions), the cooling to room temperature is not particularly limited, and the cooling may be performed by air cooling or the like.

  The above description is schematically shown in FIG.

  Since the steel sheet of the present invention exhibits the above-mentioned characteristics (I) and (II) without performing heat treatment (quenching, tempering) or the like thereafter, it can be used as it is cooled.

  The steel sheet of the present invention has a point in that it has both the low-temperature toughness of the base material and the HAZ-CTOD characteristics, particularly in terms of securing the specified structure and the like by manufacturing under the above conditions. In order to ensure the above and sufficiently exhibit both of the above characteristics, and also to have weldability, high strength, etc. as a steel plate used for, for example, an offshore structure, it is necessary to satisfy the following component composition.

[C: 0.02-0.10%]
C is an element indispensable for securing the strength of the steel material (base material). In order to exert such effects, it is necessary to contain 0.02% or more. C is preferably contained in an amount of 0.04% or more, more preferably 0.05% or more. However, if C exceeds 0.10%, a lot of island martensite (MA) is generated in the HAZ at the time of welding to cause deterioration of the toughness of the HAZ, and also adversely affect the weldability. Further, it becomes difficult to secure acicular ferrite, and the hardness difference and the large-angle crystal grain size difference become large. Therefore, C is 0.10% or less, preferably 0.08% or less, more preferably 0.06% or less.

[Si: 0.5% or less (excluding 0%)]
Si is an element that contributes to securing the strength of a steel material by solid solution strengthening. However, if Si exceeds 0.5%, not only does martensite (MA) form in the HAZ during welding to cause deterioration of the HAZ toughness, but also adversely affects weldability. Therefore, Si is 0.5% or less. Preferably it is 0.3% or less, More preferably, it is 0.2% or less, More preferably, it is 0.18% or less. In order to secure the strength of the steel material by adding Si, it is preferable to contain 0.02% or more, more preferably 0.05% or more, and still more preferably 0.1% or more. .

[Mn: 1.0 to 2.0%]
Mn is an element that contributes to improving the strength of the steel material (base material). In order to exhibit such an effect effectively, it is necessary to contain 1.0% or more. Mn is preferably contained at 1.2% or more, more preferably 1.4% or more. However, if it exceeds 2.0%, the weldability of the steel material (base material) is deteriorated. Therefore, Mn needs to be suppressed to 2.0% or less. Preferably it is 1.8% or less, More preferably, you may be 1.6% or less.

[Ni: 0.10 to 1%]
Ni is an element that contributes to increasing the strength of the steel material and improving the toughness of the steel material itself. It also has the function of shifting the transformation start temperature to a low temperature for a long time, which promotes the formation of acicular ferrite in the structure. Moreover, by containing Ni and improving hardenability, the influence of the difference in the cooling rate in the plate thickness direction can be reduced, and as a result, the hardness difference in the plate thickness direction can be reduced. In order to exhibit such an action effectively, it is preferable to contain 0.10% or more. More preferably it is 0.12% or more, and still more preferably 0.14% or more. Ni is preferably contained as much as possible, but since it is an expensive element, if it is contained excessively, the cost becomes high. Therefore, the upper limit is preferably 1% for economic reasons. More preferably, it is 0.8% or less, More preferably, it is 0.6% or less.

[Nb: 0.005 to 0.03%]
Nb contributes to the improvement of the base metal toughness because it suppresses the coarsening of recrystallized grains due to the two effects of the solution drag effect due to solid solution and the pinning effect due to carbonitride precipitation. Also, like Ni, it has the function of shifting the transformation start temperature to a low temperature side for a long time, which promotes the formation of acicular ferrite in the structure. Further, Nb is an element effective for forming precipitation of Nb and strengthening precipitation. However, when the amount of Nb is small and the amount of Nb precipitate is small, the surface portion has a high cooling rate, so that high strength (high hardness) However, since the cooling rate is small and the Nb precipitates are also small in the t / 2 part, the strength (hardness) is low, resulting in a difference in hardness between the surface part and the t / 2 part.
From these things, Nb is contained 0.005% or more. Preferably it is 0.007% or more, More preferably, it is 0.009% or more. However, if Nb exceeds 0.03%, the base metal toughness and the HAZ toughness deteriorate. Accordingly, Nb is set to 0.03% or less. Preferably it is 0.025% or less, More preferably, it is 0.02% or less.

[Ti: 0.005 to 0.02%]
Ti is an element that generates nitrides such as TiN and Ti oxide in the steel material and contributes to the improvement of HAZ toughness. In order to exert such effects, it is necessary to contain Ti by 0.005% or more. Preferably it is 0.007% or more, more preferably 0.010% or more. However, if Ti is excessively contained, the toughness of the steel (base material) deteriorates, so Ti should be suppressed to 0.02% or less. Ti is preferably 0.018% or less, and more preferably 0.016% or less.

[N: 0.0030 to 0.065%]
N is an element that precipitates nitrides (eg, TiN), and the nitrides prevent the austenite grains formed in the HAZ from being coarsened during welding and promote ferrite transformation by the pinning effect. Contributes to improved toughness. In order to exhibit such an effect effectively, it is necessary to contain 0.0030% or more. N is preferably 0.0035% or more, more preferably 0.004% or more. As N increases, Ti-containing nitrides are formed and austenite grain refinement is promoted, which effectively improves the toughness of HAZ. However, when N exceeds 0.065%, the amount of solute N increases, the toughness of the base metal itself deteriorates, and the HAZ toughness also decreases. Therefore, N must be suppressed to 0.065% or less. Preferably it is 0.055% or less, More preferably, it is 0.045% or less.

[P: 0.02% or less (excluding 0%)]
P is an element that easily segregates, and particularly segregates at a grain boundary in the steel material to deteriorate the toughness of the base material. Therefore, P must be suppressed to 0.02% or less. P is preferably 0.018% or less, more preferably 0.015% or less.

[S: 0.015% or less (excluding 0%)]
S is a harmful element that combines with Mn to produce sulfide (MnS) and degrades the toughness of the base material and the ductility in the thickness direction. Therefore, S must be suppressed to 0.015% or less. Preferably it is 0.012% or less, More preferably, it is 0.008% or less, More preferably, it is 0.006% or less.

[Al: 0.01 to 0.06%]
Al is an element useful for deoxidation, and is an element that is effective in forming AlN to refine crystal grains. In order to exert such an effect, the Al amount needs to be 0.01% or more. Preferably it is 0.02% or more, More preferably, it is 0.03% or more. However, when it is excessive, the base metal toughness and the HAZ toughness are deteriorated, so Al needs to be suppressed to 0.06% or less. Al is preferably 0.04% or less, more preferably 0.035% or less.

  The steel material of this invention contains the said element as an essential component, and remainder consists of iron and an unavoidable impurity. Inevitable impurities may be contained to such an extent that they do not impair various properties of the steel material. For example, Mg, As, Se, etc. may be contained in a total of about 0.1% or less, preferably about 0.09% or less. Good.

  It is also effective for the steel material of the present invention to contain elements (V, B, Ca) that further improve the HAZ toughness and elements (Cu, Cr, Mo) that improve the strength of the steel material as other elements. . Details are as follows.

[V: 0.5% or less (excluding 0%), B: 0.0005 to 0.003%, and Ca: at least one element selected from the group consisting of 0.0005 to 0.003% ]
V, B, and Ca are all elements that improve the HAZ toughness.

  When V is contained, 0.002% or more is preferably contained. More preferably it is 0.005% or more, and still more preferably 0.01% or more. On the other hand, if the V content exceeds 0.5%, the precipitated carbonitrides become coarse and the base metal toughness deteriorates. Therefore, the V amount is preferably 0.5% or less. More preferably, it is 0.1% or less, More preferably, it is 0.05% or less.

  B is an element that suppresses the formation of grain boundary ferrite and improves the HAZ toughness. In order to exhibit such an effect, it is preferable to contain 0.0005% or more. More preferably, it is 0.0010% or more. However, if the amount of B exceeds 0.003%, it precipitates as BN at the austenite grain boundary, leading to a reduction in HAZ toughness. Accordingly, the B content is preferably 0.003% or less. More preferably, it is 0.002% or less.

Ca is an element that precipitates fine TiN and improves HAZ toughness because the TiN formation temperature decreases when added. Moreover, by containing Ca, formation of coarse precipitates (coarse TiN with Al ₂ O ₃ as a nucleus) can be suppressed, and HAZ toughness can be enhanced.

  In order to effectively exhibit such an action of Ca, it is preferable to contain 0.0005% or more. More preferably, it is 0.0010% or more. However, if the Ca content exceeds 0.003%, excess inclusions are precipitated, leading to a reduction in HAZ toughness. Therefore, the Ca content is preferably 0.003% or less. More preferably, it is 0.002% or less.

  These elements may be contained alone or in combination.

[From the group consisting of Cu: 0.3% or less (not including 0%), Cr: 0.5% or less (not including 0%), and Mo: 0.5% or less (not including 0%) At least one element selected]
Cu, Cr, and Mo are all elements that contribute to increasing the strength of the steel material, Cu is an element that enhances the strength of the steel material by solid solution strengthening, and Cr and Mo improve the hardenability. It is an element that increases the strength of steel. In order to exert these effects, the following contents are preferable.

  It is preferable to contain Cu 0.05% or more. More preferably, it is 0.1% or more, More preferably, it is 0.2% or more. However, if the content exceeds 0.3%, the toughness of the steel material deteriorates, so Cu is preferably 0.3% or less. More preferably, it is 0.28% or less, More preferably, it is 0.25% or less.

  It is preferable to contain 0.1% or more of Cr. More preferably, it is 0.2% or more, More preferably, it is 0.25% or more. However, if the Cr content exceeds 0.5%, the hardenability of the steel (base material) is remarkably increased, so that the base material toughness deteriorates, and the HAZ toughness also decreases due to the generation of MA (island martensite) and the like. . Therefore, Cr is preferably 0.5% or less. More preferably, it is 0.4% or less, More preferably, it is 0.3% or less.

  It is preferable to contain Mo 0.1% or more. More preferably, it is 0.2% or more, More preferably, it is 0.3% or more. However, if the Mo content exceeds 0.5%, as in the case of Cr, the hardenability of the steel material (base material) is remarkably increased, so that the base material toughness deteriorates, and MA (island martensite) or the like Due to the formation, the HAZ toughness also decreases. Therefore, Mo is preferably 0.5% or less. More preferably, it is 0.45% or less, More preferably, it is 0.4% or less.

  These elements may be contained alone or in combination.

  The present invention is particularly effective for a relatively thick steel plate (a steel plate having a thickness of, for example, about 30 to 100 mm) for which it is difficult to make a uniform structure or the like in the thickness direction. To be demonstrated.

  Moreover, since the steel plate of this invention is excellent in low-temperature toughness and weld joint fracture toughness as above-mentioned, it is used suitably for the offshore structure constructed in a cold region etc., for example. In addition, it can be used for shipbuilding.

  EXAMPLES Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to examples. However, the present invention is not limited by the following examples, but may be appropriately modified within a range that can meet the purpose described above and below. Of course, it is possible to implement them, and they are all included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Various steel plates were manufactured under the manufacturing conditions shown in FIG. 5 and Tables 2 and 3 using various slabs having chemical composition shown in Table 1 obtained by melting and solidifying steel. The air cooling time at the first stage cooling in the first cooling is the same as the C ₁₁ cooling time shown in Table 2, and the air cooling time at the second stage cooling in the first cooling is C ₁₂ shown in Table 2. It was the same as the cooling time. Moreover, the temperature of each part in the sheet thickness direction during rolling was measured by the following method.

[Temperature measurement method for each part in the thickness direction during rolling]
1. Using a process computer, the heating temperature at the position from the front surface to the back surface of the steel slab is calculated based on the atmospheric temperature from the start of heating to the end of heating and the in-furnace time.
2. Using the calculated heating temperature, based on the rolling pass schedule during rolling and the data of the cooling method (water cooling or air cooling) between passes, a method suitable for calculation such as the difference method is used to calculate the rolling temperature at any position in the plate thickness direction. The rolling is carried out while using the calculation.
3. The surface temperature of the steel sheet is measured using a radiation type thermometer installed on the rolling line. However, the theoretical value is also calculated in the process computer.
4). The surface temperature of the steel sheet measured at the start of the first hot rolling (rough rolling), at the end of the first hot rolling (rough rolling), and at the start of the second hot rolling (finish rolling) is calculated from the process computer. Check against calculated temperature.
5. If the difference between the calculated temperature and the measured temperature is ± 30 ° C or more, replace the measured surface temperature with the calculated surface temperature and use it as the calculated temperature on the process computer. If it is less than ± 30 ° C, use the calculated temperature calculated from the process computer. Use as is.
6). Using the calculated temperature calculated above, the rolling temperature in the region to be controlled is managed.

  The “plate thickness direction average temperature” in the production process is an average value of the temperatures at positions from the front surface to the back surface of the steel slab, which are obtained by the above method.

Moreover, the plate thickness direction average cooling rate is obtained from the following equation (7).
Plate thickness direction average cooling rate (° C./s)=(θs−θf)/τ (7)
[In the above equation (7), θs represents the average thickness direction temperature (° C.) at the start of cooling, θf represents the average thickness direction temperature (° C.) at the time of cooling stop, and τ represents the cooling time (s). ]

  About each steel plate obtained as mentioned above, evaluation in a steel plate (base material) and HAZ was implemented in the following way, respectively.

[Hardness difference in thickness direction (Hvmax−Hvmin)]
From the surface of the cross section (shaded portion) of the test piece enlarged in FIG. 12 (taken from the center of the plate width (C direction), the upper surface of the test piece is the steel plate surface, and the lower surface of the test piece is the surface of another steel plate). The Vickers hardness test (load 98N) was carried out at five points at each of the three locations of the 1 mm depth position (surface portion), t / 4 part, and t / 2 part. Then, a maximum value (Hvmax) and a minimum value (Hvmin) out of a total of 3 parts × 5 points = 15 points were obtained, and (Hvmax−Hvmin) was calculated. The results are shown in Table 4.

[Acicular ferrite fraction difference in the plate thickness direction (Amax−Amin)]
The test piece shown in FIG. 12 was used in the same manner as the measurement of the above hardness difference, and 5 parts per part at 3 parts of 1 mm depth from the surface in the cross section, t / 4 part, t / 2 part, and nital. Corroded optical micrographs (magnification: 400 times) were taken and image analysis was performed. Specifically, the above optical micrograph is compared with a structural photograph of acicular ferrite (eg, Steel Bainite Photobook-I, Japan Iron and Steel Institute, 1992, P89). The area ratio of the filled portion in the optical micrograph was measured by image analysis to obtain an acicular ferrite fraction. This is performed for a total of 3 parts × 5 places = 15 places, and among these 15 places, the highest value (Amax) of the acicular ferrite fraction and the lowest value (Amin) of the acicular ferrite fraction are obtained, and then (Amax− Amin) (acicular ferrite fraction difference) was calculated. The results are shown in Table 4.

[Large-angle crystal grain size difference in the plate thickness direction (Mmax−Mmin)]
Similarly to the measurement of the hardness difference, the test piece shown in FIG. 12 was used, and FE was used at five positions for each part at a position of 1 mm depth from the surface in the cross section, three parts of t / 4 part and t / 2 part. -The large-angle grain boundary diameter (large-angle crystal grain size) was measured by SEM-EBSP (Electron Back Scattering Pattern) (electron backscattering diffraction image method using an electron emission scanning electron microscope). Specifically, it is as follows.
(I) As shown in FIG. 12, a sample having a rolling direction and a plate thickness direction and having a plate thickness direction of 0 to t (that is, including the front and back surfaces of the steel plate) is prepared.
(Ii) Mirror finish by wet emery polishing paper of # 150 to # 1000 or a polishing method having the same function (polishing method other than the above wet emery polishing paper, polishing method using abrasive such as diamond slurry) Apply.
(Iii) A region surrounded by large-angle grain boundaries by using a EBSP apparatus manufactured by TexSEM Laboratories, and setting a boundary with a crystal orientation difference of 15 ° or more as a crystal grain boundary at t / 4 part (large-angle crystal grains) The crystal grain size of was measured. The measurement conditions at this time are the measurement range: 200 × 200 μm, the measurement step: 0.5 μm interval, and the measurement points having a confidence index (Confidence Index) indicating the reliability of the measurement direction are less than 0.1 are analyzed. Excluded.
(Iv) As a method for analyzing the data, those having a crystal grain size of 2.5 μm or less were considered as noise and deleted. Then, the average crystal grain size of the large-angle crystal grains in one observation plane was determined in each of a total of 3 parts × 5 spots = 15 spots.

  Of the average crystal grain sizes of the 15 large-angle crystal grains, the maximum value was Mmax and the minimum value was Mmin, and (Mmax−Mmin) was determined. The results are shown in Table 4.

[Ultrasonic testing] (UT echo height of internal defects)
A +12 dB whole surface flaw detection was performed by a method specified in JIS G 0901, and the UT echo height of the internal defect was measured. The results are shown in Table 4.

[Low temperature toughness of base metal]
NK U4 test specimens were collected so that the longitudinal direction of the test specimens was in the C direction (direction perpendicular to the rolling direction) at t / 2 part (plate thickness center part), and Charpy was measured by the method specified in JIS Z 2242. An impact test was performed, and vTrs (brittle fracture surface transition temperature) was determined from the transition curve. And it evaluated that vTrs <=-100 degreeC was excellent in the low temperature toughness of a base material. The results are shown in Table 4.

[Evaluation of HAZ-CTOD characteristics]
As shown in FIG. 13 under the conditions shown in Table 5, SAW welding was performed to create a welded joint. In the CTOD test, notches were introduced so as to include 15% or more of the CG-HAZ region according to API-2Z, and the test was performed according to BS7448. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, in the region of 2/3 with the center of the specimen thickness as the center measurement, a coarse grain region (CG HAZ) of 0.5 mm is included in the base material side from the Fusion Line by 15% or more. Thus, notches were introduced, and three CTOD tests were conducted at a test temperature of −10 ° C. to determine the limit CTOD value. And it evaluated that the thing with the smallest limit CTOD value of 0.46 mm or more is excellent in the weld joint fracture toughness among three. The results are shown in Table 4.

[Tensile test]
Test pieces with a shape of Diameter = 12.5 mm and Gauge length = 50 mm described in ASTM A370-07a were taken from the thickness direction t / 4 C direction, and subjected to a tensile test by the method prescribed in ASTM A370, and the tensile strength (TS), yield strength (YP), EL (elongation), and YR (yield ratio) were determined. The results are shown in Table 4. The steel sheet of the present invention satisfies TS ≧ 470 MPa, YP ≧ 345 MPa, and EL ≧ 23%.

  It can consider as follows from Tables 1-4.

  That is, no. 1-12 satisfy | fills all the requirements of this invention and it turns out that the outstanding low temperature toughness and weld joint fracture toughness are exhibited.

  On the other hand, those that deviate from the requirements defined in the present invention are inferior in characteristics.

No. 13 and 26, the first stage cooling time in the first cooling (C ₁₁ cooling time, cooling time) is short, the cooling of the steel sheet becomes insufficient, a temperature difference between the surface portion and the t / 2 parts within 70 ° C. As a result, the hardness difference, Amin, (Amax−Amin), Mmax, and (Mmax−Mmin) were out of the specified range, and both the low temperature toughness and the welded joint fracture toughness were inferior.

No. 15, the first stage cooling time in the first cooling _{(C 11} cooling time, cooling time) for too long, also, No. 16, the second stage cooling time in the first cooling (C ₁₂ cooling time, cooling time) for too long, none can the temperature difference between the surface portion and the t / 2 parts within 70 ° C., as a result, hard The thickness difference, Amin, (Amax−Amin), Mmax, and (Mmax−Mmin) were out of the specified range, and both the low temperature toughness and the weld joint fracture toughness were inferior.

No. 14 and 27, the second stage cooling time in the first cooling (C ₁₂ cooling time, cooling time) is short, it can not be sufficiently removed the oxide film of the resulting steel sheet surface in the first stage cooling, cooling efficiency is lowered As a result, it is assumed that the temperature difference between the surface part and t / 2 part exceeded 70 ° C. As a result, the hardness difference, Amin, (Amax−Amin), Mmax, and (Mmax−Mmin) deviated from the specified ranges, and both the low temperature toughness and the welded joint fracture toughness were inferior.

  No. 25, since the cooling time of both the first stage and the second stage in the first cooling is short, the difference in hardness, Amin, (Amax-Amin), Mmax, (Mmax-Mmin) is out of the specified range, and low temperature toughness It was inferior to both the weld joint fracture toughness.

No. No. 17 is C ₁₁ of the first stage cooling in the first cooling. 18, the second stage C ₁₂ of cooling in the first cooling, since all are well below the 0.6 ° C. / s, can not be the temperature difference between the surface portion and the t / 2 parts within 70 ° C., as a result , (Amax−Amin) and (Mmax−Mmin) exceeded the specified upper limit. Also, the hardness difference exceeded the specified upper limit. As a result, both low temperature toughness and welded joint fracture toughness are inferior.

  No. 28, since the first cooling was not a two-stage cooling but only a one-stage cooling, an oxide film on the surface of the steel plate generated by this cooling could not be sufficiently removed, resulting in a decrease in cooling efficiency. It is assumed that the temperature difference of 2 parts exceeded 70 ° C. As a result, the hardness difference, Amin, (Amax−Amin), Mmax, and (Mmax−Mmin) deviated from the specified ranges, and both the low temperature toughness and the welded joint fracture toughness were inferior.

  No. 23 and 24, because the first hot rolling was not performed under the prescribed conditions, the internal defects were not sufficiently crimped, and the UT echo height of the internal defects was high, resulting in inferior HAZ-CTOD characteristics. became.

  No. No. 29 satisfies the component composition, but in the second hot rolling, rolling was not performed under the condition (cumulative rolling reduction) satisfying the expression (4), so (Amax−Amin) and (Mmax−Mmin) are defined. The upper limit was exceeded. As a result, the weld joint fracture toughness and low temperature toughness were inferior.

  No. In No. 19, since the second cooling did not satisfy the prescribed condition, the desired strength could not be ensured.

  No. 20 to 22 are examples in which the production conditions are as defined, but the component composition is outside the specified range. No. No. 20 does not satisfy the formula (4) because the amount of Ni is insufficient. No. 21 does not satisfy the formula (4) because the amount of Nb is insufficient. In No. 22, since the amount of C was excessive, Amin was extremely small, and (Amax−Amin) and (Mmax−Mmin) exceeded the specified upper limit. Also, the hardness difference exceeded the specified upper limit. As a result, both low temperature toughness and weld joint fracture toughness were inferior.

Claims (5)

C: 0.02 to 0.10% (meaning “mass%”; the same shall apply hereinafter)
Si: 0.5% or less (excluding 0%),
Mn: 1.0-2.0%,
Ni: 0.10 to 1%,
Nb: 0.005 to 0.03%,
Ti: 0.005 to 0.02%,
N: 0.0030 to 0.065%,
P: 0.02% or less (excluding 0%),
S: 0.015% or less (excluding 0%), and Al: 0.01 to 0.06%
And the balance is iron and inevitable impurities,
A steel sheet that satisfies all the following conditions (A) to (D) and has excellent low temperature toughness and weld joint fracture toughness, characterized by having a tensile strength of 470 MPa or more.
(A) Surface part, t / 4 part [t indicates the plate thickness. The same shall apply hereinafter), and when the acicular ferrite fraction is measured at t / 2, the minimum value (Amin) of the acicular ferrite fraction is 50 area% or more and the highest acicular ferrite fraction The difference between the value (Amax) and the minimum value (Amin) satisfies the following formula (1).
Amax−Amin ≦ 20 area% (1)
(B) At the surface portion, t / 4 portion, and t / 2 portion, the average crystal grain size of a region (large-angle crystal grain) surrounded by a large-angle grain boundary in which the orientation difference between the two crystals is 15 ° or more was measured. Sometimes, the maximum value (Mmax) of the average crystal grain size is 40 μm or less, and the difference between the maximum value (Mmax) and the minimum value (Mmin) of the average crystal grain size satisfies the following formula (2): .
Mmax−Mmin <40 μm (2)
(C) When the hardness is measured at the surface portion, t / 4 portion, and t / 2 portion, the difference between the maximum hardness value (Hvmax) and the minimum hardness value (Hvmin) is the following (3) Satisfy the formula.
Hvmax−Hvmin ≦ 50 (3)
(D) When an ultrasonic flaw detection test specified in JIS G 0901 is subjected to full flaw detection with a detection sensitivity of +12 dB, the UT echo height of the internal defect is 50% or less. As other elements,
V: 0.5% or less (excluding 0%),
B: 0.0005 to 0.003%, and Ca: 0.0005 to 0.003%
The steel plate according to claim 1, comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of: As other elements,
Cu: 0.3% or less (excluding 0%),
Cr: 0.5% or less (not including 0%) and Mo: 0.5% or less (not including 0%)
The steel plate according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of:   The steel plate according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is used for an offshore structure. It is a manufacturing method of the steel plate in any one of Claims 1-4,
Using the slab satisfying the component composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, after heating to 1050 ° C or higher, the first hot rolling, the first cooling, the second hot rolling, and the second cooling, The manufacturing method of the steel plate excellent in the low temperature toughness and the weld joint fracture toughness characterized by performing sequentially so that the following conditions (a)-(d) may be satisfy | filled.
(A) In the first hot rolling, the final pass rolling is performed at a reduction rate of 10% or more in a state where the temperature at t / 2 part is 950 ° C. or higher.
(B) As the first cooling, the temperature difference between the surface part and the t / 2 part is set within 70 ° C. by performing two-stage cooling satisfying the following conditions.
(First stage cooling) The thickness in the plate thickness direction average cooling rate of 0.6 ° C./s or more is 0.5 T seconds or more [T represents the starting plate thickness (mm) of the first cooling. The same applies hereinafter] After cooling for 1.5 T seconds or less, air cooling is performed for 0.5 T seconds to 1.5 T seconds.
(Second stage cooling) Following the first stage cooling, after cooling at an average cooling rate of 0.6 ° C./s or more in the plate thickness direction from 0.07 T seconds to 1.3 T seconds, the air cooling is performed from 0.07 T seconds to 1 Perform for 3T seconds or less.
(C) In the second hot rolling, rolling in a temperature range where the temperature at t / 2 part is less than 950 ° C. is performed so as to satisfy the following expression (4).
Q + (Ni + Nb) × 10 ≧ 33 (4)
[In the above equation (4),
Q: Cumulative rolling reduction (%) in a temperature range where the temperature of t / 2 part is less than 950 ° C.
Ni: Ni content (mass%),
Nb: Nb content (% by mass).
In addition, the rolling reduction is obtained by the following equation (5).
Reduction ratio = 100 × (thickness before rolling start−thickness after rolling) / thickness before rolling start (5)]
(D) As the second cooling, from the temperature range where the temperature of the surface part is equal to or higher than the Ar ₃ transformation point to the temperature range where the temperature of t / 2 part is 500 ° C. or less, the plate thickness direction average satisfying the following expression (6) Cool at the cooling rate.
Average cooling rate in the plate thickness direction ≧ 6420t ^−1.60 (6)
[In the above formula (6), t represents the final product plate thickness (mm).
Moreover, the plate thickness direction average cooling rate is obtained from the following equation (7).
Plate thickness direction average cooling rate (° C./s)=(θs−θf)/τ (7)
In the above equation (7), θs represents the plate thickness direction average temperature (° C.) at the start of cooling, θf represents the plate thickness direction average temperature (° C.) at the time of cooling stop, and τ represents the cooling time (s). ]