Ministry of Defence

Defence Standard 02-736 Part 1

Issue 3 Publication Date 26 April 2011

Requirements for Q1 (Navy)

Quality Steel

Part 1
Plates

Category 2
Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

Contents

Foreword ...........................................................................................................................................................v
1 Scope.......................................................................................................................................................1
2 Warning ...................................................................................................................................................1
3 Normative References ...........................................................................................................................1
4 Definitions ...............................................................................................................................................2
5 Abbreviations..........................................................................................................................................3
6 Materials ..................................................................................................................................................3
6.1 Chemical Composition .....................................................................................................................3
7 Manufacture ............................................................................................................................................5
7.1 Method................................................................................................................................................5
7.2 Cleanness ..........................................................................................................................................5
7.3 Heat Treatment ..................................................................................................................................5
7.4 Surface Defects .................................................................................................................................5
7.5 Weld Repair of Defects .....................................................................................................................6
7.6 Dimensions ........................................................................................................................................7
7.7 Thickness Gauging and Weight Control.........................................................................................7
7.8 Flatness..............................................................................................................................................8
7.9 Abrasive Blasting and Priming ........................................................................................................8
8 Testing.....................................................................................................................................................9
8.1 Non-destructive Testing ...................................................................................................................9
8.2 Sampling for Analysis.......................................................................................................................9
8.3 Testing Procedure.............................................................................................................................9
8.4 Tensile Properties ...........................................................................................................................11
8.5 Charpy Impact Properties ..............................................................................................................11
8.6 Hardness Test..................................................................................................................................12
9 Quality Assurance Documentation.....................................................................................................12
10 Identification .........................................................................................................................................12
11 Maintenance of Route Approval .........................................................................................................13
Annex A Procedure for Q1(N) Plate Route Approval ..................................................................................14
A.1 Scope................................................................................................................................................14
A.2 Pre-Trial Information Pack .............................................................................................................14
A.3 Format of Route Approval ..............................................................................................................16
A.4 Trial Plate Production .....................................................................................................................17
A.5 Approval Test Programme (Independent Test House)................................................................18
A.6 Performance Criteria.......................................................................................................................20

ii
 Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

A.7 Granting of Route Approval ...........................................................................................................20

A.8 Maintenance of Route Approval ....................................................................................................21
A.9 Maintenance of Corporate Experience .........................................................................................21
A.10 Checklist of Actions and Responsibilities ...................................................................................22
Annex B Procedures for Dynamic Toughness Testing of Q1(N) Plate During Route Approval ............23
B.1 Scope................................................................................................................................................23
B.2 Background .....................................................................................................................................23
B.3 Brief Description of Tests ..............................................................................................................23
B.3.1 Flawed Bulge Explosion (FBE) Test.........................................................................................23
B.3.2 Hull Toughness Element (HTE) Test ........................................................................................24
B.3.3 High Rate Dynamic Fracture Mechanics (CTOD) testing.......................................................24
B.4 General .............................................................................................................................................25
Annex C Procedure for Inclusion Counting.................................................................................................26
Annex D Procedure for Thickness Measurement .......................................................................................27
D.1 Plate Condition ................................................................................................................................27
D.2 Methods of Measurement...............................................................................................................27
D.2.1 Mechanical..................................................................................................................................27
D.2.2 Ultrasonic....................................................................................................................................27
D.3 Calibration........................................................................................................................................27
D.3.1 Mechanical Gauges....................................................................................................................27
D.3.2 Ultrasonic Gauges .....................................................................................................................27
D.3.3 Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Equipment .......................................................................................28
D.4 Accuracy Of Readings....................................................................................................................28
D.5 Marking Out Plates..........................................................................................................................28
D.5.1 Manufacturer’s Grid Markings ..................................................................................................28
D.5.2 Receipt Check by Purchaser ....................................................................................................28
D.6 Readings to be Taken .....................................................................................................................29
D.7 Reports of Examination..................................................................................................................29
D.8 Rejection and Reinstatement.........................................................................................................29
Annex E Procedure for Ultrasonic Examination of Q1(N) Steel Plate.......................................................33
E.1 Ultrasonic Examination Procedure ...............................................................................................33
E.2 Types of Defect................................................................................................................................33
E.2.1 Lamination ..................................................................................................................................33
E.2.2 Inclusions ...................................................................................................................................33
E.2.3 Recording of defects .................................................................................................................34
E.3 Acceptance Criteria ........................................................................................................................34
Annex F Procurement Check List .................................................................................................................35

iii
Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

Figures

Figure 1 – Location of Test Pieces ...............................................................................................................10

Figure A.1 – Locations of test coupons .......................................................................................................19
Figure C.1 – Location of standard plane for inclusion counting ...............................................................26
Figure D.1 – Test Block for Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement ..............................................................30
Figure D.2 – Report of Thickness Measurement of Steel Plate .................................................................31
Figure D.3 – Receipt Check on Thickness Measurement of Steel Plate ...................................................32

Tables

Table 1 – Chemical Composition ....................................................................................................................4

Table 2 – Carbon Equivalent Values...............................................................................................................4
Table 3 – Allowable Ground Depths ...............................................................................................................6
Table 4 – Tolerance on length .........................................................................................................................7
Table 5 – Tolerance on width ..........................................................................................................................7
Table 6 – Tolerances for thickness and weight control................................................................................8
Table 7 – Flatness Tolerances for Plate Ordered on a Metric Basis ...........................................................8
Table 8 – Strength Requirements .................................................................................................................11
Table A.1 – Details of Test Piece Extraction from Coupons ......................................................................19
Table A.2 – Checklist of Actions and Responsibilities...............................................................................22

iv
 Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

Foreword
AMENDMENT RECORD

Amd No Date Text Affected Signature and Date

REVISION NOTE

This standard is raised to Issue 3 to update its content.

HISTORICAL RECORD

This standard supersedes the following:

Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 2 03 March 2004

Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 1 01 April 2000
NES 736 Part 1 Issue 2 August 1990
DGS 70B March 1975

Sponsorship

1. This Defence Standard (Def Stan) is sponsored by the Sea Systems Group, Defence Equipment and
Support, Ministry of Defence (MOD).

2. The complete Def Stan 02-736 Requirements For Q1 (Navy) Quality Steels comprises:
Part 1 Plates
Part 2 Forgings
Part 3 Castings
Part 4 Rolled Sections

3. If it is found to be unsuitable for any particular requirement the MOD is to be informed in writing of the
circumstances.

4. Any user of this Defence Standard either within MOD or in industry may propose an amendment to it.
Proposals for amendments that are not directly applicable to a particular contract are to be made to the
publishing authority identified on the rear cover, and those directly applicable to a particular contract are to
be dealt with using contract procedures.

5. No alteration is to be made to this Defence Standard except by the issue of an authorised

amendment.

6. Unless otherwise stated, reference in this Defence Standard to approval, approved, authorised or
similar terms, means the Ministry of Defence in writing.

7. Any significant amendments that may be made to this Defence Standard at a later date will be
indicated by a vertical sideline. Deletions will be indicated by 000 appearing at the end of the line interval.

8. Extracts from British Standards within this Defence Standard have been included with the permission
of the British Standards Institution.

v
Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

Conditions of Release

General

9. This Defence Standard has been devised solely for the use of the MOD, and its contractors in the
execution of contracts for the MOD. To the extent permitted by law, the Crown hereby excludes all liability
whatsoever and howsoever arising (including but without limitation, liability resulting from negligence) for any
loss or damage however caused when the Defence Standard is used for any other purpose.

10. This document is Crown Copyright and the information herein may be subject to Crown or third party
rights. It is not to be released, reproduced or published without written permission of the MOD.

11. The Crown reserves the right to amend or modify the contents of this Defence Standard without
consulting or informing any holder.

MOD Tender or Contract Process

12. This Defence Standard is the property of the Crown. Unless otherwise authorised in writing by the
MOD must be returned on completion of the contract or submission of the tender in connection with which it
is issued.

13. When this Defence Standard is used in connection with a MOD tender or contract, the user is to
ensure that he is in possession of the appropriate version of each document, including related documents,
relevant to each particular tender or contract. Enquiries in this connection may be made of the Authority
named in the tender or contract.

14. When Defence Standards are incorporated into contracts, users are responsible for their correct
application and for complying with contractual and other statutory requirements. Compliance with a Defence
Standard does not of itself confer immunity from legal obligations.

Categories of Naval Defence Standard

15. The Category of this Naval Defence Standard has been determined using the following criteria:

a) Category 1. If not applied may have a Critical affect on the following:

Safety of the vessel, its complement or third parties.
Operational performance of the vessel, its systems or equipment.

b) Category 2. If not applied may have a Significant affect on the following:

Safety of the vessel, its complement or third parties.
Operational performance of the vessel, its systems or equipment.
Through life costs and support.

c) Category 3. If not applied may have a Minor affect on the following:

MOD best practice and fleet commonality.
Corporate experience and knowledge.
Current support practice.

vi
 Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

Related Documents

16. In the tender and procurement processes the related documents in clause 3 can be obtained as
follows:

a) British Standards British Standards Institution,

389 Chiswick High Road,
London, W4 4AL

b) Defence Standards Defence Equipment and Support

UK Defence Standardization,
Kentigern House
65 Brown Street,
Glasgow, G2 8EX

c) Other documents Tender or Contract Sponsor to advise.

17. All applications to Ministry Establishments for related documents are to quote the relevant MOD
Invitation to Tender or Contract Number and date, together with the sponsoring Directorate and the Tender
or Contract Sponsor.

18. Prime Contractors are responsible for supplying their subcontractors with relevant documentation,
including specifications, standards and drawings.

Health and Safety

Warning

19. This Defence Standard may call for the use of processes, substances and procedures that may be
injurious to health if adequate precautions are not taken. It refers only too technical suitability and in no way
absolves either the supplier or any user from statutory obligations relating to health and safety at any stage
of manufacture or use. Where attention is drawn to hazards, those quoted may not necessarily be
exhaustive.

20. This Defence Standard has been written and is to be used taking into account the policy stipulated in
JSP430: MOD Ship Safety Management System Handbook.

Additional Information

(There is no relevant information)

vii
Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

Blank page

viii
 Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

Requirements for Q1 (Navy) Quality Steel

Part 1 – Plates

1 Scope
1.1 This Defence Standard describes requirements for quenched and tempered steel plates, known as
Q1(N) from 6mm thick up to and including 150mm thick.

1.2 The standard covers the quality control checks to be carried out on each production plate by approved
manufacturers of Q1(N) plate.

1.3 Q1(N) plate can only be produced by suppliers who have successfully obtained route approval. The
method of obtaining route approval is described in Annexes A and B.

2 Warning
The Ministry of Defence (MOD), like its contractors, is subject to both United Kingdom and European laws
regarding Health and Safety at Work. Many Defence Standards set out processes and procedures that
could be injurious to health if adequate precautions are not taken. Adherence to those processes and
procedures in no way absolves users from complying with legal requirements relating to Health and Safety at
Work.

3 Normative References
3.1 The publications shown below are referred to in the text of this standard. Publications are grouped and
listed in alpha-numeric order.

BS 2M 54 Specification for temperature control in heat treatment of metals

BS 7448-3 Fracture mechanics toughness tests

Part 3 Method for determination of fracture toughness of metallic materials at rates
of increase in stress intensity factor greater than 3.0 MPa·m0.5s-1

BS EN 1330-4 Non-destructive Testing terminology

Part 4 Terms used in ultrasonic testing

BS EN ISO 148-1 Metallic materials. Charpy pendulum impact test

Part 1 Test method

BS EN ISO 6506-1 Metallic materials - Brinell hardness test

Part 1 Test method

BS EN ISO 6892-1 Metallic Materials – Tensile Testing

Part 1 Method of test at Ambient temperature

BS EN ISO 8501-1 Preparation of steel substrates before application of paints and related products -
Visual assessment of surface cleanliness
Part 1 Rust grades and preparation grades of uncoated steel substrates and of
steel substrates after overall removal of previous coatings

1
Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

Def Stan 02-729 Requirements for Non-destructive Examination Methods (Cat 2)

Part 5 Ultrasonic

Def Stan 02-770 Requirements for The Welding And Fabrication Of High Strength Steels
Part 1 General
Part 2 Approval of Welding Procedures for Submarine Construction and Upkeep

JSP430 MOD Ship Safety Management System Handbook

Warpaint This document is published by Sea Systems Directorate, Defence Equipment and
Support, MOD. It is available via the internet at:
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/MicroSite/DES/OurPublications/Warpaint.htm

3.2 Reference in this Standard to any normative references means in any Invitation to Tender or contract
the edition and all amendments current at the date of such tender or contract unless a specific edition is
indicated.

3.3 In consideration of clause 3.2 above, users shall be fully aware of the issue and amendment status of
all normative references, particularly when forming part of an Invitation to Tender or contract. Responsibility
for the correct application of standards rests with users.

3.4 DStan can advise regarding where normative references documents are obtained from. Requests for
such information can be made to the DStan Helpdesk. How to contact the helpdesk is shown on the outside
rear cover of Def Stans.

4 Definitions

4.1
Approval Authority
The organisation that has the overall responsibility for approving the steel production route. For safety
reasons, this authority lies with the Ministry of Defence department responsible for naval materials (currently
Sea Systems Group, Materials Technology, DE&S Abbey Wood, Bristol, BS34 8JH).

4.2
Design Authority
The approved firm, MOD establishment or branch responsible for the detailed design of material to approved
specifications and authorised to sign a certificate of design or certify sealed drawings.

4.3
Independent test house
The organisation employed by the supplier to make independent checks on the properties of the plate.

4.4
Purchaser
The organisation procuring the steel plates.

4.5
Supplier/manufacturer
The organisation producing and supplying steel plates.

2
 Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

5 Abbreviations
Designation Title
BS British Standard
CEV Carbon Equivalent Value
CRT Cathode Ray Tube
CTOD Crack Tip Opening Displacement
Def Stan Defence Standard
FBE Flawed Bulge Explosion
FSD Full Screen Deflection
HAZ Heat Affected Zone
HTE Hull Toughness Element
J J Integral
NES Naval Engineering Standard
Q1(N) Quality 1 (Naval) steel
UKAS United Kingdom Accreditation Service

6 Materials

6.1 Chemical Composition

a) The material on analysis is to conform to the chemical composition stated in Table 1.

b) The Carbon Equivalent Value (CEV) is to be calculated in accordance with the formula:

Mn Ni Cr Mo Si V
CEV = C + + + + + +
6 40 5 4 24 15

c) The Carbon Equivalent Values to be obtained are shown in Table 2.

d) There may be situations where casts whose ladle and product check analysis for one or more residual
elements, or CEV, are outside acceptable limits but which are otherwise acceptable. It is the
purchaser’s responsibility to determine acceptability in these cases.

3
Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

Table 1 – Chemical Composition

% by weight
Element
Ladle Product

Carbon ≤0.18 ≤0.18

Manganese 0.10 to 0.40 0.10 to 0.40
Aluminium (see Note 1) 0.015 to 0.060 0.015 to 0.060
Phosphorus (see Note 2) ≤0.015 ≤0.015
Sulphur ≤0.006 ≤0.008
Silicon 0.15 to 0.35 0.15 to 0.35
Nickel 2.25 to 3.25 2.25 to 3.25
Chromium 1.00 to 1.80 1.00 to 1.80
Molybdenum 0.2 to 0.6 0.2 to 0.6
Nitrogen ≤0.012 ≤0.012

Residual Elements

Titanium ≤0.02
Vanadium ≤0.02
Copper ≤0.20
Arsenic ≤0.03
Antimony ≤0.010
Lead ≤0.005
Tin ≤0.02
Note 1 The steel is to be fully killed, using aluminium fine grain practice, with a
minimum aluminium content of 0.015% and greater than twice the %
Nitrogen.
Note 2 Where plates are specified as subject to stress relief the preferred
maximum phosphorus content is 0.010% and is not to exceed 0.012%.
Note 3 Each cast is to be analyzed for cobalt. Where the content exceeds 0.030%
instructions are to be obtained from the Approval Authority before plates are
rolled from the cast.

Table 2 – Carbon Equivalent Values

Plate Thickness Carbon Equivalent Values

(mm)
Target Maximum

6 to 30mm 0.62 0.64

30.1 to 150mm 0.66 0.70

4
 Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

7 Manufacture

7.1 Method

a) All plates are to be produced by approved process routes such as basic oxygen steelmaking or the
electric arc process.

b) When steel is teemed into ingots the maximum overall uncropped weight will not exceed 35 tonnes.

7.2 Cleanness

a) Special effort is to be directed to keeping the steel as free as possible from inclusions.

b) Prior to the first order being placed with a steelmaker he is to be required to produce evidence of
ability to provide steel of an adequate cleanness.

c) During production, one sample for inclusion counting is to be selected from a plate from each cast.
Each sample is to be subjected to inclusion counting in accordance with the detailed procedure in
Annex C. The presence of any silicate inclusions will lead to rejection of the material.

d) The purchaser has responsibility for assessing the acceptability of results for any material which are
outside the specification.

7.3 Heat Treatment

a) All heat treatment operations shall be carried out using properly constructed furnaces.
Instrumentation and recording equipment shall be such that the entire working volume of the furnace
is adequately monitored and controlled. The manufacturer must also demonstrate to the satisfaction
of the Design Authority that plate heating occurs in a controlled manner and that under equilibrium
conditions the plate temperature is within 10°C of the control setting. The equipment shall be
maintained and calibrated on a regular basis, as defined by the manufacturers Quality Management
System. In general the principles of BS 2M 54 or a recognised equivalent should apply.

b) The plates are to be supplied in the quenched and tempered condition. The plates shall be hardened
by heating above the upper critical temperature, but not more than 950°C, followed by water spray
quenching. Alternative quenching arrangements or quench media may only be used with agreement
of the Design Authority. Subsequent tempering shall be in the temperature range 600°C to 675°C. A
complete record of the heat treatment given to each plate shall be included in the Quality Assurance
Records.

c) Pickling or flame descaling is not permitted after heat treatment.

7.4 Surface Defects

a) Inspection condition: After all processing is complete plates shall be inspected in the shot blasted
condition.

b) Surface discontinuities shall be defined as follows:

1) Imperfections: Pits, rolled in scale, pressed in scale, rolled in dirt and other similar
discontinuities which are non-notched or round bottomed in nature. These may be left un-
repaired if found to be within set limits.

2) Defects: Imperfections out with set limits, or surface discontinuities such as cracks, shell or
seams which are notched in nature and which could act as crack initiators. Notched defects
must always be completely removed by grinding.

5
Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

c) Assessment of non-notched imperfections shall be carried out as detailed below:

1) Imperfections greater than 0.4mm deep shall be considered as defects and ground until
removed or to a point where the new depth (measuring from the surrounding area) is no greater
than 0.5mm.

2) Imperfections where the remaining plate thickness is below minimum gauge are not permissible
and must always be repaired.

d) Where the remaining thickness is above the minimum plate gauge, there is no limit on the dimensions
or frequency of ground areas.

e) Where the remaining thickness is below minimum gauge the ground depth shall limited as follows:

1) Maximum allowable ground depths are stated in Table 3.

Table 3 – Allowable Ground Depths

Maximum Ground Depth

Nominal gauge (mm)
Below Nominal Gauge
Less than 12.1mm Under gauge areas are not permitted

12.1 to 25.0mm 6%

25.1 to 32mm 5%

More than 32mm 4%

2) The maximum length of a single ground under gauge area is five times the nominal plate gauge.
For example, the under gauge area on a plate with a nominal 20mm gauge shall be limited to
100mm in any direction.

3) The sum of all the ground under gauge areas shall not exceed 1% of the plate surface under
inspection. 1% is allowed on each major surface.

4) Individual under gauge areas must be at least 1 metre away from each other regardless of
surface.

7.5 Weld Repair of Defects

a) Weld repair of plate by the supplier is, wherever possible, to be carried out prior to heat treatment of
the plate.

b) Exceptionally, for plate which is not subject to hot or cold forming, weld repair may be undertaken after
heat treatment with the agreement of the purchaser.

c) The recovery action for plate which requires weld repair after heat treatment and is subject to hot or
cold forming is to be agreed between the supplier and the purchaser.

d) All weld repairs are to be carried out to an approved weld procedure in accordance with Def Stan
02-770.

e) The total area of repair is not to exceed 1% of the surface area of one side of the plate. The maximum
depth of weld repair is 10% of thickness up to a maximum of 5mm.

6
 Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

f) A record of all weld repaired plates is to be kept and supplied as part of the Quality Assurance
Documentation. This documentation is to include the location of the repair and whether the repair was
made before or after heat treatment.

7.6 Dimensions

a) The plates are to be supplied to the nominal dimensions given in the detailed orders or to such
sketches as may be furnished with the order. The tolerances on length and width are to be as shown
in Table 4 and Table 5 and the tolerances on thickness are to be in accordance with clause 7.7.

b) Plates of all thicknesses may be flame cut to size. Only plates 13mm thickness and under may be
sheared. Edges and ends of plates are to be dressed where necessary to ensure freedom from slag,
rags, burrs, etc, which are proud of the plate faces.

Table 4 – Tolerance on length

Tolerance
Length of Plate
Minus Plus

Up to and including 3000mm 0 13mm

Over 3000mm up to and including 6000mm 0 25mm

Over 6000mm 0 32mm

Table 5 – Tolerance on width

Tolerance
Thickness of Plate Width
Minus Plus
Up to and including
Up to and including 20mm 0 10mm
1800mm
thick
Over 1800mm 0 13mm
Up to and including
0 13mm
Over 20mm thick 1800mm
Over 1800mm 0 20mm

7.7 Thickness Gauging and Weight Control

a) All plates are subject to thickness gauging and weight control in conformance with the tolerances
shown in Table 6.

b) Thickness gauging is to be carried out in accordance with the procedure described in Annex D. Each
plate surface will be explored to determine the minimum gauge.

c) Plates under item D (Table 6), only apply when specified in the order or contract and will not normally
be subject to thickness gauging in accordance with Annex D.

d) Plates where required by the contract are to be weighed after final heat treatment with any necessary
dressing of the surface and abrasive blasting completed. Weighing is to be carried out on machines
where the accuracy has been demonstrated to be within ±1% at the nominal weight of the plate being
weighed. All such machines are to be subjected to routine testing at six monthly intervals.

7
Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

e) The bulk order weight tolerances apply when specified in the order. All plates which exceed the
nominal weight are to be clearly identified by painting ‘Overweight’ in a paint of contrasting colour on
both ends of the plate.

Table 6 – Tolerances for thickness and weight control

Tolerances
Thickness Maximum Weight
Plate Thickness
Item Bulk Orders Small
(mm)
Orders or
Individual Individual
Batch
Plates Plates
A 6.1 to 12 +2% -7% +2% +0 +2%

B 20.1 to 40 +2% -5% +1% +0 +1%

C 40.1 and over +1% -3% +1% +0 0

Plates for insert Not Not Not
D +5% -0
pads Applicable Applicable Applicable

7.8 Flatness

a) Plates are to be flat within the tolerance limits specified in Table 7.

Table 7 – Flatness Tolerances for Plate Ordered on a Metric Basis

Thickness Flatness Tolerance

Less than 12mm 10mm / metre

Greater than 12mm but

6mm / metre
less than or equal to 150mm

b) The flatness permitted is to be judged by the measurement of the following lengths:

1) If the pitch of the waviness is < 1 metre, the measurement should be made by a 1 metre straight
edge across the affected edges.

2) If the pitch of the waviness is > 1 meter, the measurement should be made by a 2 meter straight
edge across the affected edges.

7.9 Abrasive Blasting and Priming

All plates are to be abrasively blasted to a first quality surface finish in accordance with BS EN ISO 8501-1.
Immediately after abrasive blasting the steel is to be coated with a prefabrication paint primer. The primer
shall be obtained from an approved supplier. Approved paint suppliers are listed in MOD Publication
'Warpaint'.

8
 Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

8 Testing

8.1 Non-destructive Testing

After final heat treatment and abrasive blasting each plate is to be examined visually for surface defects as
described in clause 7.4 above. In addition the plate is to be subjected to ultrasonic examination for internal
defects. The method used for the ultrasonic examination and the minimum acceptance standard to be met is
to be in accordance with Annex E of this standard.

8.2 Sampling for Analysis

Each cast is to be analyzed, the analysis being determined by ladle samples. Any check analysis of product
is to be obtained from samples of broken test pieces or adjacent material.

8.3 Testing Procedure

a) Test pieces are to be taken from each finally heat treated plate in accordance with Figure 1.

b) For plates over 3000mm in length, one tensile and three Charpy test pieces are to be taken from each
end of each plate. For pieces of plates up to and including 3000mm in length only one set of test
pieces is to be taken from each piece of plate. Samples for inclusion counting from each plate not
exceeding 18mm thick are to be taken in accordance with clause 7.2c).

9
Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

W/4

W/2

W = Plate Width

Ordered Plate Length

Final direction
of rolling

W/4

1 Tensile 3 Charpy
Specimen Specimens

NOTE For plates over 3000mm in length one tensile and 3 charpy specimens are taken from both ends of the plate.
For plates up to and including 3000mm in length only one end of the plate is sampled.

Figure 1 – Location of Test Pieces

10
 Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

8.4 Tensile Properties

a) Tensile test pieces are to be in accordance with BS EN ISO 6892-1. Provided that the plate thickness
is sufficient, test pieces circular in section of 200mm2 cross sectional area are to be taken from the
quarter thickness position. In plates where 200mm2 cross sectional area test pieces can be taken, but
not at quarter thickness position, the axis of the test piece is to be as close as possible to the quarter
thickness position. In plates which are too thin for 200mm2 cross sectional area test pieces to be
taken, the test pieces are to be the largest possible in accordance with BS EN ISO 6892-1.

b) Rectangular section test pieces are to have a gauge length equal to 5.65√S0 where S0 is the cross
sectional area of the test piece.

c) Testing methods are to be in accordance with BS EN ISO 6892-1 and the following properties shall be
determined:

1) Proof stress (0.2% non-proportional elongation).

2) Tensile strength.

3) Percentage elongation after fracture.

4) Percentage reduction of area.

d) The property requirements are to be as stated in Table 8.

Table 8 – Strength Requirements

Ratio 0.2% Proof

0.2% Proof Stress Elongation Reduction in Area
Stress to Tensile
Thickness (N/mm2) (%) (%)
Stress
Min Max Min Min Max

Less than 16mm 550 690 20 – 0.90

16.1mm up to 55 longitudinal
550 655 20 0.88
150mm 50 transverse

e) The tensile strength is to be recorded and is to be such that the maximum ratio of 0.2% proof stress to
tensile strength is as show in Table 8.

8.5 Charpy Impact Properties

a) Charpy impact test pieces are to be taken as specified in clause 8.3 and Figure 1. They are to be
prepared in accordance with BS EN ISO 148-1 and shall meet the following requirements.

1) Standard 10mm x 10mm test pieces are to be used for acceptance tests. For material less than
12mm thick sub size test pieces, 10mm x 7.5mm or 10mm x 5mm, are to be used.

2) Test pieces are to be machined so that they do not contain material nearer to the plate surface
than 1mm and the notch is to be perpendicular to the rolled surface of the plate as indicated in
Figure 1.

3) The middle line plane of the test pieces is to coincide with mid-plate thickness.

b) The test pieces are to be broken at a temperature of minus 80°C. The energy absorbed by each of
the three test pieces is to be greater than 80 Joules.

11
Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

c) Where sub-size Charpy test pieces are used the minimum energy requirements are shown below:

1) For 7.5mm by 10mm specimens, 65 Joules at -80°C

2) For 5mm by 10mm specimens, 55 Joules at -80°C

8.6 Hardness Test

a) Immediately prior to despatch, each plate is to be Brinell hardness tested at two diagonally opposite
corners. Test method BS EN ISO 6506-1 shall be used. If any result is outside the range 207HB to
248HB the cause of the discrepancy between hardness and normally expected tensile strength shall
be fully investigated before the plate can be despatched.

b) Hardness results should be recorded for information only in the Quality Assurance Documentation.

9 Quality Assurance Documentation

Certification is to be provided to the purchaser giving the unique plate number, results of the cast analysis,
check analysis, heat treatment, non-destructive and mechanical tests required by this Defence Standard. A
checklist for procurement of Q1(N) plate is given at Annex F.

10 Identification
a) Hard Stamped markings outlined by circling with paint of a contrasting colour will be legibly applied to
all finished steel with the following information:

1) Q1N

2) Cast Number

3) Test Certificate Number and/or Unique Plate No

4) Manufacturer’s Works Code.

b) These numbers are to be positioned at the top right and left hand corners of the plate. They can be
located as follows:

1) either on the edge of the plate

2) or on the surface of the plate within 16mm of the plate edge.

c) Painted markings are to be located near the end of the plates as follows:

1) Contract or Order Number

2) Destination

3) Dimensions

4) Purchaser Identification if any.

d) Each plate is to be colour coded by painting distinctive colour bands of red, blue and brown on
diagonally opposite corners.

12
 Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

11 Maintenance of Route Approval

After 3 years from granting of the approval, the Approval Authority may carry out an audit of the suppliers
facilities and quality control procedures in order to obtain assurance that the adherence to proper procedures
for the manufacturing process is maintained.

13
Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

Annex A
Procedure for Q1(N) Plate Route Approval

A.1 Scope

a) Before a manufacturer can be approved to supply Q1(N) plate it is necessary to demonstrate that
there are procedures and processes in place to ensure that production plates consistently meet the
requirements described in the main body of this Defence Standard. Such a demonstration is called a
route approval. This Annex describes the route approval procedure which will approve a steelworks
for the supply of Q1(N) plate.

b) Achievement of route approved status involves the following steps:

1) Compilation of an information pack detailing the capabilities, facilities and quality control
procedures of the works;

2) Compilation of an information pack describing the proposed Q1(N) plate production route;

3) Production of trial Q1(N) plates;

4) In-house quality control checks on the trial plates;

5) Supplementary testing of the trial plates by an independent test house;

6) Compilation of a report which demonstrates that the necessary performance specification for a
Q1(N) plate has been met.

c) A check list of actions and responsibilities is given in clause A.10.

A.2 Pre-Trial Information Pack

a) The prospective supplier is to provide the purchaser and the Approval Authority with an information
pack which demonstrates that their facilities are capable of producing Q1(N) plates of the required
quality. Typically the information pack might be expected to contain the elements described in
paragraphs A.2b) to A.2d.

b) Background details:

1) Name, address and brief history of works;

2) Types of plate and steel grades currently in production;

3) Largest (thickest) plate which can be made;

4) Estimated total annual production of finished plates;

5) Any previous history of Q1(N) production at works;

6) Experience of personnel relevant to the production of Q1(N) plate;

7) Thicknesses of Q1(N) plates which are expected to be produced.

14
 Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

c) Facilities:

1) Details of steelmaking processes including number and individual capacity of steelmaking units;

2) Details of any special equipment used in steelmaking;

3) Details of raw materials used in steelmaking;

4) Details of steelmaking and de-oxidation practices;

5) Dimensions, masses and types of ingots and slabs in use and details of method of casting, e.g.
top or bottom poured;

6) Details of the furnaces used for re-heating ingots, billets etc, including dimensions, type of fuel
used, and facilities for temperature measurement and control;

7) Procedures for ensuring that cracking arising in the continuous casting process is identified,
together with details of the remedial action that is taken to prevent such cracking from remaining
in the billet at the rolling stage;

8) Description of rolling mill, including width and diameter of rolls;

9) Facilities available for the inspection and surface dressing of ingots, slabs and billets;

10) Details of heat treatment furnaces, including dimensions, type of fuel used and facilities for
temperature measurement and control, and arrangements for sampling and controlling furnace
atmosphere;

11) Details of equipment for de-gassing and quenching;

12) Facilities for descaling and surface finishing;

13) Facilities available for mechanical testing, chemical analysis, metallographic and non-
destructive examinations. Details of arrangement for certification of test facilities (e.g. United
Kingdom Accreditation Service, (UKAS) accredited or other calibration arrangements);

14) Details of the system used for identification of plates and associated materials at all stages of
manufacture;

15) Details of the inspection and quality control systems established in the works. The lines of
responsibility of the Quality Manager and the Production Manager are to be indicated;

16) Facilitates for ultrasonic inspection for quality control.

d) Proposed Q1(N) plate production route:

1) Maximum thickness and dimensions of plate for which approval is required;

2) Proposed steelmaking process and the number and capacity of steelmaking units;

3) Details of raw materials to be used;

4) Method to be used for ingot or slab production;

5) Dimensions and mass of ingot or slab to be used;

6) Dimensions of slabs or billets which will be produced;

15
Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

7) Numbers and thicknesses of plates that will be produced during the production run that will be
carried out for route approval purposes;

8) Details of the composition limits to be used, including grain refining elements and their specified
limits;

9) Deoxidisation practice, detailing alloys used and whether added to the furnace, ladle or ingot
mould;

10) Details of the system to be employed for control of chemical composition;

11) Description of continuous casting equipment if this is to be used;

12) Description of continuous casting procedure if applicable;

13) Description of procedure to be employed for obtaining representative ladle samples for chemical
analysis including the number taken from each ladle and also details of the provision made
when final compositional adjustments are made to the ladle prior to casting;

14) If continuously cast stock is used, the proposed minimum amount of hot working expressed as
the ratio of the cross sectional area of the billet to the cross sectional area of the finished rolled
product;

15) Method to be used to ensure that Q1(N) cleanness limit is met;

16) Full details of heat treatments to be used;

17) Full details of quenching method;

18) A plan, which explains how the necessary material and data quality controls will be maintained
during production.

A.3 Format of Route Approval

a) Q1(N) is a proven product, which has been produced and used since the 1970s. The purpose of the
route approval tests is not to prove the ‘fitness for purpose’ of the steel from first principles, but to:

1) Confirm the reliability of the supplier’s in-house quality control systems by additional tests at an
independent test house;

2) Provide more comprehensive information on the uniformity of properties throughout the plate;

3) Add to corporate knowledge on the actual, as opposed to specified, performance of Q1(N)

plates.

b) In general it is expected that these objectives can be met by performing the following tests:

1) longitudinal and transverse Charpy, over a transition as opposed to just one temperature;

2) longitudinal and transverse tensile;

3) chemical analysis and carbon equivalent;

4) through thickness tensile and cleanness checks.

c) In certain cases, however, where the proposed production route for Q1(N) appears novel or
controversial, the Approval Authority reserve the right to request additional tests to confirm that the
fitness for purpose of the steel has not been compromised.

16
 Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

d) As an example, this Defence Standard contains at Annex B, recommended procedures for confirming
the dynamic fracture toughness of Q1(N) steel by explosive testing or dynamic fracture mechanics
tests. This example is not exclusive. For instance, the Approval Authority may decide to ask for extra
tests to check the weldability of the steel. In these cases the method of undertaking these tests, and
the performance criteria to be met, are to be notified to the supplier in writing before commencement
of the route approval trial plate production run.

e) The decision on the format of the route approval is to be taken jointly by the purchaser and Design
and Approval Authorities once the supplier’s information pack (clause A.2) has been scrutinised. Four
possibilities exist:

1) Advise the supplier on the unsuitability of the proposed route. The reasons should be clearly
stated;

2) Grant route approval without further testing. This option would be chosen where the proposed
route was a well-established one, and high confidence existed in the supplier’s quality control
systems and experience with Q1(N);

3) Perform the standard route approval described in this Annex. This option would be adopted in
most cases;

4) Request additional tests in addition to those specified in this Annex. This option would be
adopted where the Approval Authority and supplier were uncertain about the effect of the
proposed route on some aspect of Q1(N) steel fitness for purpose.

f) Once the purchaser and Design and Approval Authorities are agreed on whether the route approval
trial should proceed, and on the format of the route approval, the purchaser is to inform the supplier in
writing. Where additional testing over and above that in this Annex is required, the nature of this
testing, and the required performance criteria, are to be clearly stated.

A.4 Trial Plate Production

a) Unless otherwise agreed before the start of the trial, the supplier is responsible for the cost of the trial,
and assumes all associated financial risks associated with the production run.

b) It is anticipated that the route approval trial will involve the production of a number of slabs, some of
which are subsequently processed into plates. Two of these plates are to be chosen for testing by an
independent test house following the procedure described in clause A.5. Where further tests are
requested (clauses A.3e) and A.3f)) these are also to be carried out on the same plates by an
independent test house. It is not necessary that the same independent test house carry out both sets
of testing.

c) For the purposes of route approval Q1(N) is grouped into three thickness categories:

1) the most normal thickness range (40 to 50 mm);

2) thick plate (> 50 mm);

3) thin plate.

d) The supplier must make a separate application for route approval for each of these thickness ranges.
The following plate thicknesses must be tested to achieve route approval:

1) Testing any plate between 42 and 50 mm thick confers route approval for all plate thicknesses
between 20 and 50 mm.

2) Testing a plate more than 50 mm thick confers route approval for all plate thicknesses between
the thickness tested and 50 mm.

17
Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

3) Testing a plate between 12 and 20 mm thick confers route approval for all plates below 20 mm
thick.

e) Prior to selection of the two plates (in a given thickness range) for independent test house
assessment, the supplier is to collate all relevant information from the production run (i.e. actual
conditions achieved compared to pre-trial specified values at A.3d). The supplier is also to carry out
the in-house quality control checks on each of the plates in the production run as specified by the main
body of this Def Stan. The collated data are to be sent to the purchaser and Approval Authority
together with a recommendation (with reasons) as to which two plates should be sent to the
independent test house for route approval testing. The supplier should also nominate the independent
test house for approval by the purchaser and Approval Authority.

f) The most likely way of choosing the plates is:

1) For ingot cast material, one plate to be representative of the top of the first ingot and the other
to be representative of the last ingot from the ladle.

2) For continuously cast material, one plate to be representative of the beginning of the cast and
the other to be representative of the condition when the ladle is nearly empty.

Note The purchaser and Design and Approval Authorities may wish to take account of the supplier’s quality control
data before agreeing the supplier’s plate selection.

g) When all parties have:

1) scrutinised the supplier’s data on the production run and agreed it to be satisfactory;

2) agreed the selection of the two plates (per thickness range);

3) and agreed the choice of independent test house (or test houses);

h) the purchaser (with Approval Authority clearance) is to ask the supplier to proceed with the
independent test house phase of the trial. On receipt of this authority the supplier is to label and
extract test coupons in accordance with Figure A.1, and send these to the independent test house. If
further tests are required, over and above those specified in this Annex, the supplier is to follow the
written instructions provided by the Approval Authority for extraction of the necessary coupons.

A.5 Approval Test Programme (Independent Test House)

a) Figure A.1 shows the position for extraction of four coupons each 300mm by 300mm. The supplier is
to prepare a plan showing how these coupons correspond to the individual Charpy and tensile values
obtained in the supplier’s quality control checks.

b) The supplier is to label the coupons with the appropriate plate number and letter and dispatch them to
the independent test house. There should be a total of 8 coupons (per thickness range): two plates,
and four coupons from each plate.

c) The independent test house is to extract 43 Charpy and 20 tensile specimens from each plate as
detailed in Table A.1.

d) Inclusion counting according to Annex D of this Defence Standard is to be conducted on a sample

from each of the coupons A, B, C, and D from each of the 2 plates. (8 samples in total).

e) One through thickness hardness survey is to be carried out at each of the coupon locations A, B, C,
and D from each of the two plates (4 surveys per plate).

18
 Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

A B

Figure A.1 – Locations of test coupons

Table A.1 – Details of Test Piece Extraction from Coupons

Test piece No of Test Temperature

Coupon Location
Type Samples (°C)
3 transverse (TL), surface 1
Charpy 3 transverse (TL), mid-thickness -80°C
3 transverse (TL), surface 2
1 longitudinal mid-thickness
A,B,D
1 longitudinal surface
Tensile 1 transverse mid-thickness room temperature
1 transverse surface
1 through thickness
-150°C, -125°C,
8 longitudinal (LT), mid-thickness
-100°C,
Charpy
(3 at -80°C),
8 transverse (TL), mid-thickness
-50°C, +20°C
1 longitudinal mid-thickness
C
1 longitudinal surface
Tensile 1 transverse mid-thickness room temperature
1 transverse surface
1 through thickness

19
Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

f) Chemical analysis is to be conducted on each plate as follows (3 samples per plate):

1) coupon B, surface 1;

2) coupon C, mid-thickness;

3) coupon D, surface 2.

g) The independent test house is to prepare a report on the test programme, detailing results from all of
the above tests. It is a requirement of the contract with the independent test house that this report
should not merely be a collection of test certificates, but should collate and summarise the data to
highlight trends in properties with position in the plate or with specimen orientation. Particular
attention is to be paid to whether any aspect of plate performance fails to meet the performance
criteria specified in the main body of this Defence Standard and summarised in clause A.6b. Copies
of the independent test house report are to be sent to the supplier, purchaser, and Approval Authority.

A.6 Performance Criteria

a) The performance criteria to be met by the independent test house data are exactly the same as those
in the main body of this Defence Standard.

b) The criteria which are to expected to be met by the tests from the independent test house may be
summarised as follows:

1) The energy of all Charpy tests at -80°C shall exceed 80 Joules;

2) The yield strength of all tensile tests shall exceed 550 N/mm2;

3) All clauses in the main body of this Defence Standard related to chemical analysis and
cleanness are to be satisfied.

c) Clauses in the main body of the text on re-tests in the event of failure apply.

A.7 Granting of Route Approval

a) If the performance criteria are not met the supplier and purchaser may decide on a programme of re-
testing from the same plate or another trial plate.

b) When all steps in the route approval are complete (successfully or unsuccessfully) the purchaser will
prepare a summary of the whole trial and send it to the Design and Approval Authorities. The report
will recommend the granting or withholding of ‘Approved Route Status’. In making this
recommendation it is a prerequisite that the performance criteria of clause A.6b will have been met.
However, the purchaser may still recommend the withholding of route approved status if they are
unhappy over any aspect of the supplier’s quality control regime.

c) The Approval Authority will prepare a final letter detailing reasons for granting or withholding
‘Approved Route Status’ and will forward that to the purchaser and Design Authority with a copy to the
supplier.

d) Where a second purchaser requires the use of a supplier who already has route approval with another
purchaser, the Approval Authority will release the report held on file of the previous route approval. It
is then at the discretion of the second purchaser whether or not they carry out their own route
approval.

20
 Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

A.8 Maintenance of Route Approval

a) The Approval Authority will keep a record of all successful and unsuccessful route approval
applications and related documents.

b) It is the responsibility of the supplier to keep the Approval Authority informed of any changes in the
status or facilities of the works which might affect their route approved status.

c) Even if no such changes have occurred the supplier is to provide an annual report for the Approval
Authority stating that there have been no significant changes to their facilities or organisation and
providing a summary of any Q1(N) plates manufactured in the last year. This report is to include a
summary of tensile, Charpy, and chemical analysis data for those plates which have been
manufactured.

d) After 3 years from the granting of Route Approval the Approval Authority may carry out an audit to
decide whether the Approval may be extended or a new Approval required.

A.9 Maintenance of Corporate Experience

The Approval Authority will maintain a data base summary of all data from suppliers’ quality control checks
and from independent test house route approval tests. This is to be used to monitor any significant trends in
the properties of Q1(N) plates.

21
Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

A.10 Checklist of Actions and Responsibilities

Table A.2 – Checklist of Actions and Responsibilities

Action Relevant Clauses Party Responsible

Compile pre-trial information pack A.2a to A.2d Supplier

Scrutinise information pack, decide
format for route approval, and give go Purchaser
A.3e, A.3f
ahead for route approval trial production Approval Authority
run.
Perform all quality control checks
(Charpy, tensile, chemical composition A.4e Supplier
etc. on route approval production plates.
Collate all relevant information from
route approval trial production run and
A.4e Supplier
send summary to purchaser and
Approval Authority.
Supplier recommends
Recommend selection of test plates for
A.4f Purchaser and Approval Authority
independent test house assessment.
approves
Supplier recommends.
Recommend independent test house A.4g Purchaser and Approval Authority
approves
Give go ahead for independent test Purchaser
A.4g
house assessment. Approval Authority
Prepare and document coupons for
A.5a, A.5b Supplier
dispatch to independent test house
Conduct tests and send report to
supplier, purchaser, and Approval A.5 Independent test house
Authority
Write to Approval Authority
recommending granting or withholding A.7b Purchaser
of route approved status.
Inform supplier, purchaser and Design
A.7c Approval Authority
Authority of decision
Maintain data base of works with route
A.8a Approval Authority
approved status
Send annual report to Approval
A.8b, A.8c Supplier
Authority
Maintain data base of Q1(N) plate data A.9 Approval Authority

22
 Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

Annex B
Procedures for Dynamic Toughness Testing of
Q1(N) Plate During Route Approval

B.1 Scope

a) The procedures in this Annex are to be used during Q1(N) route approval when specified by the
Approval Authority. The reader is referred to Annex A for details of the full route approval process.

b) The following types of test are covered in this Annex:

1) FBE (flawed bulge explosion);

2) HTE (hull toughness element);

3) Dynamic fracture mechanics by high rate servo-hydraulic loading, sometimes called dynamic
CTOD (crack tip opening displacement).

c) The decision on which of these tests is to be used in a particular route approval is to be made by the
Approval Authority.

B.2 Background

a) It is a ‘fitness-for purpose’ requirement of Q1(N) steel that it be able to withstand dynamic plastic
straining (such as that induced by explosive loading) in the presence of a fatigue crack. The required
performance is that there should be no evidence of cleavage fracture with a prescribed peak strain
and fatigue crack size. Another way of expressing this is that the ductile to brittle transition
temperature in the presence of a fatigue crack and dynamic plastic strain should be below the
minimum service temperature of -5°C.

b) The test used to measure fracture toughness in the main body of this Defence Standard is the Charpy.
This is also the preferred test for route approval of Q1(N). However, the Charpy test is not always a
reliable indicator of the ductile to brittle transition temperature in a fatigue cracked structure. The
requirement on Charpy for Q1(N) approval is that the Charpy energy should exceed 80 Joules at -
80°C. Assuming that 80J corresponds with the ductile to brittle transition temperature for the Charpy,
there is a safety margin of 75°C between the Charpy ductile to brittle transition temperature and that of
the structure. This accommodates factors such as the use of the blunt notch in the Charpy compared
to the fatigue crack in the structure, and the larger size of the structure.

c) Available evidence indicates this safety margin on ductile to brittle transition temperature is adequate
for Q1(N) steel, but there is a lack of data on plates having minimum specified Charpy properties.
Also other types of steel have shown ductile to brittle transition temperature shifts in excess of 75°C
between the Charpy and dynamically loaded fatigue cracked specimens. In circumstances where the
Approval Authority feels that a route for Q1(N) production is controversial, or likely to result in marginal
properties, this Annex provides methods of measuring the structural ductile to brittle transition
temperature by direct testing.

B.3 Brief Description of Tests

B.3.1 Flawed Bulge Explosion (FBE) Test

a) The overall dimensions of the test panel are 760 mm by 760 mm.

23
Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

b) A semi-elliptical fatigue crack 15 mm deep (at its deepest point) by 100 mm surface length is inserted
in the centre of the panel from one surface by notching and then fatigue cracking under bending on a
laboratory testing machine.

c) The panel is cooled in such a way as to be at –5°C at the time of the test.

d) The panel is placed over a circular die and loaded by an explosive charge of sufficient weight to
induce the required plastic strain on the surface of the panel containing the fatigue crack. The effect
of the circular die is to induce a tensile biaxial strain field on the surface of the panel containing the
fatigue crack. The charge weight is set by calibration trials on un-cracked panels of the same overall
dimensions as the cracked panel.

e) After test the panel is heat tinted and broken open to inspect the crack for evidence of cleavage crack
extension during the test. The required performance criterion for Q1(N) plate is that there should be
no cleavage crack extension.

f) For Q1(N) route approval it is recommended that one specimen of this type be tested from each of the
trial plates. The panel should be extracted adjacent to coupon C, and notched in the TS direction from
the surface of the plate showing the lowest average Charpy energy.

g) A documented procedure for performing the FBE test is available from the Approval Authority.

B.3.2 Hull Toughness Element (HTE) Test

a) The test is conceptually similar to the FBE test with the following differences:

1) The overall dimensions of the panel are 760 mm by 560 mm.

2) A square die is used with an opening of 400 mm by 200 mm.

3) The strain field induced is uniaxial rather than biaxial.

Other details of the procedure follow those for the FBE test.

b) Advantages of the HTE test over the FBE test are:

1) Smaller specimen size.

2) Lower charge weight needed to reach the prescribed strain.

c) A documented procedure for performing the HTE test is available form the Approval Authority.

B.3.3 High Rate Dynamic Fracture Mechanics (CTOD) testing

a) This test is the closest to conventional fracture mechanics standards. The majority of the test
procedure is covered in published standards, for instance, BS 7448.

b) The standard test specimen is a three-point bend fracture mechanics specimen with the following
dimensions:

1) Length, L = 250 mm.

2) Span, S = 200 mm.
3) Width, W = 50 mm.
4) Thickness, B = 50 mm.
5) Fatigue crack depth, a = 15 mm.

24
 Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

NOTE The specimen is notched in the TL direction.

c) For Q1(N) rolled section route approval a set of at least 8 specimens should be extracted.

d) The specimen is loaded in a high rate servo-hydraulic test machine or in an instrumented drop weight
assembly such that the time for loading the specimen to maximum load is not more than 10
milliseconds.

e) Specimens are loaded over a range of temperatures to establish the ductile to brittle transition
temperature. The performance criterion is that there should be no evidence of cleavage fracture
above -20°C. Cleavage fracture is shown by any sudden load drop in excess of 5% of the current load
on the load deflection trace. If in doubt the specimen can be heat tinted after test, broken open in
liquid nitrogen and the fracture surface examined.

f) Results should be analysed in terms of a fracture mechanics parameter such as J. Typically it is

expected that the J at maximum load at -20°C will exceed 0.6 MN/m.

B.4 General

a) It is at the discretion of the Approval Authority, which of the tests are specified for route approval. The
chosen tests are to be used in addition to the tests described in Annex A. Route approval will be
withheld if the performance criteria of Annex A are not met. The cost of the tests will normally fall on
the supplier.

b) The tests should be performed by a test house independent of the supplier. The independent test
house is to produce a report and send copies to the supplier, purchaser, and Approval Authority.

25
Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

Annex C
Procedure for Inclusion Counting

C.1 A cross section of the steel about 13mm square is to be polished. The plane of the section is taken
to include the direction of rolling and short transverse direction, as illustrated in Figure C.1.

Direction of rolling

Short
transverse Transverse direction
direction

Typical plane examined

Figure C.1 – Location of standard plane for inclusion counting

C.2 It is essential that the counting is always done on a standard plane. Counting in different planes in
the same steel gives different counts due to the shape of the inclusions which are long in the direction of
rolling, shorter in the transverse direction and extremely short in the short transverse direction. The plane to
be used here is chosen because:

1) it shows the inclusions at a reasonable size;

2) it shows the types of inclusions in readily identifiable shapes.

C.3 The specimen is to be put onto a suitable microscope and an image projected onto a ground glass
screen of dimensions 85mm x 115mm at 250 times magnification. It is known that small inclusions exist in
some steels which are not visible at this magnification, but for this purpose it is considered that the inclusions
which are seen at this magnification are the important ones.

C.4 The number of inclusions greater than 2mm in length, seen on the screen is to be counted quickly.
This is to be repeated for 36 randomly chosen positions on the specimen and the average taken. (The
number of counts is chosen to bring the standard deviation down to about 10% of the average). The total
count is the number in the magnified area.

C.5 The presence of any silicate inclusions, or a total inclusion count greater than 1.5 may lead to
rejection of the material. (See clause 7.2c)).

C.6 Classification of inclusions into silicate-type and sulphide-type is based on shape and colour and is
not intended to indicate true chemical composition.

26
 Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

Annex D
Procedure for Thickness Measurement

D.1 Plate Condition

The plates shall be in their final condition before measurement. All heat-treatments, pickling, shot or grit
blasting required by the contract documents are to have been completed. The plates are to have been
visually inspected and any harmful seams, laminations, blisters, or loose scale on either surface must have
been removed previously. Any grinding required by the plate specification is to have been carried out.
Surface imperfections may have been removed by grinding to sound metal, provided the thickness is not
reduced below the minimum thickness permitted by specification, and the ground area is faired into the
surrounding metal. The surfaces may be treated with one coat of primer after preparation in accordance with
BS EN ISO 8501-1.

D.2 Methods of Measurement

D.2.1 Mechanical

Micrometer or dial calliper gauges capable of reaching all grid points and ground areas on the plate being
measured, and of consistently meeting the accuracy required, may be used.

D.2.2 Ultrasonic

a) A suitable coupling fluid is to be used between the plate surface and the transducer. Two types of
equipment may be used, these being in order of preference:

1) Ultrasonic thickness gauge designed to show thickness by direct meter readings, providing that
they are used only for measurement of thickness within the manufacturer’s marked ranges and
that the measurements are within the accuracy required.

2) Ultrasonic flaw detector equipment presenting a rectified or un-rectified CRT display having an
accuracy of time base ± 1%, using a test frequency of 2 to 5 MHz through a transducer of 15 to
30mm diameter or equivalent.

D.3 Calibration

D.3.1 Mechanical Gauges

a) Micrometer gauges are to be checked against the appropriate blocks, (see Figure D.1), and any error
recorded.

b) Dial calliper gauges are to be checked against the appropriate step of the test block, and also against
the adjacent steps. Any error between the minimum dial reading and the check block thickness is to
be recorded.

D.3.2 Ultrasonic Gauges

The direct reading ultrasonic thickness gauges are to be set up in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions. Check readings are to be taken on the appropriate and adjacent steps of the test block, (see
Figure D.1), and recorded.

27
Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

D.3.3 Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Equipment

a) The equipment is to be calibrated as follows, using the minimum suppression required to produce a
clean trace. Any subsequent adjustment of the initial settings will necessitate re-calibration.

1) Obtain multiple bottom echoes from the 10mm step of the test block and position the first echo
at zero on the time base scale. Adjust calibration to place subsequent echoes at scale positions
which are multiples of 10 division marks. Check this calibration by use of delay control to bring
later echoes onto the screen. These are to be equidistant on the same division marks. The
value of each division is to be recorded.

2) Check readings are to be taken on the appropriate and adjacent steps of the check block, (see
Figure D.1), and recorded.

3) On the thinner range of material, greater accuracy may be obtained by use of an unrectified
display and noting the numerical value of the last readable echo. This value is then to be
divided by the number of intervals between zero and the position noted.

D.4 Accuracy Of Readings

a) Readings are required to be accurate within + 1% or 0.125mm, (whichever is the greater), of actual
thickness of the plate being measured, but equipment must be set up to the highest accuracy
attainable. Test block thicknesses are to be entered on the report of examination.

b) Re-calibration of the equipment is to be carried out:

1) At the commencement of measurement of another plate, whether or not the thicknesses are the
same, or at intervals of 50 readings, whichever is less.

2) On CRT display equipment when any adjustment of controls has been made, see clause
D.3a)3).

D.5 Marking Out Plates

D.5.1 Manufacturer’s Grid Markings

a) Grid lines are to be marked on one surface of the plate as detailed below.

b) Undressed plates: One corner of the plate is to be permanently marked as the datum corner by the
steel manufacturer. Grid lines are to be marked 25mm from each edge and end, thereafter at intervals
of 600mm from the datum corner, as shown in Figure D.2.

c) Dressed Areas: In way of dressed areas the grid pattern is to be reduced to the following:

1) Plates up to and including 12mm thick, a 150mm grid is to be used;

2) Plates over 12mm thick, a 300mm grid is to be used.

D.5.2 Receipt Check by Purchaser

For sampling after receipt one end of the plate is to be marked as datum end and grid lines are to be marked
across the width of the plate, 25mm from the datum end and thereafter at intervals of W/2, where W = plate
width. Additional lines are to be marked 25mm from each edge and each end of the plate. Longitudinal grid
lines are also to be marked W/4 from each long edge, as indicated in Figure D.3.

28
 Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

D.6 Readings to be Taken

a) Thickness readings are to be taken at intersections of grid lines and at any point between these
intersections that visually appears to be undergauge.

b) Readings are also to be taken at the lowest points of all areas that have been dressed.

c) Where recorded readings are below the acceptable minimum stated in the Contract Documents, the
area adjacent to such readings is to be checked in sufficient detail at the time of ultrasonic thickness
testing to determine the extent of this area. A separate dimensioned chart showing these areas is to
be forwarded with the report sheet.

D.7 Reports of Examination

Reports are to be made out in the form shown in Figure D.2.

D.8 Rejection and Reinstatement

a) Areas of plating below the minimum acceptable thickness are to be rejected. The size of the area
resulting in rejection is to be stated. Remedial action may however be taken as set out in the relevant
material specification.

b) All areas which have been repaired are to be re-examined to the normal standard.

29
Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

50
100

200

75
50 65
25 40
10

All dimensions are mm

NOTE 1 Test blocks are to be machined from material which is ultrasonically similar to
the material under examination.
NOTE 2 The test blocks can be manufactured in two pieces if desired.
NOTE 3 The contact surface is to be sufficiently smooth to ensure effective acoustic
coupling.
NOTE 4 The dimensional tolerances of the thickness of the steps is to be within
±0.025mm of the value shown above. The actual thickness is to be
permanently marked on the side of the block.

Figure D.1 – Test Block for Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement

30
 Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

Plate Manufacturer Plate Quality

Examined at Plate Mark

Date Mill Test Number

Equipment Plate Dimensions (Length x Width x Thick.)

Operator x x

Employing Company Thickness Limit

(Maximum)

Calibration on Test Thickness Limit

Block (Minimum)

Customer Order Service Allocation

Number

NOTE1 The datum corner of the plate is to be permanently marked by the steel manufacturer.

NOTE 2 The plate size is to be shown on the grid below. Thickness measurements are to be entered for
each grid intersection and ground area. Where readings are below the minimum acceptable
thickness, details of this area are to be shown on a separate sheet.

NOTE 3 Dressed areas are to be inspected in accordance with clause D.5.1b

2400

3000

4200

4800

6000

7200

9000

9600
3600

5400

6600

7800

8400
1200

1800
600

600

1200
1800
600 600
2400

3000

3600 25
25
ACCEPTED

THE ABOVE PLATE IS WHERE MARKED

REJECTED

Figure D.2 – Report of Thickness Measurement of Steel Plate

31
Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

Plate Manufacturer Plate Quality

Examined at Plate Mark

Date Mill Test Number

Equipment Plate Dimensions (Length x Width x Thick.)

Operator x x

Employing Company Thickness Limit

(Maximum)

Calibration on Test Thickness Limit

Block (Minimum)

Customer Order Service Allocation

Number

NOTE 1 The datum corner of the plate is to be permanently marked by the steel manufacturer.
NOTE 2 Grid lines are to be marked in accordance with clause D.5.2
NOTE 3 Thickness measurements are to be recorded in accordance with clause D.6.

W/2

25mm
W/4

25mm 25mm

1200

W/4

25mm
ACCEPTED

THE ABOVE PLATE IS WHERE MARKED

REJECTED

Figure D.3 – Receipt Check on Thickness Measurement of Steel Plate

32
 Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

Annex E
Procedure for Ultrasonic Examination
of Q1(N) Steel Plate

E.1 Ultrasonic Examination Procedure

a) The ultrasonic equipment and the examination procedure are to satisfy the requirements of Def Stan
02-729 Part 5;

b) A glossary of terms used in non-destructive testing is given in BS EN 1330-4;

c) Generally the examination of plate material will require the use of compression wave probe techniques
only. The use of shear wave probes is required only where specified contractually.

E.2 Types of Defect

a) Clean plate, i.e. plate that is defect free is characterised by a clear back wall echo or repeat back wall
echoes at a position on the time base of the ultrasonic flaw detector that is consistent with the
thickness of the plate and the calibration of the instrument.

b) Plate defects, which may occur, are:

1) lamination;

2) inclusions.

c) Inclusions may occur as clusters of small inclusions or as significant inclusions in isolation.

E.2.1 Lamination

Lamination is indicated when the first echo on the time base display, appears to the left of the back wall echo
position as calibrated for clean plate and when the time interval between successive echoes is less than that
of the successive back wall echoes for clean plate.

E.2.2 Inclusions

a) Inclusions may or may not cause the loss of the true plate thickness back wall echoes. Therefore
echoes from the plate back wall, and those from inclusions may be seen on the time base
simultaneously. The inclusion echoes, which will appear to the left of the plate back wall echoes, are
to be considered significant when one or both of the following conditions apply:

1) The amplitude of the inclusion echo exceeds 20% Full Screen Deflection (FSD) and is obtained
over a length greater than 25mm. This condition implies an inclusion or inclusions of substantial
width.

2) The amplitude of the first plate back wall echo is attenuated to 20% FSD or less,
unaccompanied by evidence of inclusions as in clause E.2.2a)1) above. This condition implies
the presence of a large number of micro-inclusions individually insignificant but of collective
importance. When this condition occurs the plate surface is to be checked and dressed if
necessary to ensure satisfactory acoustic coupling of the probe.

33
Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

E.2.3 Recording of defects

To facilitate reference to the plate and the record of examination, one corner of the plate is to be marked as
the datum corner. The following defective areas are to be recorded:

1) The boundary of the lamination established in accordance with clause E.2.1.

2) The position of significant inclusions as defined in clause E.2.2a)1).

3) The boundary of the affected areas established in accordance with clause E.2.2a)2).

E.3 Acceptance Criteria

a) The following conditions are to apply:

1) Any lamination as in clause E.2.1 or inclusions as in clause E.2.2a)2) not wholly confined within
a 75mm diameter circle is to be cause for rejection of that area.

2) Areas of lamination and or attenuation as clause E.2.2a)2) wholly confined within a 75mm
diameter circle are to be separated by a minimum of 600mm of plate free from lamination
attenuation and significant inclusions.

3) Detection of a significant inclusion as in clause E.2.2a)1) is to be followed by a continuous scan

over the adjacent plate within a 300mm radius of the inclusion. Detection of four or more
additional significant inclusions within this area is to be cause for rejection.

4) Under shear wave examination any defect indication greater than the indication from the
reference notch specified in Def Stan 02-729 Part 5, is to be cause for rejection.

b) Any plate that fails to meet the defined acceptance standard will be rejected.

c) The supplier may apply to the purchaser for plates which are “marginally rejected” to be considered for
acceptance.

34
 Def Stan 02-736 Part 1 Issue 3

Annex F
Procurement Check List

NOTES

1. This check list is to ensure that certain aspects of this Defence Standard are consulted when
preparing a Statement of Technical Requirements for a particular application.

2. Clauses where a preference for an option is to be used or where specific data is to be added
are included in the check list.

3. Each item is to be marked either:

9 = included

NA = not applicable

Check Clause
Check 9 or NA
No. No.

1 Nominal dimensions to be stated 7.6a)

2 Requirement for plates for insert pads 7.7c)

3 Weighing of plates required 7.7d)

4 Identification requirements 10c)4)

5 Is the use of shear wave probes required ? E.1c)

35
 ©Crown Copyright 2011

Copying Only as Agreed with DStan

Defence Standards are published by and obtainable from:

Defence Equipment and Support

UK Defence Standardization

Kentigern House

65 Brown Street

GLASGOW

G2 8EX

DStan Helpdesk

Tel: +44 (0) 141 224 2531/2

Fax: +44 (0) 141 224 2503

Internet e-mail: [email protected]

File Reference
The DStan file reference relating to work on this standard is D/DStan/69/2/736/1.

Contract Requirements
When Defence Standards are incorporated into contracts users are responsible for their correct
application and for complying with contractual and statutory requirements. Compliance with a Defence
Standard does not in itself confer immunity from legal obligations.

Revision of Defence Standards

Defence Standards are revised as necessary by an up issue or amendment. It is important that users
of Defence Standards should ascertain that they are in possession of the latest issue or amendment.
Information on all Defence Standards can be found on the DStan Website www.dstan.mod.uk,
updated weekly and supplemented regularly by Standards in Defence News (SID News). Any person
who, when making use of a Defence Standard encounters an inaccuracy or ambiguity is requested to
notify UK Defence Standardization (DStan) without delay in order that the matter may be investigated
and appropriate action taken. Sponsors and authors shall refer to Def Stan 00-00 part 2 before
proceeding with any standards work.