FRACTURE CHARACTERISTICS OF STRUCTURAL STEELS AND WELDMENTS

This report presents the findings of a scanning electron microscope study of the tensile, fatigue, and impact fracture characteristics of a carbon steel; two high strength, low-alloy steels; and a high-strength steel weldment. Tension and fatigue specimens were tested in as-received, hydrogen-embrittled, and temper-embrittled conditions, while impact specimens were tested in the as-received condition only. The failure mode of embrittled and unembrittled weldments containing induced weld defects was also studied. The hydrogen-embrittled, high-strength steels exhibited large reductions in ductility and fatigue life. The fracture surfaces of these specimens contained a dispersion of fish-eyes and craters. Tempers embrittling the high-strength steels increased their susceptibility to lamellar tearing. The carbon steel was not as susceptible to either hydrogen or temper embrittlement as the high-strength steels. Crack nucleation in the unembrittled weldments occurred at the weld defect, while failure in the embrittled weldments began at both an outside edge and the weld defect.

• Corporate Authors:

  Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory

  P.O. Box 4005
  Champaign, IL  United States  61820
• Authors:
  • Aleszka, J
  • Kim, Young Gil
• Publication Date: 1975-11

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 111 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Carbon steel; Defects; Electron microscopes; Embrittlement; Fracture mechanics; High strength steel; Mechanical fatigue; Structural steel; Tensile properties; Weldments; Welds
• Uncontrolled Terms: Fracture; Weld defects
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00131382
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Technical Rpt. M-170Final Rpt.
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 14 1976 12:00AM