Effect of simulated welding thermal cycle on microstructure and mechanical properties of X90 pipeline steel

► An X90 plate is investigated with emphasis on effect of welding thermal simulation. ► The 15 kJ/cm specimens exhibit better mechanical properties than the 25 kJ/cm ones. ► The failure modes of 15 and 25 kJ/cm specimens are ductile and cleavage, respectively. ► For the investigated steel, a welding heat input of 15 kJ/cm is reasonable.