According to nano-strengthening theory and oxide metallurgy technology, by optimizing contents of carbon and alloy elements, the nanoparticle reinforced high-strength naval steel B was produced with reference to steel A. By conducting welding thermal cycle test with parameter of t8/5=80 s, it is found that, unlike steel A, large quantity of precipitates, produced during solidification process as well as during welding thermal cycle process, are formed in steel B. These precipitates with small size and high thermo-stability can effectively hinder grain growth of austenite of steel B, thus refine coarse-grained microstructure of simulated HAZ. ©, 2015, Editorial Office of Transactions of Materials and Heat Treatment. All right reserved.