The effect of cathodic polarization on the corrosion fatigue behavior of a precipitation hardened aluminum alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, E. F.; Duquette, D. J.

1986-02-01

Fatigue experiments were conducted on polycrystalline and monocrystalline samples of a high purity Al, 5.5 wt pct Zn, 2.5 wt pct Mg, 1.5 wt pct Cu alloy in the peak-hardened heat treatment condition. These experiments were conducted in dry laboratory air and in 0.5 N NaCl solutions at the corrosion potential and at applied potentials cathodic to the corrosion potential. It has been shown that saline solutions severely reduce the fatigue resistance of the alloy, resulting in considerable amounts of intergranular crack initiation and propagation under freely corroding conditions for polycrystalline samples. Applied cathodic potentials resulted in still larger decreases in fatigue resistance and, for poly crystals, increases in the degree of transgranular crack initiation and propagation. Increasing amounts of intergranular cracking were observed when applied cyclic stresses were reduced (longer test times). The characteristics of cracking, combined with results obtained on tensile tests of deformed and hydrogen charged samples, suggest that environmental cracking of these alloys is associated with a form of hydrogen embrittlement of the process zones of growing cracks. Further, it is suggested that stress corrosion cracking and corrosion fatigue of these alloys occurs by essentially the same mechanism, but that the often observed transgranular cracking under cyclic loading conditions occurs due to enhanced hydrogen transport and/or concentrations associated with mobile dislocations at growing crack tips.

Magnetic testing for inter-granular crack defect of tubing coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Bo; Yu, Runqiao

2018-04-01

This study focused on the inter-granular crack defects of tubing coupling wherein a non-destructive magnetic testing technique was proposed to determine the magnetic flux leakage features on coupling surface in the geomagnetic field using a high-precision magnetic sensor. The abnormal magnetic signatures of defects were analysed, and the principle of the magnetic test was explained based on the differences in the relative permeability of defects and coupling materials. Abnormal fluctuations of the magnetic signal were observed at the locations of the inter-granular crack defects. Imaging showed the approximate position of defects. The test results were proven by metallographic phase.

The role of Hydrogen and Creep in Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking of Alloy 600 and Alloy 690 in PWR Primary Water Environments ? a Review

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rebak, R B; Hua, F H

2004-07-12

Intergranular attack (IGA) and intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) of Alloy 600 in PWR steam generator environment has been extensively studied for over 30 years without rendering a clear understanding of the essential mechanisms. The lack of understanding of the IGSCC mechanism is due to a complex interaction of numerous variables such as microstructure, thermomechanical processing, strain rate, water chemistry and electrochemical potential. Hydrogen plays an important role in all these variables. The complexity, however, significantly hinders a clearer and more fundamental understanding of the mechanism of hydrogen in enhancing intergranular cracking via whatever mechanism. In this work, an attemptmore » is made to review the role of hydrogen based on the current understanding of grain boundary structure and chemistry and intergranular fracture of nickel alloys, effect of hydrogen on electrochemical behavior of Alloy 600 and Alloy 690 (e.g. the passive film stability, polarization behavior and open-circuit potential) and effect of hydrogen on PWSCC behavior of Alloy 600 and Alloy 690. Mechanistic studies on the PWSCC are briefly reviewed. It is concluded that further studies on the role of hydrogen on intergranular cracking in both inert and primary side environments are needed. These studies should focus on the correlation of the results obtained at different laboratories by different methods on materials with different metallurgical and chemical parameters.« less

Effects of high temperature aging in an impure helium environment on low temperature embrittlement of Alloy 617 and Haynes 230

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Daejong; Sah, Injin; Jang, Changheui

2010-10-01

The effects of high temperature environmental damage on low temperature embrittlement of wrought nickel-base superalloys, Alloy 617 and Haynes 230 were evaluated. They were aged in an impure helium environment at 1000 °C for up to 500 h before tensile tested at room temperature. The tensile test results showed that the loss of ductility was associated with the increase in the inter-granular fracture with aging time. For Alloy 617, inter-granular oxidation and coarsening of grain boundary carbides contributed to the embrittlement. The significant loss of ductility in Haynes 230 was only observed after 500 h of aging when the globular intermetallic precipitates were extensively formed and brittle inter-granular cracking began to occur.

An Electrochemical Framework to Explain Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking in an Al-5.4%Cu-0.5%Mg-0.5%Ag Alloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Little, D. A.; Connolly, B. J.; Scully, J. R.

2001-01-01

A modified version of the Cu-depletion electrochemical framework was used to explain the metallurgical factor creating intergranular stress corrosion cracking susceptibility in an aged Al-Cu-Mg-Ag alloy, C416. This framework was also used to explain the increased resistance to intergranular stress corrosion cracking in the overaged temper. Susceptibility in the under aged and T8 condition is consistent with the grain boundary Cu-depletion mechanism. Improvements in resistance of the T8+ thermal exposure of 5000 h at 225 F (T8+) compared to the T8 condition can be explained by depletion of Cu from solid solution.

The application of in situ analytical transmission electron microscopy to the study of preferential intergranular oxidation in Alloy 600.

PubMed

Burke, M G; Bertali, G; Prestat, E; Scenini, F; Haigh, S J

2017-05-01

In situ analytical transmission electron microscopy (TEM) can provide a unique perspective on dynamic reactions in a variety of environments, including liquids and gases. In this study, in situ analytical TEM techniques have been applied to examine the localised oxidation reactions that occur in a Ni-Cr-Fe alloy, Alloy 600, using a gas environmental cell at elevated temperatures. The initial stages of preferential intergranular oxidation, shown to be an important precursor phenomenon for intergranular stress corrosion cracking in pressurized water reactors (PWRs), have been successfully identified using the in situ approach. Furthermore, the detailed observations correspond to the ex situ results obtained from bulk specimens tested in hydrogenated steam and in high temperature PWR primary water. The excellent agreement between the in situ and ex situ oxidation studies demonstrates that this approach can be used to investigate the initial stages of preferential intergranular oxidation relevant to nuclear power systems. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Stress corrosion crack initiation of alloy 600 in PWR primary water

DOE PAGES

Zhai, Ziqing; Toloczko, Mychailo B.; Olszta, Matthew J.; ...

2017-04-27

Stress corrosion crack (SCC) initiation of three mill-annealed alloy 600 heats in simulated pressurized water reactor primary water has been investigated using constant load tests equipped with in-situ direct current potential drop (DCPD) measurement capabilities. SCC initiation times were greatly reduced by a small amount of cold work. Shallow intergranular attack and/or cracks were found on most high-energy grain boundaries intersecting the surface with only a small fraction evolving into larger cracks and intergranular SCC growth. Crack depth profiles were measured and related to DCPD-detected initiation response. Lastly, we discuss processes controlling the SCC initiation in mill-annealed alloy 600.

Stress corrosion crack initiation of alloy 600 in PWR primary water

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhai, Ziqing; Toloczko, Mychailo B.; Olszta, Matthew J.

Stress corrosion crack (SCC) initiation of three mill-annealed alloy 600 heats in simulated pressurized water reactor primary water has been investigated using constant load tests equipped with in-situ direct current potential drop (DCPD) measurement capabilities. SCC initiation times were greatly reduced by a small amount of cold work. Shallow intergranular attack and/or cracks were found on most high-energy grain boundaries intersecting the surface with only a small fraction evolving into larger cracks and intergranular SCC growth. Crack depth profiles were measured and related to DCPD-detected initiation response. Lastly, we discuss processes controlling the SCC initiation in mill-annealed alloy 600.

Corrosion and Corrosion Control in Light Water Reactors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gordon, Barry M.

2013-08-01

Serious corrosion problems have plagued the light water reactor (LWR) industry for decades. The complex corrosion mechanisms involved and the development of practical engineering solutions for their mitigation will be discussed in this article. After a brief overview of the basic designs of the boiling water reactor (BWR) and pressurized water reactor (PWR), emphasis will be placed on the general corrosion of LWR containments, flow-accelerated corrosion of carbon steel components, intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) in BWRs, primary water stress corrosion cracking (PWSCC) in PWRs, and irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking (IASCC) in both systems. Finally, the corrosion future of both plants will be discussed as plants extend their period of operation for an additional 20 to 40 years.

An Abrupt Transition to an Intergranular Failure Mode in the Near-Threshold Fatigue Crack Growth Regime in Ni-Based Superalloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Telesman, J.; Smith, T. M.; Gabb, T. P.; Ring, A. J.

2018-06-01

Cyclic near-threshold fatigue crack growth (FCG) behavior of two disk superalloys was evaluated and was shown to exhibit an unexpected sudden failure mode transition from a mostly transgranular failure mode at higher stress intensity factor ranges to an almost completely intergranular failure mode in the threshold regime. The change in failure modes was associated with a crossover of FCG resistance curves in which the conditions that produced higher FCG rates in the Paris regime resulted in lower FCG rates and increased ΔK th values in the threshold region. High-resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to carefully characterize the crack tips at these near-threshold conditions. Formation of stable Al-oxide followed by Cr-oxide and Ti-oxides was found to occur at the crack tip prior to formation of unstable oxides. To contrast with the threshold failure mode regime, a quantitative assessment of the role that the intergranular failure mode has on cyclic FCG behavior in the Paris regime was also performed. It was demonstrated that even a very limited intergranular failure content dominates the FCG response under mixed mode failure conditions.

Molecular-dynamics Simulation-based Cohesive Zone Representation of Intergranular Fracture Processes in Aluminum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yamakov, Vesselin I.; Saether, Erik; Phillips, Dawn R.; Glaessgen, Edward H.

2006-01-01

A traction-displacement relationship that may be embedded into a cohesive zone model for microscale problems of intergranular fracture is extracted from atomistic molecular-dynamics simulations. A molecular-dynamics model for crack propagation under steady-state conditions is developed to analyze intergranular fracture along a flat 99 [1 1 0] symmetric tilt grain boundary in aluminum. Under hydrostatic tensile load, the simulation reveals asymmetric crack propagation in the two opposite directions along the grain boundary. In one direction, the crack propagates in a brittle manner by cleavage with very little or no dislocation emission, and in the other direction, the propagation is ductile through the mechanism of deformation twinning. This behavior is consistent with the Rice criterion for cleavage vs. dislocation blunting transition at the crack tip. The preference for twinning to dislocation slip is in agreement with the predictions of the Tadmor and Hai criterion. A comparison with finite element calculations shows that while the stress field around the brittle crack tip follows the expected elastic solution for the given boundary conditions of the model, the stress field around the twinning crack tip has a strong plastic contribution. Through the definition of a Cohesive-Zone-Volume-Element an atomistic analog to a continuum cohesive zone model element - the results from the molecular-dynamics simulation are recast to obtain an average continuum traction-displacement relationship to represent cohesive zone interaction along a characteristic length of the grain boundary interface for the cases of ductile and brittle decohesion. Keywords: Crack-tip plasticity; Cohesive zone model; Grain boundary decohesion; Intergranular fracture; Molecular-dynamics simulation

Selective Internal Oxidation as a Mechanism for Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking of Ni-Cr-Fe Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Capell, Brent M.; Was, Gary S.

2007-06-01

The mechanism of selective internal oxidation (SIO) for intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) of nickel-base alloys has been investigated through a series of experiments using high-purity alloys and a steam environment to control the formation of NiO on the surface. Five alloys (Ni-9Fe, Ni-5Cr, Ni-5Cr-9Fe, Ni-16Cr-9Fe, and Ni-30Cr-9Fe) were used to investigate oxidation and intergranular cracking behavior for hydrogen-to-water vapor partial pressure ratios (PPRs) between 0.001 and 0.9. The Ni-9Fe, Ni-5Cr, and Ni-5Cr-9Fe alloys formed a uniform Ni(OH)2 film at PPRs less than 0.09, and the higher chromium alloys formed chromium-rich oxide films over the entire PPR range studied. Corrosion coupon results show that grain boundary oxides extended for significant depths (>150 nm) below the sample surface for all but the highest Cr containing alloy. Constant extension rate tensile (CERT) test results showed that intergranular cracking varied with PPR and cracking was more pronounced at a PPR value where nonprotective Ni(OH)2 was able to form and a link between the nonprotective Ni(OH)2 film and the formation of grain boundary oxides is suggested. The observation of grain boundary oxides in stressed and unstressed samples as well as the influence of alloy content on IG cracking and oxidation support SIO as a mechanism for IGSCC.

Microstructural Modeling of Dynamic Intergranular and Transgranular Fracture Modes in Zircaloys

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mohammed, I.; Zikry, M.A.; Ziaei, S.

2017-04-01

In this time period, we have continued to focus on (i) refining the thermo-mechanical fracture model for zirconium (Zr) alloys subjected to large deformations and high temperatures that accounts for the cracking of ZrH and ZrH2 hydrides, (ii) formulating a framework to account intergranular fracture due to iodine diffusion and pit formation in grain-boundaries (GBs). Our future objectives are focused on extending to a combined population of ZrH and ZrH2 populations and understanding how thermo-mechanical behavior affects hydride reorientation and cracking. We will also refine the intergranular failure mechanisms for grain boundaries with pits.

Origins of Negative Strain Rate Dependence of Stress Corrosion Cracking Initiation in Alloy 690, and Intergranular Crack Formation in Thermally Treated Alloy 690

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Young Suk; Kim, Sung Soo

2016-09-01

We show that enhanced stress corrosion cracking (SCC) initiation in cold-rolled Alloy 690 with decreasing strain rate is related to the rate of short-range ordering (SRO) but not to the time-dependent corrosion process. Evidence for SRO is provided by aging tests on cold-rolled Alloy 690 at 623 K and 693 K (350 °C and 420 °C), respectively, which demonstrate its enhanced lattice contraction and hardness increase with aging temperature and time, respectively. Secondary intergranular cracks formed only in thermally treated and cold-rolled Alloy 690 during SCC tests, which are not SCC cracks, are caused by its lattice contraction by SRO before SCC tests but not by the orientation effect.

Molecular dynamics simulations of intergranular fracture in UO2 with nine empirical interatomic potentials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yongfeng Zhang; Paul C Millett; Michael R Tonks

The intergranular fracture behavior of UO2 was studied using molecular dynamics simulations with a bicrystal model. The anisotropic fracture behavior due to the different grain boundary characters was investigated with the View the MathML source symmetrical tilt S5 and the View the MathML source symmetrical tilt S3 ({1 1 1} twin) grain boundaries. Nine interatomic potentials, seven rigid-ion plus two core–shell ones, were utilized to elucidate possible potential dependence. Initiating from a notch, crack propagation along grain boundaries was observed for most potentials. The S3 boundary was found to be more prone to fracture than the S5 one, indicated bymore » a lower energy release rate associated with the former. However, some potential dependence was identified on the existence of transient plastic deformation at crack tips, and the results were discussed regarding the relevant material properties including the excess energies of metastable phases and the critical energy release rate for intergranular fracture. In general, local plasticity at crack tips was observed in fracture simulations with potentials that predict low excess energies for metastable phases and high critical energy release rates for intergranular fracture.« less

Cracking in dissimilar laser welding of tantalum to molybdenum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Xingwen; Huang, Yongde; Hao, Kun; Chen, Yuhua

2018-06-01

Dissimilar joining of tantalum (Ta) to molybdenum (Mo) is of great interest in high temperature structural component applications. However, few reports were found about joining of these two hard-to-weld metals. The objective of this experimental study was to assess the weldability of laser butt joining of 0.2 mm-thick Ta and Mo. In order to study cracking mechanism in Ta/Mo joint, similar Ta/Ta and Mo/Mo joints were compared under the same welding conditions. An optical microscope observation revealed presence of intergranular cracks in the Mo/Mo joint, while both transgranular and intergranular cracks were observed in Ta/Mo joint. The cracking mechanism of the Ta/Mo joint was investigated further by micro-hardness testing, micro X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that solidification cracking tendency of Mo is a main reason for crack initiation in the Ta/Mo joint. Low ductility feature in fusion zone most certainly played a role in the transgranular propagation of cracking.

Environmentally induced crack propagation in Inconel alloys 600 and 690 under hydrogen supersaturated steam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Mehboob Muzzammil

Intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) of Inconel alloys 600 and 690 was investigated by exposing them to 300--400°C in deaerated hydrogen supersaturated steam. Crack growth rates were measured in-situ for the above alloys using modified wedge-opening-loaded (M-WOL) linear elastic fracture specimens under constant displacement conditions. The applied stress intensity factors (K) used varied from 29--90 MPam1/2. An activation energy of 120 kJ/mol was found for crack growth rates as a function of temperature. This activation energy is close to the one corresponding to grain boundary self diffusion of nickel. In addition, it was found that the apparent crack growth rates (da/dt) exhibited a linear dependence with KI, given by (da/dt) = A.KIn, where n = 1 in our case. Microstructurally, crack propagation in both the alloys was predominantly along the grain boundaries. It is suggested that high fugacity hydrogen was generated at the tip of the crack, as a result of the reaction of H2O with Cr2O3 on the fracture surface leading to IGSCC. It was found that the rates of crack propagation in both alloys 600 and 690 are very similar. Moreover, under the applied KIs, both alloys 600 and 690 show a similar tendency to crack intergranularly in a direction perpendicular to the applied stress. Crack branching was also exhibited by both the alloys 600 as well as 690. The difference in the crack growth rates of alloys 600 and 690 was found to be only about 2%, which indicates that the crack growth rates in these alloys is independent of the alloy chromium content and that, possibly very similar crack growth mechanisms are active in both the alloys 600 and 690 under similar conditions of KI and temperature. HREM images at the crack tip of alloy 690 exhibit two distinct regions---a crystalline region, and an adjacent amorphous region, which is likely to be either a hydroxide or an amorphous oxide layer. This layer is expected to result from passivation reactions as the crack surface is exposed to the corrosive environment.

Strengthening Mechanisms, Creep and Fatigue Processes in Dispersion Hardened Niobium Alloy

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-04-01

studies of Nb and Nb-l%Zr were completed. Cyclic hardening is observed and there is a microplastic plateau in Nb. The Nb- l%Lr is stronger in cyclic...strain rate intergranular cracking occurred and a microplastic plateau was observed in the cyclic stress - strain curve for cp Nb. At the slow strain...rate, no definitely intergranular cracks were detected and a microplastic plateau was not observed for cp Nb. The results of these experiments can be

The effect of microstructure on 650 C fatigue crack growth in P/M Astroloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gayda, J.; Miner, R. V.

1983-01-01

The effect of microstructure on fatigue crack propagation at 650 C has been studied in a P/M nickel-base superalloy, Astroloy. Crack propagation data were obtained in air and vacuum at 20 cpm with a modified compact tension specimen. The rate of crack growth, da/dn, was correlated with the stress intensity range. Key microstructural variables examined were grain size and the distribution and size of the strengthening gamma prime phase. A fine grain size less than 20 microns always promoted rapid, intergranular failure, while a large grain size promoted slower, transgranular failure which decreased as the size and volume fraction of aging gamma prime was manipulated so as to increase alloy strength. The rapid, intergranular mode of failure of the fine grain microstructures was suppressed in vacuum.

Corrosion and fatigue of surgical implants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lisagor, W. B.

1975-01-01

Implants for the treatment of femoral fractures, mechanisms leading to the failure or degradation of such structures, and current perspectives on surgical implants are discussed. Under the first heading, general usage, materials and procedures, environmental conditions, and laboratory analyses of implants after service are considered. Corrosion, crevice corrosion, stress corrosion cracking, intergranular corrosion, pitting corrosion, fatigue, and corrosion fatigue are the principal degradation mechanisms described. The need for improvement in the reliability of implants is emphasized.

Grain boundary selective oxidation and intergranular stress corrosion crack growth of high-purity nickel binary alloys in high-temperature hydrogenated water

DOE PAGES

Bruemmer, S. M.; Olszta, M. J.; Toloczko, M. B.; ...

2017-11-26

The effects of alloying elements in Ni-5at%X binary alloys on intergranular (IG) corrosion and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) have been assessed in 300–360 °C hydrogenated water at the Ni/NiO stability line. Alloys with Cr or Al additions exhibited grain boundary oxidation and IGSCC, while localized degradation was not observed for pure Ni, Ni-Cu or Ni-Fe alloys. Environment-enhanced crack growth was determined by comparing the response in water and N 2 gas. Lastly, results demonstrate that selective grain boundary oxidation of Cr and Al promoted IGSCC of these Ni alloys in hydrogenated water.

Grain boundary selective oxidation and intergranular stress corrosion crack growth of high-purity nickel binary alloys in high-temperature hydrogenated water

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bruemmer, S. M.; Olszta, M. J.; Toloczko, M. B.

The effects of alloying elements in Ni-5at%X binary alloys on intergranular (IG) corrosion and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) have been assessed in 300–360 °C hydrogenated water at the Ni/NiO stability line. Alloys with Cr or Al additions exhibited grain boundary oxidation and IGSCC, while localized degradation was not observed for pure Ni, Ni-Cu or Ni-Fe alloys. Environment-enhanced crack growth was determined by comparing the response in water and N 2 gas. Lastly, results demonstrate that selective grain boundary oxidation of Cr and Al promoted IGSCC of these Ni alloys in hydrogenated water.

Grain boundary selective oxidation and intergranular stress corrosion crack growth of high-purity nickel binary alloys in high-temperature hydrogenated water

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bruemmer, S. M.; Olszta, M. J.; Toloczko, M. B.

The effects of alloying elements in Ni-5at%X binary alloys on intergranular (IG) corrosion and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) have been assessed in 300-360°C hydrogenated water at the Ni/NiO stability line. Alloys with Cr or Al additions exhibited grain boundary oxidation and IGSCC, while localized degradation was not observed for pure Ni, Ni-Cu or Ni-Fe alloys. Environment-enhanced crack growth was determined by comparing the response in water and N2 gas. Results demonstrate that selective grain boundary oxidation of Cr and Al promoted IGSCC of these Ni alloys in hydrogenated water.

Underclad cracking of pressure vessel steels for light-water reactors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lopez, H.F.

1987-06-01

Although fracture mechanics analyses have shown that underclad cracks have no detrimental effect on the integrity of thick walled pressure vessels (40 year service), in order to avoid unexpected failures the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued Regulatory Guide 1.43 which sets limits on the extent of fissures permitted and describes acceptable means of controlling the weld cladding processes. Cavitation and intergranular fissuring in SA508-2 and 22NiMoCr37 steels can occur in the presence or absence of intergranular particles. The observations of intergranular fissuring and cavitation in those HAZ free from overlapping effects are attributed to grain boundary segregation. Other probablemore » void nucleation sites are the grain boundary-lath interface intersections which facilitate the formation of grain boundary discontinuities.« less

The influence of grain boundary geometry on intergranular crack propagation in Ni[sub 3]Al

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hui Lin; Pope, D.P.

1993-02-01

The distribution of grain boundary types along intergranular cracks in Ni[sub 3]Al was measured, by [Sigma] value, and compared to the distribution in the bulk, using statistically significant sample sizes. It was found that low angle ([Sigma] 1) and symmetrical [Sigma]3 boundaries (twins) are particularly strong, and all high angle boundaries, independent of their [Sigma] values are weak. In particular, low [Sigma], high angle boundaries, as a group, are also weak. These results are in qualitative agreement with predictions based on the structural unit model and imply that the fracture strength of an intergranularly brittle polycrystalline aggregate can be increasedmore » only by increasing the fraction of low angle and symmetrical [Sigma]3 boundaries.« less

Microstructure and yield strength effects on hydrogen and tritium induced cracking in HERF (high-energy-rate-forged) stainless steel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Morgan, M J; Tosten, M H

1989-01-01

Rising-load J-integral measurements and falling-load threshold stress intensity measurements were used to characterize hydrogen and tritium induced cracking in high-energy-rate-forged (HERF) 21-6-9 stainless steel. Samples having yield strengths in the range 517--930 MPa were thermally charged with either hydrogen or tritium and tested at room temperature in either air or high-pressure hydrogen gas. In general, the hydrogen isotopes reduced the fracture toughness by affecting the fracture process. Static recrystallization in the HERF microstructures affected the material's fracture toughness and its relative susceptibility to hydrogen and tritium induced fracture. In hydrogen-exposed samples, the reduction in fracture toughness was primarily dependent onmore » the susceptibility of the microstructure to intergranular fracture and only secondarily affected by strength in the range of 660 to 930 MPa. Transmission-electron microscopy observations revealed that the microstructures least susceptible to hydrogen-induced intergranular cracking contained patches of fully recrystallized grains. These grains are surrounded by highly deformed regions containing a high number density of dislocations. The microstructure can best be characterized as duplex'', with soft recrystallized grains embedded in a hard, deformed matrix. The microstructures most susceptible to hydrogen-induced intergranular fracture showed no well-developed recrystallized grains. The patches of recrystallized grains seemed to act as crack barriers to hydrogen-induced intergranular fracture. In tritium-exposed-and-aged samples, the amount of static recrystallization also affected the fracture toughness properties but to a lesser degree. 7 refs., 25 figs.« less

Structure, chemistry, and stress corrosion cracking of grain boundaries in alloys 600 and 690

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stiller, Krystyna; Nilsson, Jan-Olof; Norring, Kjell

1996-02-01

The microstructure in six commercial batches of alloys 600 and 690 has been investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), analytical transmission electron microscopy (ATEM), atom probe field ion microscopy (APFIM), and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS). The materials were also tested with respect to their resistance to intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) in high-purity water at 365 °. Applied microanalytical techniques allowed direct measurement of carbon concentration in the matrix together with determination of grain boundary micro structure and microchemistry in all material conditions. The distribution of oxygen near a crack in material tested with respect to IGSCC was also investigated. The role of carbon and chromium and intergranular precipitates on IGSCC is discussed.

Intergranular fracture in UO{sub 2}: derivation of traction-separation law from atomistic simulations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Yongfeng; Millett, P.C.; Tonks, M.R.

2013-07-01

In this study, the intergranular fracture behavior of UO{sub 2} was studied by molecular dynamics simulations using the Basak potential. In addition, the constitutive traction-separation law was derived from atomistic data using the cohesive-zone model. In the simulations a bicrystal model with the (100) symmetric tilt Σ5 grain boundaries was utilized. Uniaxial tension along the grain boundary normal was applied to simulate Mode-I fracture. The fracture was observed to propagate along the grain boundary by micro-pore nucleation and coalescence, giving an overall intergranular fracture behavior. Phase transformations from the Fluorite to the Rutile and Scrutinyite phases were identified at themore » propagating crack tips. These new phases are metastable and they transformed back to the Fluorite phase at the wake of crack tips as the local stress concentration was relieved by complete cracking. Such transient behavior observed at atomistic scale was found to substantially increase the energy release rate for fracture. Insertion of Xe gas into the initial notch showed minor effect on the overall fracture behavior. (authors)« less

Intergranular fracture in UO2: derivation of traction-separation law from atomistic simulations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yongfeng Zhang; Paul C Millett; Michael R Tonks

2013-10-01

In this study, the intergranular fracture behavior of UO2 was studied by molecular dynamics simulations using the Basak potential. In addition, the constitutive traction-separation law was derived from atomistic data using the cohesive-zone model. In the simulations a bicrystal model with the (100) symmetric tilt E5 grain boundaries was utilized. Uniaxial tension along the grain boundary normal was applied to simulate Mode-I fracture. The fracture was observed to propagate along the grain boundary by micro-pore nucleation and coalescence, giving an overall intergranular fracture behavior. Phase transformations from the Fluorite to the Rutile and Scrutinyite phases were identified at the propagatingmore » crack tips. These new phases are metastable and they transformed back to the Fluorite phase at the wake of crack tips as the local stress concentration was relieved by complete cracking. Such transient behavior observed at atomistic scale was found to substantially increase the energy release rate for fracture. Insertion of Xe gas into the initial notch showed minor effect on the overall fracture behavior.« less

Effect of microstructure on stress corrosion cracking of alloy 600 and alloy 690 in 40% NaOH

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, H. P.; Hwang, S. S.; Lim, Y. S.; Kuk, I. H.; Kim, J. S.

2001-02-01

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behaviors of Alloy 600, Alloy 690 and the Ni-10Cr-10Fe alloy have been studied using a C-ring in 40% NaOH solution at 315°C. The current density of Alloy 690 in polarization curves was higher at 200 mV above corrosion potential than that of Alloy 600. SCC resistance increased with Cr content for the chromium carbide free alloys, probably due to facilitation of SCC crack tip blunting with an increase in Cr content. Both thermally treated Alloy 600 and sensitized Alloy 600 have a comparable amount of intergranular carbide. But the former is more resistant to SCC than the latter, which might be attributed to the presence of the slight Cr depletion around the grain boundary in the former one. Sensitized Alloy 600 showed higher SCC resistance than the solution annealed one due to intergranular carbide in sensitized Alloy 600. This implies that the beneficial effect of intergranular carbide overrides the harmful effects of Cr depletion for sensitized Alloy 600. SCC resistance of Alloy 600 increased with grain size.

Simple technique for observing subsurface damage in machining of ceramics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xu, H.H.K.; Jahanmir, S.

1994-05-01

A simple technique is proposed for directly observing subsurface damage in the machining of ceramics. The technique requires two polished specimens and an optical microscope with Nomarski illumination for examination. The subsurface damage created by the grinding of an alumina ceramic is investigated using this technique. The mode of damage is identified as intragrain twinning/slip, and intergranular and transgranular cracking. Chipping along the twinned planes and along the transgranular crack planes, and dislodgement of the intergranularly debonded grains are suggested to be the mechanisms of material removal in the machining of this alumina ceramic.

Reaction Control System Thruster Cracking Consultation: NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) Materials Super Problem Resolution Team (SPRT) Findings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

MacKay, Rebecca A.; Smith, Stephen W.; Shah, Sandeep R.; Piascik, Robert S.

2005-01-01

The shuttle orbiter s reaction control system (RCS) primary thruster serial number 120 was found to contain cracks in the counter bores and relief radius after a chamber repair and rejuvenation was performed in April 2004. Relief radius cracking had been observed in the 1970s and 1980s in seven thrusters prior to flight; however, counter bore cracking had never been seen previously in RCS thrusters. Members of the Materials Super Problem Resolution Team (SPRT) of the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) conducted a detailed review of the relevant literature and of the documentation from the previous RCS thruster failure analyses. It was concluded that the previous failure analyses lacked sufficient documentation to support the conclusions that stress corrosion cracking or hot-salt cracking was the root cause of the thruster cracking and lacked reliable inspection controls to prevent cracked thrusters from entering the fleet. The NESC team identified and performed new materials characterization and mechanical tests. It was determined that the thruster intergranular cracking was due to hydrogen embrittlement and that the cracking was produced during manufacturing as a result of processing the thrusters with fluoride-containing acids. Testing and characterization demonstrated that appreciable environmental crack propagation does not occur after manufacturing.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Unneberg, L.

The main features of the 16 core grids (top guides) designed by ABB ATOM AB are briefly described and the evolution of the design is discussed. One important characteristic of the first nine grids is the existence of bolts securing guide bars to the core grid plates. These bolts are made of precipitation hardened or solution annealed stainless steel. During operation, bolts in all none grids have cracked. The failure analyses indicate that intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC), possibly accelerated by crevice conditions and/or irradiation, was the cause of failure. Fast neutron fluences approaching or exceeding the levels considered asmore » critical for irradiation assisted stress corrosion cracking (IASCC) will be reached in a few cases only. Temporary measures were taken immediately after the discovery of the cracking. For five of the nine reactors affected, it was decided to replace the complete grids. Two of these replacements have been successfully carried out to date. IASCC as a potential future problem is discussed and it is pointed out that, during their life times, the ABB ATOM core grids will be exposed to sufficiently high fast neutron fluences to cause some concern.« less

Thermal-stress fracture and fractography in UO/sub 2/

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kennedy, C.R.; Bandyopadhyay, G.

1976-01-01

Pressed and sintered UO/sub 2/ pellets were thermally shocked by quenching into a water bath at room temperature. The cracking behavior and strength degradation, as measured by the diametral compression technique, in these quench tests are discussed. Fractography of the thermally shocked specimens by scanning-electron microscopy indicated predominantly intergranular fracture in UO/sub 2/ in severe thermal-shock tests. The implication of this observation is that intergranular cracking may occur during the initial heat up in a reactor. Because fission gas bubbles tend to migrate toward the grain boundary, preferential microcracking along the boundary may strongly affect subsequent fission gas release behavior.

An Industrial Perspective on Environmentally Assisted Cracking of Some Commercially Used Carbon Steels and Corrosion-Resistant Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashida, Yugo; Daigo, Yuzo; Sugahara, Katsuo

2017-08-01

Commercial metals and alloys like carbon steels, stainless steels, and nickel-based super alloys frequently encounter the problem of environmentally assisted cracking (EAC) and resulting failure in engineering components. This article aims to provide a perspective on three critical industrial applications having EAC issues: (1) corrosion and cracking of carbon steels in automotive applications, (2) EAC of iron- and nickel-based alloys in salt production and processing, and (3) EAC of iron- and nickel-based alloys in supercritical water. The review focuses on current industrial-level understanding with respect to corrosion fatigue, hydrogen-assisted cracking, or stress corrosion cracking, as well as the dominant factors affecting crack initiation and propagation. Furthermore, some ongoing industrial studies and directions of future research are also discussed.

Microstructural effects on the room and elevated temperature low cycle fatigue behavior of Waspaloy. M.S. Thesis Final Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lerch, B. A.

1982-01-01

Longitudinal specimens of Waspaloy containing either coarse grains with small gamma or fine grains with large gamma were tested in air at a frequency of 0.33 Hz or 0.50 Hz. The coarse grained structures exhibited planar slip on (III) planes and precipitate shearing at all temperatures. Cracks initiated by a Stage 1 mechanism and propagated by a striation forming mechanism. At 700 C and 800 C, cleavage and intergranular cracking were observed. Testing at 500 C, 700 C, and 800 C caused precipitation of grain boundary carbides. At 700 C, carbides precipitated on slip bands. The fine grained structures exhibited planar slip on (111) planes. Dislocations looped the large gamma precipitates. This structure led to stress saturation and propagation was observed. Increasing temperatures resulted in increased specimen oxidation for both heat treatments. Slip band and grain boundary oxidation were observed. At 800 C, oxidized grain boundaries were cracked by intersecting slip bands which resulted in intergranular failure. The fine specimens had crack initiation later in the fatigue life, but with more rapid propagation crack propagation.

The Development of Directional Decohesion Finite Elements for Multiscale Failure Analysis of Metallic Polycrystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saether, Erik; Glaessgen, Edward H.

2009-01-01

Atomistic simulations of intergranular fracture have indicated that grain-scale crack growth in polycrystalline metals can be direction dependent. At these material length scales, the atomic environment greatly influences the nature of intergranular crack propagation, through either brittle or ductile mechanisms, that are a function of adjacent grain orientation and direction of crack propagation. Methods have been developed to obtain cohesive zone models (CZM) directly from molecular dynamics simulations. These CZMs may be incorporated into decohesion finite element formulations to simulate fracture at larger length scales. A new directional decohesion element is presented that calculates the direction of Mode I opening and incorporates a material criterion for dislocation emission based on the local crystallographic environment to automatically select the CZM that best represents crack growth. The simulation of fracture in 2-D and 3-D aluminum polycrystals is used to illustrate the effect of parameterized CZMs and the effectiveness of directional decohesion finite elements.

ATLAS 60’ Fording Study

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-03-03

crack. Carbon steel stress cracks in the presence of sodium hydroxide (" caustic embrittlement"), whereas austenitic stainless steels stress crack in...transmission life. - Outboard planetary axle design reduces stresses on differential, drive shafts and axle shaft U-joints. . Enclosed oil disc brakes on... Stress Corrosion Crevice Pitting Erosion Corrosion Uniform Corrosion Intergranular Selective Leaching Page 19 Caterpflar Inc. ATLAS Fording Study Q The

Effect of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Parameters on Hydrogen-Assisted Cracking of Type 321 Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rozenak, Paul; Unigovski, Yaakov; Shneck, Roni

2016-05-01

The susceptibility of AISI type 321 stainless steel welded by the gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process to hydrogen-assisted cracking (HAC) was studied in a tensile test combined with in situ cathodic charging. Specimen charging causes a decrease in ductility of both the as-received and welded specimens. The mechanical properties of welds depend on welding parameters. For example, the ultimate tensile strength and ductility increase with growing shielding gas (argon) rate. More severe decrease in the ductility was obtained after post-weld heat treatment (PWHT). In welded steels, in addition to discontinuous grain boundary carbides (M23C6) and dense distribution of metal carbides MC ((Ti, Nb)C) precipitated in the matrix, the appearance of delta-ferrite phase was observed. The fracture of sensitized specimens was predominantly intergranular, whereas the as-welded specimens exhibited mainly transgranular regions. High-dislocation density regions and stacking faults were found in delta-ferrite formed after welding. Besides, thin stacking fault plates and epsilon-martensite were found in the austenitic matrix after the cathodic charging.

Micromechanical models of delamination in aluminum-lithium alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Messner, Mark Christian

Aluminum lithium (Al-Li) alloys are lighter, stiffer, and tougher than conventional aerospace aluminum alloys. Replacing conventional aluminums with Al-Li could substantially decrease the weight and cost of aerospace structures. However, Al-Li alloys often fracture intergranularly via a mechanism called delamination cracking. While secondary delamination cracks can improve the effective toughness of a component, no current model accurately predicts the initiation and growth of intergranular cracks. Since simulations cannot incorporate delamination into a structural model, designers cannot quantify the effect of delamination cracking on a particular component. This uncertainty limits the application of Al-Li alloys. Previous experiments identify microstructural features linked to delamination. Fractography of failed surfaces indicates plastic void growth triggers intergranular failure. Furthermore, certain types of soft/stiff grain boundaries tend to localize void growth and nucleate delamination cracks. This dissertation develops a mechanism for the initiation of delamination on the microscale that accounts for these experimental observations. Microscale simulations of grain boundaries near a long primary crack explore the delamination mechanism on the mesoscale. In these simulations, a physically-based crystal plasticity (CP) model represents the constitutive response of individual grains. This CP model incorporates plastic voriticity correction terms into a standard objective stress rate integration, to accurately account for the kinematics of lattice deformation. The CP model implements slip system hardening with a modular approach to facilitate quick testing and calibration of different theories of hardening. The microscale models reveal soft/stiff grain boundaries develop elevated mean stress and plastic strain as a consequence of the mechanics of the interface. These elevated stresses and strain drive plastic void growth. The results indicate plastic void growth localizes to the grain boundaries even without the presence of material defects, such as precipitate free zones. Microscale simulations also explain the strong T-stress effect often observed in experimental fracture tests on Al-Li alloys. Finally, this dissertation develops a multiscale model of intergranular damage that incorporates the results of the microscale CP simulations. The multiscale model represents the mechanics of microscale deformation near grain boundaries with a simplified compatibility/equilibrium method. The intergranular stresses and strains from the simplified interface model drive a microscale damage index based on the physics of plastic void growth. Finally, a mesh-size independent scheme homogenizes damage on many grain boundaries into a macroscale damage index and projects the damage index to fail a plane of a macroscale structural model. The multiscale damage model, applied to 2195 Al-Li, successfully predicts delamination crack growth in a variety of standard experimental test configurations. The model correctly represents the microscale physics of delamination initiation and growth; after calibration to experimental data it can reliably predict the growth of delamination cracks in a component with any material configuration and loading. Therefore, the multiscale damage model forms the basis of a simulation method that allows designers to predict the development and net effect of delamination cracking in a structural model -- facilitating the application of lightweight Al-Li alloys in high-performance aerospace structures.

Fatigue crack growth in an aluminum alloy-fractographic study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salam, I.; Muhammad, W.; Ejaz, N.

2016-08-01

A two-fold approach was adopted to understand the fatigue crack growth process in an Aluminum alloy; fatigue crack growth test of samples and analysis of fractured surfaces. Fatigue crack growth tests were conducted on middle tension M(T) samples prepared from an Aluminum alloy cylinder. The tests were conducted under constant amplitude loading at R ratio 0.1. The stress applied was from 20,30 and 40 per cent of the yield stress of the material. The fatigue crack growth data was recorded. After fatigue testing, the samples were subjected to detailed scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis. The resulting fracture surfaces were subjected to qualitative and quantitative fractographic examinations. Quantitative fracture analysis included an estimation of crack growth rate (CGR) in different regions. The effect of the microstructural features on fatigue crack growth was examined. It was observed that in stage II (crack growth region), the failure mode changes from intergranular to transgranular as the stress level increases. In the region of intergranular failure the localized brittle failure was observed and fatigue striations are difficult to reveal. However, in the region of transgranular failure the crack path is independent of the microstructural features. In this region, localized ductile failure mode was observed and well defined fatigue striations were present in the wake of fatigue crack. The effect of interaction of growing fatigue crack with microstructural features was not substantial. The final fracture (stage III) was ductile in all the cases.

Stress-relief cracking of a new ferritic steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nawrocki, Jesse Gerald

The mechanism of stress-relief cracking in the coarse-grained heat-affected zone (CGHAZ) of low-alloy ferritic steels was studied through a tempering study, stress-relaxation testing, and detailed microstructural characterization. A new ferritic alloy steel, HCM2S, was used as the model system. Common 2.25Cr-1 Mo steel, which is susceptible to stress-relief cracking, was used for comparison to HCM2S. The CGHAZ was simulated using Gleeble techniques. A dense distribution of small tungsten-rich carbides within the prior austenite grains induced secondary hardening in the CGHAZ of HCM2S. The CGHAZ of 2.25Cr-1 Mo steel exhibited secondary hardening due to the intragranular precipitation of many Fe-rich M3C carbides. The hardness of HCM2S was more stable at longer times and high temperatures than 2.25Cr-1 Mo steel due to the intragranular precipitation of small W and V-rich carbides. The CGHAZs of HCM2S and 2.25Cr-1 Mo steel were susceptible to stress-relief cracking between 575 and 725°C. HCM2S exhibited C-curve behavior with respect to the time to failure as a function of post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) temperature. No segregation of tramp elements to prior austenite grain boundaries was detected in HCM2S. Both intergranular and intragranular carbide precipitation controlled the stress-relief cracking behavior. The amount of intergranular failure increased with test temperature due to the increasing amounts of Fe-rich M3C carbides at the prior austenite grain boundaries. These carbides acted as cavity nucleation sites. The cavities coalesced to form microcracks along prior austenite grain boundaries. Eventually, the remaining uncracked areas could not support the load and failed by ductile rupture. The balance of intergranular and intragranular carbide precipitation resulted in the C-curve behavior. The nose of the C-curve occurred at 675°C. The intragranular regions were strong because of a dense distribution of W/Fe-rich carbides, but the prior austenite grain boundaries were weak due to a large amount of intergranular M3C carbides. A mechanism for stress-relief cracking in the CGHAZ of HCM2S has been proposed. The results of this study form a basis for heat treating and welding processing variables for HCM2S and 2.25Cr-1 Mo steel to avoid stress-relief cracking. In addition, these results can be applied to other materials to avoid microstructures susceptible to stress-relief cracking.

Fatigue crack growth behavior of pressure vessel steels and submerged arc weldments in a high-temperature pressurized water environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liaw, P. K.; Logsdon, W. A.; Begley, J. A.

1989-10-01

The fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) properties of SA508 C1 2a and SA533 Gr A C1 2 pressure vessel steels and the corresponding automatic submerged are weldments were developed in a high-temperature pressurized water (HPW) environment at 288 °C (550°F) and 7.2 MPa (1044 psi) at load ratios of 0.02 and 0.50. The HPW enviromment FCGR properties of these pressure vessel steels and submerged arc weldments were generally conservative, compared with the approrpriate American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Section XI water environmental reference curve. The growth rate of fatigue cracks in the base materials, however, was considerably faster in the HPW environment than in a corresponding 288°C (550°F) base line air environment. The growth rate of fatigue cracks in the two submerged are weldments was also accelerated in the HPW environment but to a significantly lesser degree than that demonstrated by the corresponding base materials. In the air environment, fatigue striations were observed, independent of material and load ratio, while in the HPW environment, some intergranular facets were present. The greater environmental effect on crack growth rates displayed by the base materials, as compared with the weldments, was attributed to a different sulfide composition and morphology.

Microstructure-Sensitive HCF and VHCF Simulations (Preprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-08-01

microplasticity ) on driving formation of cracks, either transgranular along slip bands or intergranular due to progressive slip impingement, as shown in Figure...cycles, such as shafts, bearings, and gears, for example, should focus on extreme value statistics of potential sites for microplastic strain...is the absence of microplasticity within grains sufficient to nucleate cracks or to drive growth of micron- scale embryonic cracks within individual

Simulation of Intergranular Ductile Cracking in β Titanium Alloys Based on a Micro-Mechanical Damage Model

PubMed Central

Li, Huan; Li, Jinshan; Tang, Bin; Fan, Jiangkun; Yuan, Huang

2017-01-01

The intergranular crack propagation of the lamellar structure β titanium alloys is investigated by using a modified Gurson-type damage model. The representative microstructure of the lamellar alloy, which consists of the soft α phase layer surrounding the hard grain interiors, is generated based on an advanced Voronoi algorithm. Both the normal fracture due to void growth and the shear fracture associated with void shearing are considered for the grain boundary α layer. The individual phase properties are determined according to the experimental nanoindentation result and the macroscopic stress–strain curve from a uni-axial tensile test. The effects of the strain hardening exponent of the grain interiors and the void shearing mechanism of the grain boundary α layer on fracture toughness and the intergranular crack growth behavior are emphatically studied. The computational predictions indicate that fracture toughness can be increased with increasing the strain hardening ability of the grain interiors and void shearing can be deleterious to fracture toughness. Based on the current simulation technique, qualitative understanding of relationships between the individual phase features and the fracture toughness of the lamellar alloys can be obtained, which provides useful suggestions to the heat treatment process of the β titanium alloys. PMID:29084171

Simulation of Intergranular Ductile Cracking in β Titanium Alloys Based on a Micro-Mechanical Damage Model.

PubMed

Li, Huan; Li, Jinshan; Tang, Bin; Fan, Jiangkun; Yuan, Huang

2017-10-30

The intergranular crack propagation of the lamellar structure β titanium alloys is investigated by using a modified Gurson-type damage model. The representative microstructure of the lamellar alloy, which consists of the soft α phase layer surrounding the hard grain interiors, is generated based on an advanced Voronoi algorithm. Both the normal fracture due to void growth and the shear fracture associated with void shearing are considered for the grain boundary α layer. The individual phase properties are determined according to the experimental nanoindentation result and the macroscopic stress-strain curve from a uni-axial tensile test. The effects of the strain hardening exponent of the grain interiors and the void shearing mechanism of the grain boundary α layer on fracture toughness and the intergranular crack growth behavior are emphatically studied. The computational predictions indicate that fracture toughness can be increased with increasing the strain hardening ability of the grain interiors and void shearing can be deleterious to fracture toughness. Based on the current simulation technique, qualitative understanding of relationships between the individual phase features and the fracture toughness of the lamellar alloys can be obtained, which provides useful suggestions to the heat treatment process of the β titanium alloys.

Double-sided laser beam welded T-joints for aluminum-lithium alloy aircraft fuselage panels: Effects of filler elements on microstructure and mechanical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Bing; Tao, Wang; Chen, Yanbin; Li, Hao

2017-08-01

In the current work, T-joints consisting of 2.0 mm thick 2060-T8/2099-T83 aluminum-lithium alloys for aircraft fuselage panels have been fabricated by double-sided fiber laser beam welding with different filler wires. A new type wire CW3 (Al-6.2Cu-5.4Si) was studied and compared with conventional wire AA4047 (Al-12Si) mainly on microstructure and mechanical properties. It was found that the main combined function of Al-6.2%Cu-5.4%Si in CW3 resulted in considerable improvements especially on intergranular strength, hot cracking susceptibility and hoop tensile properties. Typical non-dendritic equiaxed zone (EQZ) was observed along welds' fusion boundary. Hot cracks and fractures during the load were always located within the EQZ, however, this typical zone could be restrained by CW3, effectively. Furthermore, changing of the main intergranular precipitated phase within the EQZ from T phase by AA4047 to T2 phase by CW3 also resulted in developments on microscopic intergranular reinforcement and macroscopic hoop tensile properties. In addition, bridging caused by richer substructure dendrites within CW3 weld's columnar zone resulted in much lower hot cracking susceptibility of the whole weld than AA4047.

Hydrogen Environment Assisted Cracking of Modern Ultra-High Strength Martensitic Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pioszak, Greger L.; Gangloff, Richard P.

2017-09-01

Martensitic steels (Aermet®100, Ferrium®M54™, Ferrium®S53®, and experimental CrNiMoWV at ultra-high yield strength of 1550 to 1725 MPa) similarly resist hydrogen environment assisted cracking (HEAC) in aqueous NaCl. Cracking is transgranular, ascribed to increased steel purity and rare earth addition compared to intergranular HEAC in highly susceptible 300M. Nano-scale precipitates ((Mo,Cr)2C and (W,V)C) reduce H diffusivity and the K-independent Stage II growth rate by 2 to 3 orders of magnitude compared to 300M. However, threshold K TH is similarly low (8 to 15 MPa√m) for each steel at highly cathodic and open circuit potentials. Transgranular HEAC likely occurs along martensite packet and {110}α'-block interfaces, speculatively governed by localized plasticity and H decohesion. Martensitic transformation produces coincident site lattice interfaces; however, a connected random boundary network persists in 3D to negate interface engineering. The modern steels are near-immune to HEAC when mildly cathodically polarized, attributed to minimal crack tip H production and uptake. Neither reduced Co and Ni in M54 and CrNiMoWV nor increased Cr in S53 broadly degrade HEAC resistance compared to baseline AM100. The latter suggests that crack passivity dominates acidification to widen the polarization window for HEAC resistance. Decohesion models predict the applied potential dependencies of K TH and d a/d t II with a single-adjustable parameter, affirming the importance of steel purity and trap sensitive H diffusivity.

Characterization of ion irradiation effects on the microstructure, hardness, deformation and crack initiation behavior of austenitic stainless steel:Heavy ions vs protons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, J.; Hure, J.; Tanguy, B.; Laffont, L.; Lafont, M.-C.; Andrieu, E.

2018-04-01

Irradiation Assisted Stress Corrosion Cracking (IASCC) is a complex phenomenon of degradation which can have a significant influence on maintenance time and cost of core internals of a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR). Hence, it is an issue of concern, especially in the context of lifetime extension of PWRs. Proton irradiation is generally used as a representative alternative of neutron irradiation to improve the current understanding of the mechanisms involved in IASCC. This study assesses the possibility of using heavy ions irradiation to evaluate IASCC mechanisms by comparing the irradiation induced modifications (in microstructure and mechanical properties) and cracking susceptibility of SA 304 L after both type of irradiations: Fe irradiation at 450 °C and proton irradiation at 350 °C. Irradiation-induced defects are characterized and quantified along with nano-hardness measurements, showing a correlation between irradiation hardening and density of Frank loops that is well captured by Orowan's formula. Both irradiations (iron and proton) increase the susceptibility of SA 304 L to intergranular cracking on subjection to Constant Extension Rate Tensile tests (CERT) in simulated nominal PWR primary water environment at 340 °C. For these conditions, cracking susceptibility is found to be quantitatively similar for both irradiations, despite significant differences in hardening and degree of localization.

Hydrogen accelerated fatigue crack growth of friction stir welded X52 steel pipe

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ronevich, Joseph Allen; Somerday, Brian P.; Feng, Zhili

Friction stir welded steel pipelines were tested in high pressure hydrogen gas to examine the effects of hydrogen accelerated fatigue crack growth. Fatigue crack growth rate (da/dN) vs. stress-intensity factor range (ΔK) relationships were measured for an X52 friction stir welded pipe tested in 21 MPa hydrogen gas at a frequency of 1 Hz and R = 0.5. Tests were performed on three regions: base metal (BM), center of friction stir weld (FSW), and 15 mm off-center of the weld. For all three material regions, tests in hydrogen exhibited accelerated fatigue crack growth rates that exceeded an order of magnitudemore » compared to companion tests in air. Among tests in hydrogen, fatigue crack growth rates were modestly higher in the FSW than the BM and 15 mm off-center tests. Select regions of the fracture surfaces associated with specified ΔK levels were examined which revealed intergranular fracture in the BM and 15 mm off-center specimens but an absence of intergranular features in the FSW specimens. In conclusion, the X52 friction stir weld and base metal tested in hydrogen exhibited fatigue crack growth rate relationships that are comparable to those for conventional arc welded steel pipeline of similar strength found in the literature.« less

Hydrogen accelerated fatigue crack growth of friction stir welded X52 steel pipe

DOE PAGES

Ronevich, Joseph Allen; Somerday, Brian P.; Feng, Zhili

2016-11-17

Friction stir welded steel pipelines were tested in high pressure hydrogen gas to examine the effects of hydrogen accelerated fatigue crack growth. Fatigue crack growth rate (da/dN) vs. stress-intensity factor range (ΔK) relationships were measured for an X52 friction stir welded pipe tested in 21 MPa hydrogen gas at a frequency of 1 Hz and R = 0.5. Tests were performed on three regions: base metal (BM), center of friction stir weld (FSW), and 15 mm off-center of the weld. For all three material regions, tests in hydrogen exhibited accelerated fatigue crack growth rates that exceeded an order of magnitudemore » compared to companion tests in air. Among tests in hydrogen, fatigue crack growth rates were modestly higher in the FSW than the BM and 15 mm off-center tests. Select regions of the fracture surfaces associated with specified ΔK levels were examined which revealed intergranular fracture in the BM and 15 mm off-center specimens but an absence of intergranular features in the FSW specimens. In conclusion, the X52 friction stir weld and base metal tested in hydrogen exhibited fatigue crack growth rate relationships that are comparable to those for conventional arc welded steel pipeline of similar strength found in the literature.« less

Comparative study: Degree of sensitization and intergranular stress corrosion cracking susceptibility of type 304 stainless steel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Muraleedharan, P.; Gnanamoorthy, J.B.; Rodriguez, P.

1996-10-01

An attempt was made to correlate the susceptibility of type 304 stainless steel sensitized by isothermal exposures from 500 C to 700 C to intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) in boiling 20% sodium chloride solution to the degree of sensitization (DOS) measured using the electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation (EPR) test. No systematic correlation was detected over the entire time-temperature regime. However, for a given sensitizing temperature, IGSCC susceptibility increased with increasing DOS up to a certain value, with no further increase thereafter. This behavior was attributed to the difference in sensitivities of the EPR and IGSCC tests to chromium depletion atmore » the grain boundaries (GB) during the sensitizing heat treatments.« less

Mitigating Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking in Age-Hardenable Al-Zn-Mg-Cu Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ajay Krishnan, M.; Raja, V. S.; Shukla, Shweta; Vaidya, S. M.

2018-04-01

This article reports an attempt to develop high-strength aluminum alloys of 7xxx series resistant to intergranular stress corrosion cracking (SCC). A novel aging technique reported in this work exhibited improved strength levels (as high as 100 MPa to that of conventional overaged temper for AA 7050) with significant resistance to SCC measured even at a low strain rate (10-7 s-1) in 3.5 wt pct NaCl. The novel aging heat treatment produced a microstructure that is finer and dense enough in the matrix to impart strength, whereas it is enriched with Cu on the grain boundaries to impart SCC resistance. A detailed explanation for the enhanced strength and SCC resistance is discussed.

Mitigating Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking in Age-Hardenable Al-Zn-Mg-Cu Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ajay Krishnan, M.; Raja, V. S.; Shukla, Shweta; Vaidya, S. M.

2018-06-01

This article reports an attempt to develop high-strength aluminum alloys of 7xxx series resistant to intergranular stress corrosion cracking (SCC). A novel aging technique reported in this work exhibited improved strength levels (as high as 100 MPa to that of conventional overaged temper for AA 7050) with significant resistance to SCC measured even at a low strain rate (10-7 s-1) in 3.5 wt pct NaCl. The novel aging heat treatment produced a microstructure that is finer and dense enough in the matrix to impart strength, whereas it is enriched with Cu on the grain boundaries to impart SCC resistance. A detailed explanation for the enhanced strength and SCC resistance is discussed.

Fatigue crack growth behavior of pressure vessel steels and submerged arc weldments in a high-temperature pressurized water environment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liaw, P.K.; Logsdon, W.A.; Begley, J.A.

1989-10-01

The fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) properties of SA508 Cl 2a and SA533 Gr A Cl 2 pressure vessel steels and the corresponding automatic submerged arc weldments were developed in a high-temperature pressurized water (HPW) environment at 288{degrees} C (550{degrees} F) and 7.2 MPa (1044 psi) at load ratios of 0.20 and 0.50. The properties were generally conservative compared to American Society of Mechanical Engineers Section XI water environment reference curve. The growth rate of fatigue cracks in the base materials, however, was faster in the HPW environment than in a 288{degrees} C (550{degrees} F) base line air environment. Themore » growth rate of fatigue cracks in the two submerged arc weldments was also accelerated in the HPW environment but to a lesser degree than that demonstrated by the base materials. In the air environment, fatigue striations were observed, independent of material and load ratio, while in the HPW environment, some intergranular facets were present. The greater environmental effect on crack growth rates displayed by the base materials compared the weldments attributed to a different sulfide composition and morphology.« less

Test methods for environment-assisted cracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turnbull, A.

1992-03-01

The test methods for assessing environment assisted cracking of metals in aqueous solution are described. The advantages and disadvantages are examined and the interrelationship between results from different test methods is discussed. The source of differences in susceptibility to cracking occasionally observed from the varied mechanical test methods arises often from the variation between environmental parameters in the different test conditions and the lack of adequate specification, monitoring, and control of environmental variables. Time is also a significant factor when comparing results from short term tests with long exposure tests. In addition to these factors, the intrinsic difference in the important mechanical variables, such as strain rate, associated with the various mechanical tests methods can change the apparent sensitivity of the material to stress corrosion cracking. The increasing economic pressure for more accelerated testing is in conflict with the characteristic time dependence of corrosion processes. Unreliable results may be inevitable in some cases but improved understanding of mechanisms and the development of mechanistically based models of environment assisted cracking which incorporate the key mechanical, material, and environmental variables can provide the framework for a more realistic interpretation of short term data.

Grain boundary oxidation and fatigue crack growth at elevated temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, H. W.; Oshida, Y.

1986-01-01

Fatigue crack growth rate at elevated temperatures can be accelerated by grain boundary oxidation. Grain boundary oxidation kinetics and the statistical distribution of grain boundary oxide penetration depth were studied. At a constant delta K-level and at a constant test temperature, fatigue crack growth rate, da/dN, is a function of cyclic frequency, nu. A fatigue crack growth model of intermittent micro-ruptures of grain boundary oxide is constructed. The model is consistent with the experimental observations that, in the low frequency region, da/dN is inversely proportional to nu, and fatigue crack growth is intergranular.

Extended Hall-Petch Relationships for Yield, Cleavage and Intergranular Fracture Strengths of bcc Steel and Its Deformation and Fracture Behaviors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heo, N. H.; Heo, Y.-U.; Kwon, S. K.; Kim, N. J.; Kim, S.-J.; Lee, H.-C.

2018-03-01

Extended Hall-Petch relationships for yield ( σy ), cleavage ( σ_{cl} ) and intergranular fracture ( σ_{ig} ) strengths of pure iron have been established through the direct calculation of the proportional constant (k) and the estimation of the friction stress (σ0 ) . The magnitude orders of k and σ0 are generally ky < k_{cl} < k_{ig} and σ_{y0} < σ_{cl0} < σ_{ig0} , respectively. Based on the Hall-Petch relationships, micro-yielding in a bcc steel occurs at the instance that the pile-up dislocations within a specific grain showing the Schmid factor of 0.5 propagate into the neighboring grain. The initial brittle crack is formed at the instance that the flow strength exceeds the brittle fracture strength. Once the brittle crack is formed, it grows catastrophically. Due to the smallest and ky and σ_{y0} , the cleavage and the intergranular fracture occur always after micro-yielding. The {100} cleavage fracture of the steel is due to the lowest theoretical {100} cleavage strength. Due to the thermal components included in cleavage and intergranular fracture strengths, they show also the temperature and strain rate dependence observed in yield strength. The increase in susceptibility to brittle fracture with decreasing temperature and increasing strain rate is due to the increase in dislocation density which causes the high work hardening rate.

High-Temperature Intergranular Crack Growth in Martensitic 2-1/4 Cr1Mo Steel,

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-01-01

segregation of sulphur to crack-tip regions. Crack advance appears to occur by discrete jumps when a critical concentration of sulphur is achieved over the...jump-distance. At high stress intensities, reater than 48-55 HPam ,-the mo.e of fracture changes to interranular microvoid coalescence (IGMVC), and is...stze of crack opening displacement (5) at 500C. using 6 K(! - v2 )/20 E, where v - 0.3, 0 - 840 MPs and E = 160 GPa --6) ’ 27 7 Equilibriua concentration

Environmentally assisted cracking in light water reactors. Semiannual report, July 1998-December 1998.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chopra, O. K.; Chung, H. M.; Gruber, E. E.

This report summarizes work performed by Argonne National Laboratory on fatigue and environmentally assisted cracking (EAC) in light water reactors from July 1998 to December 1998. Topics that have been investigated include (a) environmental effects on fatigue S-N behavior of primary pressure boundary materials, (b) irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking of austenitic stainless steels (SSs), and (c) EAC of Alloys 600 and 690. Fatigue tests have been conducted to determine the crack initiation and crack growth characteristics of austenitic SSs in LWR environments. Procedures are presented for incorporating the effects of reactor coolant environments on the fatigue life of pressure vesselmore » and piping steels. Slow-strain-rate tensile tests and posttest fractographic analyses were conducted on several model SS alloys irradiated to {approx}0.3 and 0.9 x 10{sup 21} n {center_dot} cm{sup -2} (E > 1 MeV) in helium at 289 C in the Halden reactor. The results have been used to determine the influence of alloying and impurity elements on the susceptibility of these steels to irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking. Fracture toughness J-R curve tests were also conducted on two heats of Type 304 SS that were irradiated to {approx}0.3 x 10{sup 21} n {center_dot} cm{sup -2} in the Halden reactor. Crack-growth-rate tests have been conducted on compact-tension specimens of Alloys 600 and 690 under constant load to evaluate the resistance of these alloys to stress corrosion cracking in LWR environments.« less

Time-dependent corrosion fatique crack propagation in 7000 series aluminum alloys. M.S. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mason, Mark E.

1995-01-01

The goal of this research is to characterize environmentally assisted subcritical crack growth for the susceptible short-longitudinal orientation of aluminum alloy 7075-T651, immersed in acidified and inhibited NaCl solution. This work is necessary in order to provide a basis for incorporating environmental effects into fatigue crack propagation life prediction codes such as NASA-FLAGRO (NASGRO). This effort concentrates on determining relevant inputs to a superposition model in order to more accurately model environmental fatigue crack propagation.

The Role of Stress in the Corrosion Cracking of Aluminum Alloys

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

Corrosion IGSCC Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking NAMLT Nitric Acid Mass Loss Test SCC Stress Corrosion Cracking TGSCC Transgranular Stress...solution at a nitric acid mass loss test (NAMLT) value of 49 mg/cm 2 with an applied voltage of 0.73 VSCE. They also showed that the amount of corrosion ...for determining the susceptibility to intergranualr corrosion of 5XXX series aluminum alloys by mass loss after exposure to nitric acid ," vol.

Time-dependent crack growth behavior of alloy 617 and alloy 230 at elevated temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, Shawoon Kumar

2011-12-01

Two Ni-base solid-solution-strengthened superalloys: INCONEL 617 and HAYNES 230 were studied to check sustained loading crack growth (SLCG) behavior at elevated temperatures appropriate for Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) applictaions with constant stress intensity factor (Kmax= 27.75 MPa✓m) in air. The results indicate a time-dependent rate controlling process which can be characterized by a linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) parameter -- stress intensity factor (K). At elevated temperatures, the crack growth mechanism was best described using a damage zone concept. Based on results and study, SAGBOE (stress accelerated grain boundary oxidation embrittlement) is considered the primary reason for time-dependent SLCG. A thermodynamic equation was considered to correlate all the SLCG results to determine the thermal activation energy in the process. A phenomenological model based on a time-dependent factor was developed considering the previous researcher's time-dependent fatigue crack propagation (FCP) results and current SLCG results to relate cycle-dependent and time-dependent FCP for both alloys. Further study includes hold time (3+300s) fatigue testing and no hold (1s) fatigue testing with various load ratios (R) at 700°C with a Kmax of 27.75 MPa✓m. Study results suggest an interesting point: crack growth behavior is significantly affected with the change in R value in cycle-dependent process whereas in time-dependent process, change in R does not have any significant effect. Fractography study showed intergranular cracking mode for all time-dependent processes and transgranular cracking mode for cycle-dependent processes. In Alloy 230, SEM images display intergranular cracking with carbide particles, dense oxides and dimple mixed secondary cracks for time-dependent 3+300s FCP and SLCG test. In all cases, Alloy 230 shows better crack growth resistance compared to Alloy 617.

Stress Corrosion Cracking Behavior of Hardening-Treated 13Cr Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niu, Li-Bin; Ishitake, Hisamitsu; Izumi, Sakae; Shiokawa, Kunio; Yamashita, Mitsuo; Sakai, Yoshihiro

2018-03-01

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of the hardening-treated materials of 13Cr stainless steel was examined with SSRT tests and constant load tests. In the simulated geothermal water and even in the test water without addition of impurities, the hardening-treated materials showed a brittle intergranular fracture due to the sensitization, which was caused by the present hardening-treatments.

Phenomenological aspects of fatigue cracking in as-received and hardened F82H modified steel exposed to lithiated water with dissolved hydrogen at 240°C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maday, Marie-Françoise

2000-12-01

The low cycle fatigue (LCF) behaviour of F82H modified steel with three different degrees of hardness produced by specific thermal treatments has been investigated at 240°C under load control, in oxygen-free lithiated solutions containing either no or 2 ppm dissolved hydrogen. In all cases, it was found that the aqueous environments reduced the fatigue life of the material and promoted fracture modes different from those observed in air tests; the fracture modes comprised intergranular and transgranular quasi-cleavage separations as well as microvoid coalescence, which depended on material conditions and water chemistry. All these features were ascribed to a hydrogen-assisted-cracking (HAC) phenomenon, as the basic mechanism for controlling the fatigue behaviour of various F82H heats in lithiated solutions. The observed differences in HAC paths are discussed from the standpoint of material microstructural and substructural parameters.

High-Temperature Intergranular Crack Growth in Martensitic 2-1/4 Cr-1Mo Steel,

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-01-01

segregation of sulphur to crack-tip regions. Crack advance appears to occur by discrete jumps wtfen a critical concentration of sulphur is achieved over the...7 Equilibrium concentration (Co) of sulphur in iron containing 0.53 Mn (vt.%) 27 -- 3 - K CONEX1TS (cont’d) ILLUSTRATIONS I Notched beand tesetpiece...the range of quenched conditions 17 Calculated average concentration of sulphur (atomic 2) required to promote grain boundary fracture for a range of

Oxide inclusions in laser additive manufactured stainless steel and their effects on impact toughness and stress corrosion cracking behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lou, Xiaoyuan; Andresen, Peter L.; Rebak, Raul B.

2018-02-01

Intergranular and intragranular Si and Mn rich oxide inclusions are present in laser additive manufactured austenitic stainless steel. The uniform oxide dispersions in additive manufactured material promoted early initiation of microvoids and reduced its impact toughness relative to powder metallurgy (hot isostatic pressing) and wrought materials. For stress corrosion cracking in high temperature water, the silica inclusions along the grain boundaries preferentially dissolved and appeared to accelerate oxidation and caused extensive crack branching.

A demonstration of mitigation of environmentally-assisted cracking by the application of a tensile overload

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

James, L.A.

1997-02-01

Environmentally-assisted cracking (EAC) of low-alloy steels in high-temperature aqueous environments typical of those employed in light-water reactor (LWR) systems has been a subject of considerable interest since the pioneering work of Kondo et al demonstrated significantly higher fatigue crack propagation (FCP) rates in water than would be expected in an air environment under similar conditions. Here, environmentally-assisted cracking (EAC) of low-alloy steels in elevated temperature aqueous environments is readily observed in many laboratory experiments conducted in autoclaves, yet the observation of EAC in actual components operating in the same environments is quite rare. Mass transport of sulfides from the crackmore » enclave by diffusion and convection occurring in operating components provides one plausible explanation to this apparent paradox. Another contribution to EAC mitigation may also arise from the non-constant stress amplitudes typical for many operating components. This paper provides a demonstration of how a single tensile overload to 40% above a steady-state maximum fatigue stress can retard subsequent crack growth at the steady-state level for a sufficient period of time that diffusion mass transport can reduce the crack-tip sulfide concentration to a level below that necessary to sustain EAC.« less

Slow crack growth in sintered silicon nitride

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khandelwal, P. K.; Chang, J.; Heitman, P. W.

1986-01-01

The strength and crack growth characteristics of a sintered silicon nitride were studied at 1000 C. Fractographic analysis of material failing in dynamic fatigue revealed the presence of slow crack growth (SCG) at stressing rates below 6 ksi/min. This material can sustain a 40-ksi flexural stress at 1000 C for 400 h or more but is susceptible to both SCG and creep deformation at higher stress levels. The crack velocity exponent (N) determined both from dynamic and static fatigue experiments lies in a range from 13 to 22. The subcritical crack growth and creep behavior at 1000 C is primarily controlled by the deformation of an intergranular glassy phase.

Aqueous sodium chloride induced intergranular corrosion of Al-Li-Cu alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pizzo, P. P.; Daeschner, D. L.

1986-01-01

Two methods have been explored to assess the susceptibility of Al-Li-Cu alloys to intergranular corrosion in aqueous sodium chloride solution. They are: (1) constant extension rate testing with and without alternate-immersion preexposure and (2) metallographic examination after exposure to a NaCl-H2O2 corrosive solution per Mil-H-6088F. Intergranular corrosion was found to occur in both powder and ingot metallurgy alloys of similar composition, using both methods. Underaging rendered the alloys most susceptible. The results correlate to stress-corrosion data generated in conventional time-to-failure and crack growth-rate tests. Alternate-immersion preexposure may be a reliable means to assess stress corrosion susceptibility of Al-Li-Cu alloys.

Multiscale Modeling of Intergranular Fracture in Aluminum: Constitutive Relation For Interface Debonding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yamakov, V.; Saether, E.; Glaessgen, E. H.

2008-01-01

Intergranular fracture is a dominant mode of failure in ultrafine grained materials. In the present study, the atomistic mechanisms of grain-boundary debonding during intergranular fracture in aluminum are modeled using a coupled molecular dynamics finite element simulation. Using a statistical mechanics approach, a cohesive-zone law in the form of a traction-displacement constitutive relationship, characterizing the load transfer across the plane of a growing edge crack, is extracted from atomistic simulations and then recast in a form suitable for inclusion within a continuum finite element model. The cohesive-zone law derived by the presented technique is free of finite size effects and is statistically representative for describing the interfacial debonding of a grain boundary (GB) interface examined at atomic length scales. By incorporating the cohesive-zone law in cohesive-zone finite elements, the debonding of a GB interface can be simulated in a coupled continuum-atomistic model, in which a crack starts in the continuum environment, smoothly penetrates the continuum-atomistic interface, and continues its propagation in the atomistic environment. This study is a step towards relating atomistically derived decohesion laws to macroscopic predictions of fracture and constructing multiscale models for nanocrystalline and ultrafine grained materials.

On post-weld heat treatment cracking in tig welded superalloy ATI 718Plus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asala, G.; Ojo, O. A.

The susceptibility of heat affected zone (HAZ) to cracking in Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welded Allvac 718Plus superalloy during post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) was studied. Contrary to the previously reported case of low heat input electron beam welded Allvac 718Plus, where HAZ cracking occurred during PWHT, the TIG welded alloy is crack-free after PWHT, notwithstanding the presence of similar micro-constituents that caused cracking in the low input weld. Accordingly, the formation of brittle HAZ intergranular micro-constituents may not be a sufficient factor to determine cracking propensity, the extent of heat input during welding may be another major factor that influences HAZ cracking during PWHT of the aerospace superalloy Allvac 718Plus.

Failure Mechanisms of Thermomechanically Loaded SnAgCu/Plastic Core Solder Ball Composite Joints in Low-Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic/Printed Wiring Board Assemblies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nousiainen, O.; Putaala, J.; Kangasvieri, T.; Rautioaho, R.; Vähäkangas, J.

2007-03-01

The thermal fatigue endurance of completely lead-free 95.5Sn4Ag0.7Cu/plastic core solder ball (PCSB) composite joint structures in low-temperature Co-fired ceramic/printed wiring board (LTCC/PWB) assemblies was investigated using thermal cycling tests over the temperature ranges of -40°C 125°C and 0°C 100°C. Two separate creep/fatigue failures initiated and propagated in the joints during the tests: (1) a crack along the intermetallic compound (IMC)/solder interface on the LTCC side of the joint, which formed at the high-temperature extremes; and (2) a crack in the solder near the LTCC solder land, which formed at the low-temperature extremes. Moreover, localized recrystallization was detected at the outer edge of the joints that were tested in the harsh (-40°C 125°C) test conditions. The failure mechanism was creep/fatigue-induced mixed intergranular and transgranular cracking in the recrystallized zone, but it was dominated by transgranular thermal fatigue failure beyond the recrystallized zone. The change in the failure mechanism increased the rate of crack growth. When the lower temperature extreme was raised from -40°C to 0°C, no recrystallized zone was detected and the failure was due to intergranular cracks.

Fracture mechanics and surface chemistry investigations of environment-assisted crack growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wei, R. P.; Klier, K.; Simmons, G. W.; Chou, Y. T.

1984-01-01

It is pointed out that environment-assisted subcritical crack growth in high-strength steels and other high-strength alloys (particularly in hydrogen and in hydrogenous environments) is an important technological problem of long standing. This problem is directly related to issues of structural integrity, durability, and reliability. The terms 'hydrogen embrittlement' and 'stress corrosion cracking' have been employed to describe the considered phenomenon. This paper provides a summary of contributions made during the past ten years toward the understanding of environmentally assisted crack growth. The processes involved in crack growth are examined, and details regarding crack growth and chemical reactions are discussed, taking into account crack growth in steels exposed to water/water vapor, the effect of hydrogen, reactions involving hydrogen sulfide, and aspects of fracture surface morphology and composition. Attention is also given to the modeling of crack growth response, crack growth in gas mixtures, and the interaction of solute atoms with the crack-tip stress field.

Metallurgical investigation into ductility dip cracking in nickel based alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noecker, Fredrick F., II

A690 is a Ni-Cr-Fe alloy with excellent resistance to general corrosion, localized corrosion and stress corrosion cracking. However, the companion filler metal for A690, EN52, has been shown by several researchers to be susceptible to ductility dip cracking (DDC), which limits its widespread use in joining applications. The Gleeble hot ductility test was used to evaluate the DDC susceptibility of A600 and A690, along with their filler metals, EN82H and EN52, throughout the heating and cooling portions of a simulated weld reheat thermal cycle. Both macroscopic mechanical measures and microscopic measures of DDC were quantified and compared. Water quenching was conducted at select temperatures for subsequent microstructural characterization. Microstructural and microchemical characterization was carried out using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and analytical electron microscopy (AEM) techniques. The greatest resistance to DDC was observed in A600 and A690 during heating, where no DDC cracks formed even when the samples were fractured. Both A690 and EN52 were found to form an intermediate on-cooling dip in ductility and UTS, which corresponded to an increase in ductility dip crack length. The hot ductility and cracking resistance of EN82H remained high throughout the entire thermal cycle. DDC susceptibility in both EN52 and EN82H decreased when the thermal cycle was modified to promote coarsening/precipitation of intergranular carbides prior to straining. AEM analysis did not reveal any sulfur or phosphorous intergranular segregation in EN52 at 1600°F on-heating, on-cooling or after a 60 second hold. The ductility dip cracks were preferentially oriented at a 45° to the tensile axis and were of a wedge type appearance, both of which are characteristic of grain boundary sliding (GBS). Samples with microstructures that consisted of coarsened carbides and/or serrated grain boundaries, which are expected to decrease GBS, were found to be resistant to DDC. Based on the results of this work grain boundary sliding contributes to DDC, while sulfur and phosphorous embrittlement do not play a role in DDC of EN52 at the concentrations investigated. The dynamic precipitation of partially coherent intergranular M23C6 carbides at intermediate temperatures may exacerbate DDC in A690 and EN52, but requires further investigation.

Mechanisms of Forming Intergranular Microcracks and Microscopic Surface Discontinuities in Welds

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-06-01

SCC) is defined as slow stable crack extension occurring under static loading in sea water at stress intensity values below KIc (critical stress...preheating on the cold cracking resistance is reflected mainly in a reduction of the degree of localization of microplastic strains, their...deconcentration and an increase of the basis over which microplastic yielding takes place. This increases the amount of energy used for local plastic deformation

Intergranular diffusion and embrittlement of a Ni-16Mo-7Cr alloy in Te vapor environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Hongwei; Li, Zhijun; Leng, Bin; Zhang, Wenzhu; Han, Fenfen; Jia, Yanyan; Zhou, Xingtai

2015-12-01

Nickel and some nickel-base alloys are extremely sensitive to intergranular embrittlement and tellurium (Te) enhanced cracking, which should be concerned during their serving in molten salt reactors. Here, a systematic study about the effects of its temperature on the reaction products at its surface, the intergranular diffusion of Te in its body and its embrittlement for a Ni-16Mo-7Cr alloy contacting Te is reported. For exposed to Te vapor at high temperature (823-1073 K), the reaction products formed on the surface of the alloy were Ni3Te2, CrTe, and MoTe2, and the most serious embrittlement was observed at 1073 K. The kinetic measurement in terms of Te penetration depth in the alloy samples gives an activation energy of 204 kJ/mol. Electron probe microanalysis confirmed the local enrichment of Te at grain boundaries. And clearly, the embrittlement was results from the intergranular diffusion and segregation of element Te.

Modeling of grain boundary stresses in Alloy 600

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kozaczek, K.J.; Sinharoy, A.; Ruud, C.O.

1995-04-01

Corrosive environments combined with high stress levels and susceptible microstructures can cause intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) of Alloy 600 components on both primary and secondary sides of pressurized water reactors. One factor affecting the IGSCC is intergranular carbide precipitation controlled by heat treatment of Alloy 600. This study is concerned with analysis of elastic stress fields in vicinity of M{sub 7}C{sub 3} and M{sub 23}C{sub 6} carbides precipitated in the matrix and at a grain boundary triple point. The local stress concentration which can lead to IGSCC initiation was studied using a two-dimensional finite element model. The intergranular precipitatesmore » are more effective stress raisers than the intragranular precipitates. The combination of the elastic property mismatch and the precipitate shape can result in a local stress field substantially different than the macroscopic stress. The maximum local stresses in the vicinity of the intergranular precipitate were almost twice as high as the applied stress.« less

Characterizing the effect of creep on stress corrosion cracking of cold worked Alloy 690 in supercritical water environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lefu; Chen, Kai; Du, Donghai; Gao, Wenhua; Andresen, Peter L.; Guo, Xianglong

2017-08-01

The effect of creep on stress corrosion cracking (SCC) was studied by measuring crack growth rates (CGRs) of 30% cold worked (CW) Alloy 690 in supercritical water (SCW) and inert gas environments at temperatures ranging from 450 °C to 550 °C. The SCC crack growth rate under SCW environments can be regarded as the cracking induced by the combined effect of corrosion and creep, while the CGR in inert gas environment can be taken as the portion of creep induced cracking. Results showed that the CW Alloy 690 sustained high susceptibility to intergranular (IG) cracking, and creep played a dominant role in the SCC crack growth behavior, contributing more than 80% of the total crack growth rate at each testing temperature. The temperature dependence of creep induced CGRs follows an Arrhenius dependency, with an apparent activation energy (QE) of about 225 kJ/mol.

Fatigue and Creep Crack Propagation behaviour of Alloy 617 in the Annealed and Aged Conditions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Julian K. Benz; Richard N. Wright

2013-10-01

The crack propagation behaviour of Alloy 617 was studied under various conditions. Elevated temperature fatigue and creep-fatigue crack growth experiments were conducted at 650 and 800 degrees C under constant stress intensity (triangle K) conditions and triangular or trapezoidal waveforms at various frequencies on as-received, aged, and carburized material. Environmental conditions included both laboratory air and characteristic VHTR impure helium. As-received Alloy 617 displayed an increase in the crack growth rate (da/dN) as the frequency was decreased in air which indicated a time-dependent contribution component in fatigue crack propagation. Material aged at 650°C did not display any influence on themore » fatigue crack growth rates nor the increasing trend of crack growth rate with decreasing frequency even though significant microstructural evolution, including y’ (Ni3Al) after short times, occurred during aging. In contrast, carburized Alloy 617 showed an increase in crack growth rates at all frequencies tested compared to the material in the standard annealed condition. Crack growth studies under quasi-constant K (i.e. creep) conditions were also completed at 650 degrees C and a stress intensity of K = 40 MPa9 (square root)m. The results indicate that crack growth is primarily intergranular and increased creep crack growth rates exist in the impure helium environment when compared to the results in laboratory air. Furthermore, the propagation rates (da/dt) continually increased for the duration of the creep crack growth either due to material aging or evolution of a crack tip creep zone. Finally, fatigue crack propagation tests at 800 degrees C on annealed Alloy 617 indicated that crack propagation rates were higher in air than impure helium at the largest frequencies and lowest stress intensities. The rates in helium, however, eventually surpass the rates in air as the frequency is reduced and the stress intensity is decreased which was not observed at 650 degrees C.« less

In-vitro characterization of stress corrosion cracking of aluminium-free magnesium alloys for temporary bio-implant applications.

PubMed

Choudhary, Lokesh; Singh Raman, R K; Hofstetter, Joelle; Uggowitzer, Peter J

2014-09-01

The complex interaction between physiological stresses and corrosive human body fluid may cause premature failure of metallic biomaterials due to the phenomenon of stress corrosion cracking. In this study, the susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking of biodegradable and aluminium-free magnesium alloys ZX50, WZ21 and WE43 was investigated by slow strain rate tensile testing in a simulated human body fluid. Slow strain rate tensile testing results indicated that each alloy was susceptible to stress corrosion cracking, and this was confirmed by fractographic features of transgranular and/or intergranular cracking. However, the variation in alloy susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking is explained on the basis of their electrochemical and microstructural characteristics. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Corrosion characteristics of nickel alloys. Citations from the International Aerospace Abstracts data base

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zollars, G. F.

1979-01-01

This bibliography cites 118 articles from the international literature concerning corrosion characteristics of nickel alloys. Articles dealing with corrosion resistance, corrosion tests, intergranular corrosion, oxidation resistance, and stress corrosion cracking of nickel alloys are included.

Stress corrosion crack initiation of alloy 600 in PWR primary water

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhai, Ziqing; Toloczko, Mychailo B.; Olszta, Matthew J.

Stress corrosion crack (SCC) initiation of three mill-annealed (MA) alloy 600 heats in simulated pressurized water reactor primary water has been investigated using constant load tests equipped with in-situ direct current potential drop (DCPD) measurement capabilities. SCC initiation times were greatly reduced by a small amount of cold work. Shallow intergranular (IG) attack and/or cracks were found on most high-energy grain boundaries intersecting the surface with only a small fraction evolving into larger cracks and IGSCC growth. Crack depth profiles were measured and related to DCPD-detected initiation response. Processes controlling the SCC initiation in MA alloy 600 are discussed. INmore » PRESS, CORRECTED PROOF, 05/02/2017 - mfl« less

Influence of localized deformation on A-286 austenitic stainless steel stress corrosion cracking in PWR primary water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fournier, L.; Savoie, M.; Delafosse, D.

2007-06-01

The low cycle fatigue (LCF) behaviour of precipitation-strengthened A-286 austenitic stainless steel was first investigated at room temperature under 0.2% plastic strain control. LCF led to hardening for the first 20 cycles and then to significant softening. LCF-induced dislocation microstructure was characterized using both bright and dark-field imaging techniques in transmission electron microscopy. Cycling softening was correlated with the formation of precipitate-free localized deformation bands. The effect of these precipitate-free localized deformation bands on A-286 stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behaviour in PWR primary water was then examined by means of constant extension rate tensile (CERT) tests at 320 °C and 360 °C. Comparative CERT tests were performed on companion specimens with similar yield stress but pre-fatigued to a few cycles (4-8) or between 125 and 200 cycles. Specimens pre-fatigued to a few cycles with no precipitate-free localized deformation bands exhibited little susceptibility to intergranular SCC (IGSCC). In contrast, the presence of precipitate-free localized deformation bands formed by pre-fatigue to between 125 and 200 cycles strongly promoted IGSCC. The interest of the approach used in this study is to provide insight into the role of localized deformation in irradiation assisted stress corrosion cracking.

Tailoring the Microstructure of Sol–Gel Derived Hydroxyapatite/Zirconia Nanocrystalline Composites

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

In this study, we tailor the microstructure of hydroxyapatite/zirconia nanocrystalline composites by optimizing processing parameters, namely, introducing an atmosphere of water vapor during sintering in order to control the thermal stability of hydroxyapatite, and a modified sol–gel process that yields to an excellent intergranular distribution of zirconia phase dispersed intergranularly within the hydroxyapatite matrix. In terms of mechanical behavior, SEM images of fissure deflection and the presence of monoclinic ZrO2 content on cracked surface indicate that both toughening mechanisms, stress-induced tetragonal to monoclinic phase transformation and deflection, are active for toughness enhancement. PMID:24764458

TRAC-BF1 thermal-hydraulic, ANSYS stress analysis for core shroud cracking phenomena

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shoop, U.; Feltus, M.A.; Baratta, A.J.

1996-12-31

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission sent Generic Letter 94-03 informing all licensees about the intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) of core shrouds found in both Dresden unit I and Quad Cities unit 1. The letter directed all licensees to perform safety analysis of their boiling water reactor (BWR) units. Two transients of special concern for the core shroud safety analysis include the main steam line break (MSLB) and recirculation line break transient.

Oxygen Release Induced Chemomechanical Breakdown of Layered Cathode Materials

DOE PAGES

Mu, Linqin; Lin, Ruoqian; Xu, Rong; ...

2018-04-18

Chemical and mechanical properties interplay on the nanometric scale and collectively govern the functionalities of battery materials. Understanding the relationship between the two can inform the design of battery materials with optimal chemomechanical properties for long-life lithium batteries. Herein, we report a mechanism of nanoscale mechanical breakdown in layered oxide cathode materials, originating from oxygen release at high states of charge under thermal abuse conditions. Here, we observe that the mechanical breakdown of charged Li 1-xNi 0.4Mn 0.4Co 0.2O 2 materials proceeds via a two-step pathway involving intergranular and intragranular crack formation. Owing to the oxygen release, sporadic phase transformationsmore » from the layered structure to the spinel and/or rocksalt structures introduce local stress, which initiates microcracks along grain boundaries and ultimately leads to the detachment of primary particles; i.e., intergranular crack formation. Furthermore, intragranular cracks (pores and exfoliations) form, likely due to the accumulation of oxygen vacancies and continuous phase transformations at the surfaces of primary particles. Finally, finite element modeling confirms our experimental observation that the crack formation is attributable to formation of oxygen vacancies, oxygen release, and phase transformations. This study is designed to directly observe the chemomechanical behavior of layered oxide cathode materials and provides a chemical basis for strengthening primary and secondary particles by stabilizing the oxygen anions in the lattice.« less

Oxygen Release Induced Chemomechanical Breakdown of Layered Cathode Materials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mu, Linqin; Lin, Ruoqian; Xu, Rong

Chemical and mechanical properties interplay on the nanometric scale and collectively govern the functionalities of battery materials. Understanding the relationship between the two can inform the design of battery materials with optimal chemomechanical properties for long-life lithium batteries. Herein, we report a mechanism of nanoscale mechanical breakdown in layered oxide cathode materials, originating from oxygen release at high states of charge under thermal abuse conditions. Here, we observe that the mechanical breakdown of charged Li 1-xNi 0.4Mn 0.4Co 0.2O 2 materials proceeds via a two-step pathway involving intergranular and intragranular crack formation. Owing to the oxygen release, sporadic phase transformationsmore » from the layered structure to the spinel and/or rocksalt structures introduce local stress, which initiates microcracks along grain boundaries and ultimately leads to the detachment of primary particles; i.e., intergranular crack formation. Furthermore, intragranular cracks (pores and exfoliations) form, likely due to the accumulation of oxygen vacancies and continuous phase transformations at the surfaces of primary particles. Finally, finite element modeling confirms our experimental observation that the crack formation is attributable to formation of oxygen vacancies, oxygen release, and phase transformations. This study is designed to directly observe the chemomechanical behavior of layered oxide cathode materials and provides a chemical basis for strengthening primary and secondary particles by stabilizing the oxygen anions in the lattice.« less

Annual report, FY 1979 Spent fuel and fuel pool component integrity.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Johnson, A.B. Jr.; Bailey, W.J.; Schreiber, R.E.

International meetings under the BEFAST program and under INFCE Working Group No. 6 during 1978 and 1979 continue to indicate that no cases of fuel cladding degradation have developed on pool-stored fuel from water reactors. A section from a spent fuel rack stand, exposed for 1.5 y in the Yankee Rowe (PWR) pool had 0.001- to 0.003-in.-deep (25- to 75-..mu..m) intergranular corrosion in weld heat-affected zones but no evidence of stress corrosion cracking. A section of a 304 stainless steel spent fuel storage rack exposed 6.67 y in the Point Beach reactor (PWR) spent fuel pool showed no significant corrosion.more » A section of 304 stainless steel 8-in.-dia pipe from the Three Mile Island No. 1 (PWR) spent fuel pool heat exchanger plumbing developed a through-wall crack. The crack was intergranular, initiating from the inside surface in a weld heat-affected zone. The zone where the crack occurred was severely sensitized during field welding. The Kraftwerk Union (Erlangen, GFR) disassembled a stainless-steel fuel-handling machine that operated for 12 y in a PWR (boric acid) spent fuel pool. There was no evidence of deterioration, and the fuel-handling machine was reassembled for further use. A spent fuel pool at a Swedish PWR was decontaminated. The procedure is outlined in this report.« less

The effect of grain boundary chemistry on Intergranular stress corrosion cracking of Ni-Cr-Fe alloys in 50 Pct NaOH at 140 °C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sung, J. K.; Koch, J.; Angeliu, T.; Was, G. S.

1992-10-01

The role of chromium, carbon, chromium carbides, and phosphorus on the intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) resistance of Ni-Cr-Fe alloys in 50 pct NaOH at 140 °C is studied using controlled-purity alloys. The effect of carbon is studied using heats in which the carbon level is varied between 0.002 and 0.063 wt pct while the Cr level is fixed at 16.8 wt pct. The effect of Cr is studied using alloys with Cr concentrations between 5 and 30 wt pct. The effect of grain boundary Cr and C together is studied by heat-treating the nominal alloy composition of Ni-16Cr-9Fe-0.035C, and the effect of P is studied using a high-purity, P-doped alloy and a carbon-containing, P-doped alloy. Constant extension rate tensile (CERT) results show that the crack depth increases with decreasing alloy Cr content and increasing alloy C content. Crack- ing severity also correlates inversely with thermal treatment time at 700 °C, during which the grain boundary Cr content rises and the grain boundary C content falls. Phosphorus is found to have a slightly beneficial effect on IG cracking susceptibility. Potentiodynamic polarization and potentiostatic current decay experiments confirm that Cr depletion or grain boundary C enhances the dissolution at the grain boundary. Results support a film rupture-anodic dissolution model in which Cr depletion or grain boundary C (independently or additively) enhances dissolution of nickel from the grain boundary region and leads to increased IG cracking.

Effect of anisotropy and texture on the low cycle fatigue behavior of Inconel 718 processed via electron beam melting

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kirka, Michael M.; Greeley, Duncan A.; Hawkins, Charles S.

Here in this study, the impact of texture (columnar/equiax grain structure) and influence of material orientation on the low cycle fatigue (LCF) behavior of hot isostatic pressed (HIP) and heat-treated Inconel 718 fabricated through electron beam melting (EBM) is investigated. Material was tested both parallel and perpendicular (transverse) to the build direction. In all instances, the EBM HIP and heat-treated Inconel 718 performed similarly or exceeded the LCF life of wrought Inconel 718 plate and bar stock under fully reversed strain-controlled loading at 650 °C. Amongst the textures, the columnar grains oriented parallel to the build direction exhibited the highestmore » life on average compared to the transverse columnar and equiax EBM material. Further, in relation to the reference wrought material the parallel columnar grain material exhibited a greater life. While a negligible life difference was observed in the equiax grained material between the two orientations, a consistently lower accumulated inelastic strain was measured for the material loaded parallel to the build direction than the transverse orientation. Failure of the parallel columnar material occurred in a transgranular manner with cracks emanating from the surface whereas the transverse columnar material failed in a intergranular manner, with crack growth occurring through repeated rupture of oxide at the crack-tip. Finally, in the case of the equiax material, an influence of material orientation was not observed on the failure mechanism with crack propagation occurring through a combination of debonded/cracked carbides and void formation along twin boundaries resulting in a mixture of intergranular and transgranular crack propagation.« less

Effect of anisotropy and texture on the low cycle fatigue behavior of Inconel 718 processed via electron beam melting

DOE PAGES

Kirka, Michael M.; Greeley, Duncan A.; Hawkins, Charles S.; ...

2017-09-11

Here in this study, the impact of texture (columnar/equiax grain structure) and influence of material orientation on the low cycle fatigue (LCF) behavior of hot isostatic pressed (HIP) and heat-treated Inconel 718 fabricated through electron beam melting (EBM) is investigated. Material was tested both parallel and perpendicular (transverse) to the build direction. In all instances, the EBM HIP and heat-treated Inconel 718 performed similarly or exceeded the LCF life of wrought Inconel 718 plate and bar stock under fully reversed strain-controlled loading at 650 °C. Amongst the textures, the columnar grains oriented parallel to the build direction exhibited the highestmore » life on average compared to the transverse columnar and equiax EBM material. Further, in relation to the reference wrought material the parallel columnar grain material exhibited a greater life. While a negligible life difference was observed in the equiax grained material between the two orientations, a consistently lower accumulated inelastic strain was measured for the material loaded parallel to the build direction than the transverse orientation. Failure of the parallel columnar material occurred in a transgranular manner with cracks emanating from the surface whereas the transverse columnar material failed in a intergranular manner, with crack growth occurring through repeated rupture of oxide at the crack-tip. Finally, in the case of the equiax material, an influence of material orientation was not observed on the failure mechanism with crack propagation occurring through a combination of debonded/cracked carbides and void formation along twin boundaries resulting in a mixture of intergranular and transgranular crack propagation.« less

Creep and intergranular cracking of Ni-Cr-Fe-C in 360[degree]C argon

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Angeliu, T.M.; Was, G.S.

1994-06-01

The influence of carbon and chromium on the creep and intergranular (IG) cracking behavior of controlled-purity Ni-xCr-9Fe-yC alloys in 360 C argon was investigated using constant extension rate tension (CERT) and constant load tension (CLT) testing. The CERT test results at 360 C show that the degree of IG cracking increases with decreasing bulk chromium or carbon content. The CLT test results at 360 C and 430 C reveal that, as the amounts of chromium and carbon in solution decrease, the steady-state creep rate increases. The occurrence of severe IG cracking correlates with a high steady-state creep rate, suggesting thatmore » creep plays a role in the IG cracking behavior in argon at 360 C. The failure mode of IG cracking and the deformation mode of creep are coupled through the formation of grain boundary voids that interlink to form grain boundary cavities, resulting in eventual failure by IG cavitation and ductile overload of the remaining ligaments. Grain boundary sliding may be enhancing grain boundary cavitation by redistributing the stress from inclined to more perpendicular boundaries and concentrating stress at discontinuities for the boundaries oriented 45 deg with respect to the tensile axis. Additions of carbon or chromium, which reduce the creep rate over all stress levels, also reduce the amount of IG fracture in CERT experiments. A damage accumulation model was formulated and applied to CERT tests to determine whether creep damage during a CERT test controls failure. Results show that, while creep plays a significant role in CERT experiments, failure is likely controlled by ductile overload caused by reduction in area resulting from grain boundary void formation and interlinkage.« less

A grain boundary damage model for delamination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Messner, M. C.; Beaudoin, A. J.; Dodds, R. H.

2015-07-01

Intergranular failure in metallic materials represents a multiscale damage mechanism: some feature of the material microstructure triggers the separation of grain boundaries on the microscale, but the intergranular fractures develop into long cracks on the macroscale. This work develops a multiscale model of grain boundary damage for modeling intergranular delamination—a failure of one particular family of grain boundaries sharing a common normal direction. The key feature of the model is a physically-consistent and mesh independent, multiscale scheme that homogenizes damage at many grain boundaries on the microscale into a single damage parameter on the macroscale to characterize material failure across a plane. The specific application of the damage framework developed here considers delamination failure in modern Al-Li alloys. However, the framework may be readily applied to other metals or composites and to other non-delamination interface geometries—for example, multiple populations of material interfaces with different geometric characteristics.

Failure analysis of a Stirling engine heat pipe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, Thomas J.; Cairelli, James E.; Khalili, Kaveh

1989-01-01

Failure analysis was conducted on a heat pipe from a Stirling Engine test rig which was designed to operate at 1073 K. Premature failure had occurred due to localized overheating at the leading edge of the evaporator fin. It was found that a crack had allowed air to enter the fin and react with the sodium coolant. The origin of the crack was found to be located at the inner surface of the Inconel 600 fin where severe intergranular corrosion had taken place.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Kezhao; Ni, Longchang; Lei, Zhenglong, E-ma

The tensile deformation behavior of laser welded Ti{sub 2}AlNb joints was investigated using in situ analysis methods. The fracture mode of the single-B2-phase fusion zone was quasi-cleavage at room temperature and intergranular at 650 °C, while that of base metal was microvoid coalescence at both room temperature and 650 °C. Tensile deformation at room temperature was observed using in situ SEM tensile testing. In base metal, microcracks nucleated and propagated mainly within the O phase or along O/B2 phase boundaries. While both the cross- and multi-slips were found in the single-B2-phase fusion zone, a confocal laser scanning microscopy was usedmore » to observe the crack initiation and propagation process in situ at 650 °C. Cracks mainly formed along the B2/O phase boundaries in base metal, along the fragile grain boundaries of B2 phase in the fusion zone. The thermal simulation experiment and following TEM analysis indicated that the precipitation of continuous O-phase films along the B2 grain boundaries resulted in the high temperature brittleness of laser welded Ti{sub 2}AlNb joints. - Highlights: •Cracks formed within O phase or along B2/O boundaries in the base metal. •Cross- and multi-slips relieved stress in the fusion zone at room temperature. •Cracks mainly formed along the B2/O boundaries at 650 °C. •In the fusion zone, intergranular cracks were in situ observed at 650 °C. •O-phase films along B2 grain boundaries caused the high temperature brittleness.« less

Characterization of Environmentally Assisted Cracking for Design: State of the Art.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-01-01

Barsom, J.M., Effect of cyclic stress form on corrosion fatigue crack propagation below Kiscc in a high yield strength steel , in Corrosion Fatigue... Effect of Prestressing on the Stress Corrosion Resistance of Two High Strength Steels , Boeing Document D6-25275, Boeing Company, Seattle, Washington...sT’e Residual stress Crack growth High strength steel Seawater Crack initiation Hydrogen embrittlement Stress corrosion Design Linear elastic fracture

Hot cracking susceptibility of fillers 52 and 82 in alloy 690 welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Weite; Tsai, C. H.

1999-02-01

The hot cracking susceptibility of fillers 52 and 82 in a alloy 690 weldment is analyzed by the Varestraint test. Weld characteristics, microstructure, hardness distribution, and thermal analysis of the two filler metals are also examined. The weld metal of both fillers develops an extremely dense oxide layer. A stainless steel brush cannot remove the oxide layer, and a grinder may be needed between weld passes to assure a sound weld. Differential temperature analysis (DTA) shows that filler 82 has a lower melting point and a wider melting/solidification temperature differential (Δ T). These characteristics correlate with greater hot cracking susceptibility of filler 82 than 52 in Varestraint tests. The hot cracks are intergranular and are caused by elements segregating in grain boundies.

Fracture mechanics; Proceedings of the 22nd National Symposium, Atlanta, GA, June 26-28, 1990. Vols. 1 & 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ernst, Hugo A. (Editor); Saxena, Ashok (Editor); Mcdowell, David L. (Editor); Atluri, Satya N. (Editor); Newman, James C., Jr. (Editor); Raju, Ivatury S. (Editor); Epstein, Jonathan S. (Editor)

1992-01-01

Current research on fracture mechanics is reviewed, focusing on ductile fracture; high-temperature and time-dependent fracture; 3D problems; interface fracture; microstructural aspects of fatigue and fracture; and fracture predictions and applications. Particular attention is given to the determination and comparison of crack resistance curves from wide plates and fracture mechanics specimens; a relationship between R-curves in contained and uncontained yield; the creep crack growth behavior of titanium alloy Ti-6242; a crack growth response in three heat resistant materials at elevated temperature; a crack-surface-contact model for determining effective-stress-intensity factors; interfacial dislocations in anisotropic bimaterials; an effect of intergranular crack branching on fracture toughness evaluation; the fracture toughness behavior of exservice chromium-molybdenum steels; the application of fracture mechanics to assess the significance of proof loading; and a load ratio method for estimating crack extension.

Traction–separation relationships for hydrogen induced grain boundary embrittlement in nickel via molecular dynamics simulations

DOE PAGES

Barrows, Wesley; Dingreville, Rémi; Spearot, Douglas

2015-10-19

A statistical approach combined with molecular dynamics simulations is used to study the influence of hydrogen on intergranular decohesion. This methodology is applied to a Ni Σ3(112)[11¯0] symmetric tilt grain boundary. Hydrogenated grain boundaries with different H concentrations are constructed using an energy minimization technique with initial H atom positions guided by Monte Carlo simulation results. Decohesion behavior is assessed through extraction of a traction–separation relationship during steady-state crack propagation in a statistically meaningful approach, building upon prior work employing atomistic cohesive zone volume elements (CZVEs). A sensitivity analysis is performed on the numerical approach used to extract the traction–separationmore » relationships, clarifying the role of CZVE size, threshold parameters necessary to differentiate elastic and decohesion responses, and the numerical averaging technique. Results show that increasing H coverage at the Ni Σ3(112)[11¯0] grain boundary asymmetrically influences the crack tip velocity during propagation, leads to a general decrease in the work of separation required for crack propagation, and provides a reduction in the peak stress in the extracted traction–separation relationship. Furthermore the present framework offers a meaningful vehicle to pass atomistically derived interfacial behavior to higher length scale formulations for intergranular fracture.« less

Microstructural response to heat affected zone cracking of prewelding heat-treated Inconel 939 superalloy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gonzalez, M.A., E-mail: mgonzalez@comimsa.com.mx; Martinez, D.I., E-mail: dorairma@yahoo.com; Perez, A., E-mail: betinperez@hotmail.com

2011-12-15

The microstructural response to cracking in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of a nickel-based IN 939 superalloy after prewelding heat treatments (PWHT) was investigated. The PWHT specimens showed two different microstructures: 1) spherical ordered {gamma} Prime precipitates (357-442 nm), with blocky MC and discreet M{sub 23}C{sub 6} carbides dispersed within the coarse dendrites and in the interdendritic regions; and 2) ordered {gamma} Prime precipitates in 'ogdoadically' diced cube shapes and coarse MC carbides within the dendrites and in the interdendritic regions. After being tungsten inert gas welded (TIG) applying low heat input, welding speed and using a more ductile filler alloy,more » specimens with microstructures consisting of spherical {gamma} Prime precipitate particles and dispersed discreet MC carbides along the grain boundaries, displayed a considerably improved weldability due to a strong reduction of the intergranular HAZ cracking associated with the liquation microfissuring phenomena. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Homogeneous microstructures of {gamma} Prime spheroids and discreet MC carbides of Ni base superalloys through preweld heat treatments. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer {gamma} Prime spheroids and discreet MC carbides reduce the intergranular HAZ liquation and microfissuring of Nickel base superalloys. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Microstructure {gamma} Prime spheroids and discreet blocky type MC carbides, capable to relax the stress generated during weld cooling. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Low welding heat input welding speeds and ductile filler alloys reduce the HAZ cracking susceptibility.« less

Intermediate temperature grain boundary embrittlement in nickel-base weld metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nissley, Nathan Eugene

The ductility-dip cracking (DDC) susceptibility of NiCrFe filler metals was evaluated using the strain-to-fracture (STF) GleebleRTM-based testing technique1. These high chromium Ni-base filler metals are frequently used in nuclear power plant applications for welding Ni-base Alloy 690 and included INCONELRTM Filler Metal 52 and 52M (FM-52 and FM-52M)2, and a number of FM-52M-type experimental alloys including two with additions of molybdenum and niobium. A wide range in DDC susceptibilities was observed in the tested alloys including significant variations in susceptibility with only small compositional changes. The interpretation of the STF results now includes both the threshold strain for cracking and the transition to "massive" cracking. While the threshold strain is still insightful and an indication of cracking susceptibility, materials which transition rapidly from the threshold strain to "massive" cracking are typically more susceptible to DDC. The spot pre-welds made on the STF samples, used to produce a repeatable microstructure were found to significantly affect the DDC resistance when the current downslope time was altered. Decreasing the downslope time resulted in a faster cooling rate, finer solidification substructure, fewer metastable intragranular precipitates, and a reduced DDC susceptibility. The downslope time has been found to be the most important STF testing variable evaluated to date. A significant decrease in DDC susceptibility was observed in the alloys with Mo and Nb additions. The threshold strain for cracking in the 2.5% Nb and 4% Mo NiCrFe alloy was approximately 10%, and demonstrated a DDC resistance of more than twice that observed in typical FM-82 alloys. This remarkable increase in DDC resistance was attributed to the skeletal precipitate morphology whose large surface area and dense distribution were highly effective at pinning grain boundaries and preventing crack initiation. The resulting wavy or tortuous grain boundaries act to mechanically lock the grains together and thereby reduce the cracking susceptibility. A general improvement in the DDC cracking resistance of FM-52M-type alloys was observed over FM-52, particularly at lower temperatures (750°C) in the DDC range. Compositional changes in the FM-52M experimental alloys resulted in a range of DDC susceptibilities, indicating the strong effect of minor changes in composition. Boron additions resulted in an increase in Cr-rich M23C6 intergranular carbides in the as-welded condition. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) data showed increased intragranular deformation that was attributed to improved grain boundary strengthening as a result of the intergranular M23C6 formation prior to deformation. Elongated intergranular carbides were also found to be more effective in improving grain boundary strengthening when compared with more symmetrical carbides. (Abstract shortened by UMI.) 1GleebleRTM is a registered trademark of Dynamic Systems Inc. 2INCONELRTM is a registered trademark of Special Metals Company, a PCC company.

A Contribution to Proof the Component Integrity Taking Into Account the Corrosion-Assisted Crack Growth

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Roos, Eberhard; Otremba, Frank; Huttner, Frank

2002-07-01

The proof of the component integrity is fundamental for a safe and reliable operation of Nuclear Power Plants (NPP). The concept of the Material Testing Institute (MPA) for integrity assessment is based on fracture mechanic analysis which results in detailed regulations for nondestructive examination. This approach has to account for the main damage mechanisms as fatigue and corrosion. This paper focuses on the influence of corrosion-assisted crack growth which strongly depends on corrosion and environmental conditions (e.g. coolant purity). Up to stress intensity of approximately 60 MPam for ferritic low-alloy steels in high-purity water (acc. to specification) under constant loadmore » conditions the analysis can be based on a crack extension of max. 70 for each load cycle. Related to a test duration of 1000 hours this is equivalent to a formally calculated crack growth rate (CGR) of = 2 10{sup -8} mm/s. For austenitic stainless steels more complex dependences on material, environmental and mechanical parameters exist. Particularly, for stabilized austenitic steels the crack growth rate data base is relatively weak. Under unfavourable environmental conditions in single cases crack growth rates up to 6 mm/a have been measured. Based on experimental results an arithmetic mean value of 0.95 mm/a and a median value of 0.6 mm/a have been determined. A further improvement of data base is desirable. (authors)« less

Design of a biomimetic self-healing superalloy composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Files, Bradley Steven

1997-10-01

Use of systems engineering concepts to design technologically advanced materials has allowed ambitious goals of self-healing alloys to be realized. Shape memory alloy reinforcements are embedded in an alloy matrix to demonstrate concepts of stable crack growth and matrix crack closure. Computer methods are used to design thermodynamically compatible iron-based alloys using bio-inspired concepts of crack bridging and self-healing. Feasibility of crack closure and stable crack growth is shown in a prototype system with a Sn-Bi matrix and TiNi fibers. Design of Fe-Ni-Co-Ti-Al alloys using thermodynamic models to determine stabilities and phase equilibria allows for a methodical system designing compatible multicomponent alloys for composite systems. Final alloy computations for this project led to the alloy Fe-27.6Ni-18.2Co-4.1Ti-1.6Al as a compatible shape memory a with a 650sp°C 90 minute heat treatment leading to martensite and austenite start temperatures (Msbs and Asbs) near room temperature. Thin slices of this alloy were able to fully recover at least 5% strain upon unloading heating. Composites made from the designed shape memory alloy and a compatible Fe-based B2 matrix were used to test self-healing concepts in the superalloy system. Diffusion couple experiments verified thermodynamic compatibility between matrix and reinforcement alloys at the solution treatment temperature of 1100sp°C. Concepts of stable crack growth and crack bridging were demonstrated in the composite, leading to enhanced toughness of the brittle matrix. However, healing behavior in this system was limited by intergranular fracture of the reinforcement alloy. It is believed that use of rapidly solidified powders could eliminate intergranular fracture, leading to greatly enhanced properties of toughening and healing. Crack clamping and stable crack growth were achieved in a feasibility study using a Sn-Bi matrix reinforced with TiNi fibers. Tensile specimens with less than 1% fibers showed an ability upon heating to recover over 80% of the plastic deformation induced during a tensile test. Further straining proved that stable crack growth can be realized in this system due to crack bridging of the shape memory fibers. Macroscopic cracks were clamped shut after heating of the material above the TiNi reversion temperature.

Evaluation of Environmentally Assisted Cracking of Armour Wires in Flexible Pipes, Power Cables and Umbilicals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhiying

Environmentally assisted cracking (EAC) of armour wires in flexible pipes, power cables and umbilicals is a major concern with the development of oil and gas fields and wind farms in harsh environments. Hydrogen induced cracking (HIC) or hydrogen embrittlement (HE) of steel armour wires used in deep-water and ultra-deep-water has been evaluated. Simulated tests have been carried out in simulated sea water, under conditions where the susceptibility is the highest, i.e. at room temperature, at the maximum negative cathodic potential and at the maximum stress level expected in service for 150 hours. Examinations of the tested specimens have not revealed cracking or blistering, and measurement of hydrogen content has confirmed hydrogen charging. In addition, sulphide stress cracking (SSC) and chloride stress cracking (CSC) of nickel-based alloy armour wires used in harsh down-hole environments has been evaluated. Simulated tests have been carried out in simulated solution containing high concentration of chloride, with high hydrogen sulphide partial pressure, at high stress level and at 120 °C for 720 hours. Examinations of the tested specimens have not revealed cracking or blistering. Subsequent tensile tests of the tested specimens at ambient pressure and temperature have revealed properties similar to the as-received specimens.

The growth of small corrosion fatigue cracks in alloy 2024

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Piascik, Robert S.; Willard, Scott A.

1993-01-01

The corrosion fatigue crack growth characteristics of small surface and corner cracks in aluminum alloy 2024 is established. The damaging effect of salt water on the early stages of small crack growth is characterized by crack initiation at constituent particle pits, intergranular microcracking for a less than 100 micrometers, and transgranular small crack growth for a micrometer. In aqueous 1 percent NaCl and at a constant anodic potential of -700 mV(sub SCE), small cracks exhibit a factor of three increase in fatigue crack growth rates compared to laboratory air. Small cracks exhibit accelerated corrosion fatigue crack growth rates at low levels of delta-K (less than 1 MPa square root of m) below long crack delta-K (sub th). When exposed to Paris regime levels of crack tip stress intensity, small corrosion fatigue cracks exhibit growth rates similar to that observed for long cracks. Results suggest that crack closure effects influence the corrosion fatigue crack growth rates of small cracks (a less than or equal to 100 micrometers). This is evidenced by similar small and long crack growth behavior at various levels of R. Contrary to the corrosion fatigue characteristics of small cracks in high strength steels, no pronounced chemical crack length effect is observed for Al by 2024 exposed to salt water.

Hot cracking susceptibility of fillers 52 and 82 in alloy 690 welding

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wu, W.; Tsai, C.H.

1999-02-01

The hot cracking susceptibility of fillers 52 and 82 in a alloy 690 weldment is analyzed by the Varestraint test. Weld characteristics, microstructure, hardness distribution, and thermal analysis of the two filler metals are also examined. The weld metal of both fillers develops an extremely dense oxide layer. A stainless steel brush cannot remove the oxide layer, and a grinder may be needed between weld passes to assure a sound weld. Differential temperature analysis (DTA) shows that filler 82 has a lower melting point and a wider melting/solidification temperature differential ({Delta} T). These characteristics correlate with greater hot cracking susceptibilitymore » of filler 82 than 52 in Varestraint tests. The hot cracks are intergranular and are caused by elements segregating in grain boundaries.« less

Intergranular fracture of lithium fluoride-22 percent calcium fluoride hypereutectic salt at 800 K

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raj, Subramanium V.; Whittenberger, J. Daniel

1990-01-01

Substantial strain-hardening was noted during the initial stages of deformation in constant-velocity compression tests conducted on as-cast samples of the LiF-22 mol pct CaF2 hypereutectic salt at 800 K. The deformed specimens exhibited extensive grain-boundary cracking and cavitation, suggesting that such cracking, in conjunction with interfacial sliding, is important for cavity nucleation at grain boundaries and at the LiF-CaF2 interfaces. Cavity growth and interlinkage occur through the preferential failure of the weaker LiF phase.

Multi-scale modeling of microstructure dependent intergranular brittle fracture using a quantitative phase-field based method

DOE PAGES

Chakraborty, Pritam; Zhang, Yongfeng; Tonks, Michael R.

2015-12-07

In this study, the fracture behavior of brittle materials is strongly influenced by their underlying microstructure that needs explicit consideration for accurate prediction of fracture properties and the associated scatter. In this work, a hierarchical multi-scale approach is pursued to model microstructure sensitive brittle fracture. A quantitative phase-field based fracture model is utilized to capture the complex crack growth behavior in the microstructure and the related parameters are calibrated from lower length scale atomistic simulations instead of engineering scale experimental data. The workability of this approach is demonstrated by performing porosity dependent intergranular fracture simulations in UO 2 and comparingmore » the predictions with experiments.« less

Multi-scale modeling of microstructure dependent intergranular brittle fracture using a quantitative phase-field based method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chakraborty, Pritam; Zhang, Yongfeng; Tonks, Michael R.

In this study, the fracture behavior of brittle materials is strongly influenced by their underlying microstructure that needs explicit consideration for accurate prediction of fracture properties and the associated scatter. In this work, a hierarchical multi-scale approach is pursued to model microstructure sensitive brittle fracture. A quantitative phase-field based fracture model is utilized to capture the complex crack growth behavior in the microstructure and the related parameters are calibrated from lower length scale atomistic simulations instead of engineering scale experimental data. The workability of this approach is demonstrated by performing porosity dependent intergranular fracture simulations in UO 2 and comparingmore » the predictions with experiments.« less

Characterization of microstructure, local deformation and microchemistry in Alloy 690 heat-affected zone and stress corrosion cracking in high temperature water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Zhanpeng; Chen, Junjie; Shoji, Tetsuo; Takeda, Yoichi; Yamazaki, Seiya

2015-10-01

With increasing the distance from the weld fusion line in an Alloy 690 heat-affected zone, micro-hardness decreases, kernel average misorientation decreases and the fraction of Σ3 boundaries increases. Chromium depletion at grain boundaries in the Alloy 690 heat-affected zone is less significant than that in an Alloy 600 heat-affected zone. Alloy 690 heat-affected zone exhibits much higher IGSCC resistance than Alloy 600 heat-affected zone in simulated pressurized water reactor primary water. Heavily cold worked Alloy 690 exhibits localized intergranular stress corrosion cracking. The effects of metallurgical and mechanical properties on stress corrosion cracking in Alloy 690 are discussed.

Intergranular fracture in irradiated Inconel X-750 containing very high concentrations of helium and hydrogen

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Judge, Colin D.; Gauquelin, Nicolas; Walters, Lori

2015-02-01

In recent years, it has been determined that Inconel X-750 CANDU spacers have lost strength and material ductility following irradiation in reactor. The irradiated fracture behaviour of ex-service material was also found to be entirely intergranular. The heavily thermalized flux spectrum in a CANDU reactor results in transmutation of 58Ni to 59Ni. The 59Ni itself has unusually high thermal neutron reaction cross-sections of the type: (n, γ), (n, p), and (n,α). The latter two reactions, in particular, contribute to a significant enhancement of the atomic displacements in addition to creating high concentrations of hydrogen and helium within the material. Metallographicmore » examinations by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have confirmed the presence of helium bubbles in the matrix and aligned along grain boundaries and matrix-precipitate interfaces. He bubble size and density are found to be highly dependent on the irradiation temperature and material microstructure; the bubbles are larger within grain boundary precipitates. TEM specimens extracted from fracture surfaces and crack tips give direct evidence linking crack propagation with grain boundary He bubbles.« less

Correlation of microstructure and tempered martensite embrittlement in two 4340 steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, S.; Lee, D. Y.; Asaro, R. J.

1989-06-01

This study is concerned with a correlation between the microstructure and fracture behavior of two AISI 4340 steels which were vacuum induction melted and then deoxidized with aluminum and titanium additions. This allowed a comparison between microstructures that underwent large increases in grain size and those that did not. When the steels were tempered at 350°C, K Ic and Charpy impact energy plots showed troughs which indicated tempered martensite embrittlement (TME). The TME results of plane strain fracture toughness are interpreted using a simple ductile fracture initiation model based on large strain deformation fields ahead of cracks, suggesting that K Icscales roughly with the square root of the spacing of cementite particles precipitated during the tempering treatment. The trough in Charpy impact energy is found to coincide well with the amount of intergranular fracture and the effect of segregation of phosphorus on the austenite grain boundaries. In addition, cementite particles are of primary importance in initiating the intergranular cracks and, consequently, reducing the Charpy energy. These findings suggest that TME in the two 4340 steels studied can be explained quantitatively using different fracture models.

Environmentally assisted cracking in light water reactors : semiannual report, July 2000 - December 2000.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chopra, O. K.; Chung, H. M.; Gruber, E. E.

This report summarizes work performed by Argonne National Laboratory on fatigue and environmentally assisted cracking (EAC) in light water reactors (LWRs) from July 2000 to December 2000. Topics that have been investigated include (a) environmental effects on fatigue S-N behavior of primary pressure boundary materials, (b) irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking (IASCC) of austenitic stainless steels (SSs), and (c) EAC of Alloys 600 and 690. The fatigue strain-vs.-life data are summarized for the effects of various material, loading, and environmental parameters on the fatigue lives of carbon and low-alloy steels and austenitic SSs. Effects of the reactor coolant environment on themore » mechanism of fatigue crack initiation are discussed. Two methods for incorporating the effects of LWR coolant environments into the ASME Code fatigue evaluations are presented. Slow-strain-rate tensile tests and posttest fractographic analyses were conducted on several model SS alloys irradiated to {approx}0.9 x 10{sup 21} n {center_dot} cm{sup -2} (E > 1 MeV) in He at 289 C in the Halden reactor. The results were used to determine the influence of alloying and impurity elements on the susceptibility of these steels to IASCC. A fracture toughness J-R curve test was conducted on a commercial heat of Type 304 SS that was irradiated to {approx}2.0 x 10{sup 21} n {center_dot} cm{sup -2} in the Halden reactor. The results were compared with the data obtained earlier on steels irradiated to 0.3 and 0.9 x 10{sup 21} n {center_dot} cm{sup -2} (E > 1 MeV) (0.45 and 1.35 dpa). Neutron irradiation at 288 C was found to decrease the fracture toughness of austenitic SSs. Tests were conducted on compact-tension specimens of Alloy 600 under cyclic loading to evaluate the enhancement of crack growth rates in LWR environments. Then, the existing fatigue crack growth data on Alloys 600 and 690 were analyzed to establish the effects of temperature, load ratio, frequency, and stress intensity range on crack growth rates in air.« less

A study on electromigration-inducing intergranular fracture of fine silver alloy wires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsueh, Hao-Wen; Hung, Fei-Yi; Lui, Truan-Sheng

2017-01-01

In this study, Pd-coated Cu, Ag (purity = 4 N), and Ag alloy (Ag-8Au-3Pd) wires were employed to measure the tensile properties during current stressing using the so-called dynamic current tensile (DCT) test. Both the tensile strength and elongation of the wires decreased dramatically in the DCT test, particularly of the Ag-based wires, and the fracture morphology of the Cu-based and Ag-based wires was ductile fracture and intergranular fracture, respectively. Compared to the Cu-based wires, electromigration occurred more easily in the Ag-based wires, and it always generated voids and cracks at the grain boundaries; therefore, the fracture morphology of the Ag-based wires was intergranular fracture owing to the weakened grain boundary. Further, the results indicated that the Ag-based wires could not carry a higher current density than the Cu-based wires, primarily because their extremely low strength and elongation in current stressing might cause serious reliability problems.

Characteristics of lead induced stress corrosion cracking of alloy 690 in high temperature

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chung, K.K.; Lim, J.K.; Watanabe, Yutaka

1996-10-01

Slow strain rate tests (SSRT) were conducted on alloy 690 in various lead chloride solutions and metal lead added to 100 ppm chloride solution at 288 C. The corrosion potential (rest potential) for the alloy was measured with SSRT tests. The cracking was observed by metallographic examination and electron probe micro analyzer. Also, the corrosion behavior of the alloy was evaluated by anodic polarized measurement at 30 C. Resulting from the tests, cracking was characterized by cracking behavior, crack length and crack growth rate, and lead effects on cracking. The cracking was mainly intergranular in mode, approximately from 60 ummore » to 450 um in crack length, and approximately 10{sup {minus}6} to 10{sup {minus}7} mmS-1 in crack velocity. The cracking was evaluated through the variation the corrosion potential in potential-time and lead behavior during SSRTs. The lead effect in corrosion was evaluated through active to passive transition behavior in anodic polarized curves. The corrosion reactions in the cracking region were confirmed by electron probe microanalysis. Alloy 690 is used for steam generation tubes in pressurized water reactors.« less

Fatigue crack propagation behaviour of unidirectionally solidified gamma/gamma-prime-delta eutectic alloys. [Ni-Nb-Al alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bretz, P. E.; Hertzberg, R. W.

1979-01-01

Fatigue crack propagation studies were carried out on unidirectionally solidified gamma/gamma-prime-delta (Ni-Nb-Al) alloys over an aluminum content range of 1.5-2.5% by weight. The variation of Al content of as-grown alloys did not significantly affect the crack growth behavior of these eutectic composites. The results indicate that the addition of Al to the eutectic dramatically improved the FCP behavior. The gamma/gamma-prime-delta alloy exhibited crack growth rates for a given stress intensity range that are an order of magnitude lower than those for the gamma-delta alloy. It is suggested that this difference in FCP behavior can be explained on the basis of stacking fault energy considerations. Extensive delaminations at the crack tip were also revealed, which contributed to the superior fatigue response. Delamination was predominantly intergranular in nature.

CRACK GROWTH RESPONSE OF ALLOY 690 IN SIMULATED PWR PRIMARY WATER

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Toloczko, Mychailo B.; Bruemmer, Stephen M.

2009-12-01

The stress corrosion crack growth response of three extruded alloy 690 CRDM tube heats was investigated in several thermomechanical conditions. Extremely low propagation rates (< 1 x 10{sup -9} mm/s) were observed under constant stress intensity factor (K) loading at 325-350 C in the as-received, thermally treated (TT) materials despite using a variety of transitioning techniques. Post-test observation of the crack-growth surfaces revealed only isolated intergranular (IG) cracking. One-dimensional cold rolling to 17% reduction and testing in the S-L orientation did not promote enhanced stress corrosion rates. However, somewhat higher propagation rates were observed in a 30% cold-rolled alloy 690TTmore » specimen tested in the T-L orientation. Cracking of the cold-rolled material was promoted on grain boundaries oriented parallel to the rolling plane with the % IG increasing with the amount of cold rolling.« less

Modeling crack propagation in polycrystalline microstructure using variational multiscale method

DOE PAGES

Sun, Shang; Sundararaghavan, Veera

2016-01-01

Crack propagation in a polycrystalline microstructure is analyzed using a novel multiscale model. The model includes an explicit microstructural representation at critical regions (stress concentrators such as notches and cracks) and a reduced order model that statistically captures the microstructure at regions far away from stress concentrations. Crack propagation is modeled in these critical regions using the variational multiscale method. In this approach, a discontinuous displacement field is added to elements that exceed the critical values of normal or tangential tractions during loading. Compared to traditional cohesive zone modeling approaches, the method does not require the use of any specialmore » interface elements in the microstructure and thus can model arbitrary crack paths. As a result, the capability of the method in predicting both intergranular and transgranular failure modes in an elastoplastic polycrystal is demonstrated under tensile and three-point bending loads.« less

Failure Mechanisms and Damage Model of Ductile Cast Iron Under Low-Cycle Fatigue Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Xijia; Quan, Guangchun; MacNeil, Ryan; Zhang, Zhong; Sloss, Clayton

2014-10-01

Strain-controlled low-cycle fatigue (LCF) tests were conducted on ductile cast iron (DCI) at strain rates of 0.02, 0.002, and 0.0002/s in the temperature range from room temperature to 1073 K (800 °C). A constitutive-damage model was developed within the integrated creep-fatigue theory (ICFT) framework on the premise of strain decomposition into rate-independent plasticity and time-dependent creep. Four major damage mechanisms: (i) plasticity-induced fatigue, (ii) intergranular embrittlement (IE), (iii) creep, and (iv) oxidation were considered in a nonlinear creep-fatigue interaction model which represents the overall damage accumulation process consisting of oxidation-assisted fatigue crack nucleation and propagation in coalescence with internally distributed damage ( e.g., IE and creep), leading to final fracture. The model was found to agree with the experimental observations of the complex DCI-LCF phenomena, for which the linear damage summation rule would fail.

Microstructurally-sensitive fatigue crack nucleation in Ni-based single and oligo crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Bo; Jiang, Jun; Dunne, Fionn P. E.

2017-09-01

An integrated experimental, characterisation and computational crystal plasticity study of cyclic plastic beam loading has been carried out for nickel single crystal (CMSX4) and oligocrystal (MAR002) alloys in order to assess quantitatively the mechanistic drivers for fatigue crack nucleation. The experimentally validated modelling provides knowledge of key microstructural quantities (accumulated slip, stress and GND density) at experimentally observed fatigue crack nucleation sites and it is shown that while each of these quantities is potentially important in crack nucleation, none of them in its own right is sufficient to be predictive. However, the local (elastic) stored energy density, measured over a length scale determined by the density of SSDs and GNDs, has been shown to predict crack nucleation sites in the single and oligocrystals tests. In addition, once primary nucleated cracks develop and are represented in the crystal model using XFEM, the stored energy correctly identifies where secondary fatigue cracks are observed to nucleate in experiments. This (Griffith-Stroh type) quantity also correctly differentiates and explains intergranular and transgranular fatigue crack nucleation.

Macro and micro mechanics behavior of granite after heat treatment by cluster model in particle flow code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Wen-Ling; Yang, Sheng-Qi; Huang, Yan-Hua

2018-02-01

In this paper, a cluster model in particle flow code was used to simulate granite specimens after heat treatment under uniaxial compression. The results demonstrated that micro-cracks are randomly distributed in the specimen when the temperature is below 300 {°}C, and have partial coalescence when the temperature is up to 450 {°}C, then form macro-cracks when the temperature is above 600 {°}C. There is more inter-granular cracking than intra-granular cracking, and their ratio increases with increasing temperature. The micro-cracks are almost constant when the temperature decreases from 900 {°}C to room temperature, except for quartz α -β phase transition temperature (573 {°}C). The fracture evolution process is obviously affected by these cracks, especially at 600-900 {°}C. Elevated temperature leads to easily developed displacement between the grains, and the capacity to store strain energy becomes weaker, corresponding to the plasticity of granite after heat treatment.

Effect of carbide precipitation on the corrosion behavior of Inconel alloy 690

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sarver, J.M.; Crum, J.R.; Mankins, W.L.

1987-01-01

Intergranular carbide precipitation reactions have been shown to affect the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) resistance of nickel-chromium-iron alloys in environments relative to nuclear steam generators. Carbon solubility curves, time-temperature-sensitization plots and other carbide precipitation data are presented for alloy 690 as an aid in developing heat treatments for improved SCC resistance.

76 FR 18454 - Airworthiness Directives; Burl A. Rogers (Type Certificate Previously Held by William Brad...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-04

... cracks and/or corrosion and installing inspection access panels. This AD would also require replacing the wing spar cap angles if moderate or severe corrosion is found and applying corrosion inhibitor. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of intergranular exfoliation and corrosion of the upper and/or lower...

Validation Test Results for Orthogonal Probe Eddy Current Thruster Inspection System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wincheski, Russell A.

2007-01-01

Recent nondestructive evaluation efforts within NASA have focused on an inspection system for the detection of intergranular cracking originating in the relief radius of Primary Reaction Control System (PCRS) Thrusters. Of particular concern is deep cracking in this area which could lead to combustion leakage in the event of through wall cracking from the relief radius into an acoustic cavity of the combustion chamber. In order to reliably detect such defects while ensuring minimal false positives during inspection, the Orthogonal Probe Eddy Current (OPEC) system has been developed and an extensive validation study performed. This report describes the validation procedure, sample set, and inspection results as well as comparing validation flaws with the response from naturally occuring damage.

Main factors causing intergranular and quasi-cleavage fractures at hydrogen-induced cracking in tempered martensitic steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurokawa, Ami; Doshida, Tomoki; Hagihara, Yukito; Suzuki, Hiroshi; Takai, Kenichi

2018-05-01

Though intergranular (IG) and quasi-cleavage (QC) fractures have been widely recognized as typical fracture modes of the hydrogen-induced cracking in high-strength steels, the main factor has been unclarified yet. In the present study, the hydrogen content dependence on the main factor causing hydrogen-induced cracking has been examined through the fracture mode transition from QC to IG at the crack initiation site in the tempered martensitic steels. Two kinds of tempered martensitic steels were prepared to change the cohesive force due to the different precipitation states of Fe3C on the prior γ grain boundaries. A high amount of Si (H-Si) steel has a small amount of Fe3C on the prior austenite grain boundaries. Whereas, a low amount of Si (L-Si) steel has a large amount of Fe3C sheets on the grain boundaries. The fracture modes and initiations were observed using FE-SEM (Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscope). The crack initiation sites of the H-Si steel were QC fracture at the notch tip under various hydrogen contents. While the crack initiation of the L-Si steel change from QC fracture at the notch tip to QC and IG fractures from approximately 10 µm ahead of the notch tip as increasing in hydrogen content. For L-Si steels, two possibilities are considered that the QC or IG fracture occurred firstly, or the QC and IG fractures occurred simultaneously. Furthermore, the principal stress and equivalent plastic strain distributions near the notch tip were calculated with FEM (Finite Element Method) analysis. The plastic strain was the maximum at the notch tip and the principle stress was the maximum at approximately 10 µm from the notch tip. The position of the initiation of QC and IG fracture observed using FE-SEM corresponds to the position of maximum strain and stress obtained with FEM, respectively. These findings indicate that the main factors causing hydrogen-induced cracking are different between QC and IG fractures.

Intragranular cracking as a critical barrier for high-voltage usage of layer-structured cathode for lithium-ion batteries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yan, Pengfei; Zheng, Jianming; Gu, Meng

LiNi 1/3Mn 1/3Co 1/3O 2 (NMC333) layered cathode is often fabricated as secondary particles of consisting of densely packed primary particles, which offers advantage of high energy density and alleviation of cathode side reactions/corrosions, but introduces other drawbacks, such as intergranular cracking. Here, we report unexpected observations on the nucleation and growth of intragranular cracks in the commercial NMC333 layered cathode by using advanced S/TEM. We found that the formation of the intragranular cracks is directly associated with high voltage cycling, which is an electrochemically driven and diffusion controlled process. The intragranular cracks were noticed to be characteristically initiated frommore » grain interior, a consequence of dislocation based crack incubation mechanism. This observation is in sharp contrast with the general theoretical models, predicting the initiation of intragranular cracks from grain boundaries or particle surface. As a result, our study indicates that maintain a structural stability is the key step toward high voltage operation of layered cathode materials.« less

Linking Grain Boundary Microstructure to Stress Corrosion Cracking of Cold Rolled Alloy 690 in PWR Primary Water

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bruemmer, Stephen M.; Olszta, Matthew J.; Toloczko, Mychailo B.

2012-10-01

Grain boundary microstructures and microchemistries are examined in cold-rolled alloy 690 tubing and plate materials and comparisons are made to intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) behavior in PWR primary water. Chromium carbide precipitation is found to be a key aspect for materials in both the mill annealed and thermally treated conditions. Cold rolling to high levels of reduction was discovered to produce small IG voids and cracked carbides in alloys with a high density of grain boundary carbides. The degree of permanent grain boundary damage from cold rolling was found to depend directly on the initial IG carbide distribution. Formore » the same degree of cold rolling, alloys with few IG precipitates exhibited much less permanent damage. Although this difference in grain boundary damage appears to correlate with measured SCC growth rates, crack tip examinations reveal that cracked carbides appeared to blunt propagation of IGSCC cracks in many cases. Preliminary results suggest that the localized grain boundary strains and stresses produced during cold rolling promote IGSCC susceptibility and not the cracked carbides and voids.« less

Inverse problems in eddy current testing using neural network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yusa, N.; Cheng, W.; Miya, K.

2000-05-01

Reconstruction of crack in conductive material is one of the most important issues in the field of eddy current testing. Although many attempts to reconstruct cracks have been made, most of them deal with only artificial cracks machined with electro-discharge. However, in the case of natural cracks like stress corrosion cracking or inter-granular attack, there must be contact region and therefore their conductivity is not necessarily zero. In this study, an attempt to reconstruct natural cracks using neural network is presented. The neural network was trained through numerical simulated data obtained by the fast forward solver that calculated unflawed potential data a priori to save computational time. The solver is based on A-φ method discretized by using FEM-BEM A natural crack was modeled as an area whose conductivity was less than that of a specimen. The distribution of conductivity in that area was reconstructed as well. It took much time to train the network, but the speed of reconstruction was extremely fast after once it was trained. Well-trained network gave good reconstruction result.

Intragranular cracking as a critical barrier for high-voltage usage of layer-structured cathode for lithium-ion batteries

DOE PAGES

Yan, Pengfei; Zheng, Jianming; Gu, Meng; ...

2017-01-16

LiNi 1/3Mn 1/3Co 1/3O 2 (NMC333) layered cathode is often fabricated as secondary particles of consisting of densely packed primary particles, which offers advantage of high energy density and alleviation of cathode side reactions/corrosions, but introduces other drawbacks, such as intergranular cracking. Here, we report unexpected observations on the nucleation and growth of intragranular cracks in the commercial NMC333 layered cathode by using advanced S/TEM. We found that the formation of the intragranular cracks is directly associated with high voltage cycling, which is an electrochemically driven and diffusion controlled process. The intragranular cracks were noticed to be characteristically initiated frommore » grain interior, a consequence of dislocation based crack incubation mechanism. This observation is in sharp contrast with the general theoretical models, predicting the initiation of intragranular cracks from grain boundaries or particle surface. As a result, our study indicates that maintain a structural stability is the key step toward high voltage operation of layered cathode materials.« less

Thermo-Mechanical Fatigue Crack Growth of RR1000

PubMed Central

Pretty, Christopher John; Whitaker, Mark Thomas; Williams, Steve John

2017-01-01

Non-isothermal conditions during flight cycles have long led to the requirement for thermo-mechanical fatigue (TMF) evaluation of aerospace materials. However, the increased temperatures within the gas turbine engine have meant that the requirements for TMF testing now extend to disc alloys along with blade materials. As such, fatigue crack growth rates are required to be evaluated under non-isothermal conditions along with the development of a detailed understanding of related failure mechanisms. In the current work, a TMF crack growth testing method has been developed utilising induction heating and direct current potential drop techniques for polycrystalline nickel-based superalloys, such as RR1000. Results have shown that in-phase (IP) testing produces accelerated crack growth rates compared with out-of-phase (OOP) due to increased temperature at peak stress and therefore increased time dependent crack growth. The ordering of the crack growth rates is supported by detailed fractographic analysis which shows intergranular crack growth in IP test specimens, and transgranular crack growth in 90° OOP and 180° OOP tests. Isothermal tests have also been carried out for comparison of crack growth rates at the point of peak stress in the TMF cycles. PMID:28772394

Cracking behavior and microstructure of austenitic stainless steels and alloy 690 irradiated in BOR-60 reactor, phase I.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, Y.; Chopra, O. K.; Soppet, W. K.

2010-02-16

Cracking behavior of stainless steels specimens irradiated in the BOR-60 at about 320 C is studied. The primary objective of this research is to improve the mechanistic understanding of irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking (IASCC) of core internal components under conditions relevant to pressurized water reactors. The current report covers several baseline tests in air, a comparison study in high-dissolved-oxygen environment, and TEM characterization of irradiation defect structure. Slow strain rate tensile (SSRT) tests were conducted in air and in high-dissolved-oxygen (DO) water with selected 5- and 10-dpa specimens. The results in high-DO water were compared with those from earlier testsmore » with identical materials irradiated in the Halden reactor to a similar dose. The SSRT tests produced similar results among different materials irradiated in the Halden and BOR-60 reactors. However, the post-irradiation strength for the BOR-60 specimens was consistently lower than that of the corresponding Halden specimens. The elongation of the BOR-60 specimens was also greater than that of their Halden specimens. Intergranular cracking in high-DO water was consistent for most of the tested materials in the Halden and BOR-60 irradiations. Nonetheless, the BOR-60 irradiation was somewhat less effective in stimulating IG fracture among the tested materials. Microstructural characterization was also carried out using transmission electron microscopy on selected BOR-60 specimens irradiated to {approx}25 dpa. No voids were observed in irradiated austenitic stainless steels and cast stainless steels, while a few voids were found in base and grain-boundary-engineered Alloy 690. All the irradiated microstructures were dominated by a high density of Frank loops, which varied in mean size and density for different alloys.« less

Laboratory Investigation of a Leaking Type 316 Socket Weld in a Boron Injection Tank Sampling Line

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Hongqing; Fyfitch, Steve; Hosier, Ryan; Hyres, James

A leak was discovered in a Type 316 stainless steel socket weld in the sampling line for the boron injection tank. A section of the pipeline containing the leaking weld was removed for laboratory investigation that included visual and Stereovisual inspections, liquid penetrant (PT) testing, metallography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and ferrite content determinations. The leak path was a through-wall transgranular crack in the socket weld. Cracking initiated along the weld-metal-to-base-metal interface at the tip of the crevice between the socket and pipe. The crevice was exposed to oxygenated boron solution at <180°F. Shallow intergranular attack (IGA) was found in the exposed base metal inside the crevice. Based on the investigation results, it was concluded that transgranular stress corrosion cracking (TGSCC) is the primary cracking mechanism.

Stress Corrosion Cracking of Ni-Fe-Cr Alloys Relevant to Nuclear Power Plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Persaud, Suraj

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of Ni-Fe-Cr alloys and weld metals was investigated in simulated environments representative of high temperature water used in the primary and secondary circuits of nuclear power plants. The mechanism of primary water SCC (PWSCC) was studied in Alloys 600, 690, 800 and Alloy 82 dissimilar metal welds using the internal oxidation model as a guide. Initial experiments were carried out in a 480°C hydrogenated steam environment considered to simulate high temperature reducing primary water. Ni alloys underwent classical internal oxidation intragranularly resulting in the expulsion of the solvent metal, Ni, to the surface. Selective intergranular oxidation of Cr in Alloy 600 resulted in embrittlement, while other alloys were resistant owing to their increased Cr contents. Atom probe tomography was used to determine the short-circuit diffusion path used for Ni expulsion at a sub-nanometer scale, which was concluded to be oxide-metal interfaces. Further exposures of Alloys 600 and 800 were done in 315°C simulated primary water and intergranular oxidation tendency was comparable to 480°C hydrogenated steam. Secondary side work involved SCC experiments and electrochemical measurements, which were done at 315°C in acid sulfate solutions. Alloy 800 C-rings were found to undergo acid sulfate SCC (AcSCC) to a depth of up to 300 microm in 0.55 M sulfate solution at pH 4.3. A focused-ion beam was used to extract a crack tip from a C-ring and high resolution analytical electron microscopy revealed a duplex oxide structure and the presence of sulfur. Electrochemical measurements were taken on Ni alloys to complement crack tip analysis; sulfate was concluded to be the aggressive anion in mixed sulfate and chloride systems. Results from electrochemical measurements and crack tip analysis suggested a slip dissolution-type mechanism to explain AcSCC in Ni alloys.

Utilization of fractography in the evaluations of high temperature dynamic fatigue experiments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Breder, K.; Tennery, V.J.; Mroz, T.J.

1996-12-31

The slow crack growth properties of six structural ceramics were measured by dynamic fatigue in air and inert atmospheres over a range of elevated temperatures. The material response varied from no strength degradation as a function of stress and environment to significant strength degradation by slow crack growth (SCG) and by a combination of SCG and creep. The fractographic investigation showed that SCG was evidenced by growth of isolated cracks and often by an intergranular fracture mode, while creep was evidenced by accumulated damage such as void formation and opening of the microstructure at grain boundaries and triple junctions. Formore » the materials in which the strength was unaffected by the stress and environment, the fracture surfaces were essentially indistinguishable from the inert fracture surfaces.« less

Utilization of fractography in the evaluation of high temperature dynamic fatigue experiments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Breder, K.; Wereszczak, A.A.; Tennery, V.J.

1995-12-31

The slow crack growth properties of six structural ceramics were measured by dynamic fatigue in air and inert atmospheres over a range of elevated temperatures. The material response varied from no strength degradation as a function of stress and environment to significant strength degradation by slow crack growth (SCG) and by a combination of SCG and creep. The fractographic investigation showed that SCG was evidenced by growth of isolated cracks and often by an intergranular fracture mode, while creep was evidenced by accumulated damage such as void formation and opening of the microstructure at grain boundaries and triple junctions. Formore » the materials in which the strength was unaffected by the stress and environment, the fracture surfaces were essentially indistinguishable from the inert fracture surfaces.« less

High-temperature low-cycle-fatigue and crack-growth behaviors of three superalloys: HASTELLOY X, HAYNES 230, and HAYNES 188

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Yulin

Low cycle fatigue (LCF) and fatigue crack growth (FCG) experiments on three superalloys HASTELLOY X, HAYNES 230, and HAYNES 188 have been conducted at temperatures from 649 to 982°C. Hold times were imposed at the maximum strain or load to investigate the hold-time effect. In general, the fatigue life decreased as the temperature or hold time increased. However, for the HAYNES 230 alloy at total strain ranges higher than 1.0% and without a hold time, the LCF life was longer at 927°C than at 816°C. This "abnormal" behavior was found to result from the smaller plastic strain amplitude at half-life at 927°C than that at 816°C. An increase in the temperature and/or the introduction of a hold time decreased the hardening rate and increased the softening rate for all the three alloys. The introduction of a hold time and/or the increase of the test temperature progressively changed the fracture mode from the transgranular to mixed trans/inter-granular, then to intergranular feature. Within the two phases of the fatigue process, crack initiation was more severely influenced by the change of the hold time and/or temperature. The FCG data of HASTELLOY X and HAYNES 230 alloys were analyzed with an emphasis on hold-time and temperature effects. The crack grew faster at a higher temperature and a longer hold time. Fracture-mechanics parameters, C*, Ct, and (Ct)avg, were applied to correlate the crack-growth rates. The fatigue-cracking path was mainly transgranular at 816 and 927°C. The cracking path became dominantly intergranular if the hold time increased to 2 min, indicating that the time-dependent damage mechanisms were in control. The Ct and (Ct)avg parameters were capable of consolidating time dependent crack growth rate from different temperatures and alloys. The tests were conducted in air. Therefore, the fracture surfaces were frequently covered with a dark layer of oxides, making fracture feature difficult to identify under scanning-electron-microscopy. To overcome this problem, an oxide-stripping technique has been developed. The sample is first boiled in a potassium permanganate solution for 1 h, and then electrolytically cleaned in an alkaline solution for 5 min.

Dynamics of Nanoscale Grain-Boundary Decohesion in Aluminum by Molecular-Dynamics Simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yamakov, V.; Saether, E.; Phillips, D. R.; Glaessegen, E. H.

2007-01-01

The dynamics and energetics of intergranular crack growth along a flat grain boundary in aluminum is studied by a molecular-dynamics simulation model for crack propagation under steady-state conditions. Using the ability of the molecular-dynamics simulation to identify atoms involved in different atomistic mechanisms, it was possible to identify the energy contribution of different processes taking place during crack growth. The energy contributions were divided as: elastic energy, defined as the potential energy of the atoms in fcc crystallographic state; and plastically stored energy, the energy of stacking faults and twin boundaries; grain-boundary and surface energy. In addition, monitoring the amount of heat exchange with the molecular-dynamics thermostat gives the energy dissipated as heat in the system. The energetic analysis indicates that the majority of energy in a fast growing crack is dissipated as heat. This dissipation increases linearly at low speed, and faster than linear at speeds approaching 1/3 the Rayleigh wave speed when the crack tip becomes dynamically unstable producing periodic dislocation bursts until the crack is blunted.

Effect of pre-strain on creep of three AISI 316 austenitic stainless steels in relation to reheat cracking of weld-affected zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Auzoux, Q.; Allais, L.; Caës, C.; Monnet, I.; Gourgues, A. F.; Pineau, A.

2010-05-01

Microstructural modifications induced by welding of 316 stainless steels and their effect on creep properties and relaxation crack propagation were examined. Cumulative strain due to multi-pass welding hardens the materials by increasing the dislocation density. Creep tests were conducted on three plates from different grades of 316 steel at 600 °C, with various carbon and nitrogen contents. These plates were tested both in the annealed condition and after warm rolling, which introduced pre-strain. It was found that the creep strain rate and ductility after warm rolling was reduced compared with the annealed condition. Moreover, all steels exhibited intergranular crack propagation during relaxation tests on Compact Tension specimens in the pre-strained state, but not in the annealed state. These results confirmed that the reheat cracking risk increases with both residual stress triaxiality and pre-strain. On the contrary, high solute content and strain-induced carbide precipitation, which are thought to increase reheat cracking risk of stabilised austenitic stainless steels did not appear as key parameters in reheat cracking of 316 stainless steels.

Irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking of model austenitic stainless steel.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chung, H. M.; Ruther, W. E.; Strain, R. V.

1999-10-26

Slow-strain-rate tensile (SSRT) tests were conducted on model austenitic stainless steel (SS) alloys that were irradiated at 289 C in He. After irradiation to {approx}0.3 x 10{sup 21} n {center_dot} cm{sup 2} and {approx} 0.9 x 10{sup 21} n {center_dot} cm{sup -2} (E > 1 MeV), significant heat-to-heat variations in the degree of intergranular and transgranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC and TGSCC) were observed. At {approx}0.3 x 10{sup 21} n {center_dot} cm{sup -2}, a high-purity heat of Type 316L SS that contains a very low concentration of Si exhibited the highest susceptibility to IGSCC. In unirradiated state, Types 304 andmore » 304L SS did not exhibit a systematic effect of Si content on alloy strength. However, at {approx}0.3 x 10{sup 21} n {center_dot} cm{sup -2}, yield and maximum strengths decreased significantly as Si content was increased to >0.9 wt.%. Among alloys that contain low concentrations of C and N, ductility and resistance to TGSCC and IGSCC were significantly greater for alloys with >0.9 wt.% Si than for alloys with <0.47 wt.% Si. Initial data at {approx}0.9 x 10{sup 21} n {center_dot} cm{sup -2} were also consistent with the beneficial effect of high Si content. This indicates that to delay onset of and reduce susceptibility to irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking (IASCC), at least at low fluence levels, it is helpful to ensure a certain minimum concentration of Si. High concentrations of Cr were also beneficial; alloys that contain <15.5 wt.% Cr exhibited greater susceptibility to IASCC than alloys with {approx}18 wt.% Cr, whereas an alloy that contains >21 wt.% Cr exhibited less susceptibility than the lower-Cr alloys under similar conditions.« less

Oxidation and the Effects of High Temperature Exposures on Notched Fatigue Life of an Advanced Powder Metallurgy Disk Superalloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sudbrack, Chantal K.; Draper, Susan L.; Gorman, Timothy T.; Telesman, Jack; Gab, Timothy P.; Hull, David R.

2012-01-01

Oxidation and the effects of high temperature exposures on notched fatigue life were considered for a powder metallurgy processed supersolvus heat-treated ME3 disk superalloy. The isothermal static oxidation response at 704 C, 760 C, and 815 C was consistent with other chromia forming nickel-based superalloys: a TiO2-Cr2O3 external oxide formed with a branched Al2O3 internal subscale that extended into a recrystallized - dissolution layer. These surface changes can potentially impact disk durability, making layer growth rates important. Growth of the external scales and dissolution layers followed a cubic rate law, while Al2O3 subscales followed a parabolic rate law. Cr- rich M23C6 carbides at the grain boundaries dissolved to help sustain Cr2O3 growth to depths about 12 times thicker than the scale. The effect of prior exposures was examined through notched low cycle fatigue tests performed to failure in air at 704 C. Prior exposures led to pronounced debits of up to 99 % in fatigue life, where fatigue life decreased inversely with exposure time. Exposures that produced roughly equivalent 1 m thick external scales at the various isotherms showed statistically equivalent fatigue lives, establishing that surface damage drives fatigue debit, not exposure temperature. Fractographic evaluation indicated the failure mode for the pre-exposed specimens involved surface crack initiations that shifted with exposure from predominately single intergranular initiations with transgranular propagation to multi-initiations from the cracked external oxide with intergranular propagation. Weakened grain boundaries at the surface resulting from the M23C6 carbide dissolution are partially responsible for the intergranular cracking. Removing the scale and subscale while leaving a layer where M23C6 carbides were dissolved did not lead to a significant fatigue life improvement, however, also removing the M23C6 carbide dissolution layer led to nearly full recovery of life, with a transgranular initiation typical to that observed in unexposed specimens.

High-Resolution Characterizations of Grain Boundary Damage and Stress Corrosion Cracks in Cold-Rolled Alloy 690

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bruemmer, S. M.; Olszta, M. J.; Toloczko, M. B.; Thomas, L. E.

Unidirectional cold rolling has been shown to promote intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) in alloy 690 tested in PWR primary water. High-resolution scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have been employed to investigate the microstructural reasons for this enhanced susceptibility in two stages, first examining grain boundary damage produced by cold rolling and second by characterization of stress corrosion crack tips. The degree of permanent grain boundary damage from cold rolling was found to depend directly on the initial IG precipitate distribution. Cold rolling to high levels of reduction was discovered to produce small IG voids and cracked carbides in alloys with a high density of grain boundary carbides. For the same degree of cold rolling, alloys with few IG carbides exhibited much less permanent damage. Although this difference in grain boundary damage appears to correlate with measured SCC growth rates, crack tip examinations reveal no interaction between the preexisting voids and cracked carbides with the propagation. In many cases, these features appeared to blunt propagation of IGSCC cracks. High-resolution characterizations are described for cold-rolled alloy 690 CRDM tubing and plate materials to gain insights into IGSCC mechanisms.

Fractographic evaluation of creep effects on strain-controlled fatigue-cracking of AISI 304LC and 316 stainless steel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oldrieve, R. E.

1978-01-01

Analysis of high temperature low cycle fatigue of AISI 304LC and 316 stainless steels by the method of strainrange partitioning results in four separate strainrange versus life relationships, depending upon the way in which creep-strain and plastic strain are combined within a cycle. Fractography is used in this investigation of the creep-fatigue interaction associated with these cycles. The PP and PC-cycle fractures were transgranular. The PC-cycle resulted in fewer cycles of initiation and shorter total cyclic life for the same applied inelastic strainrange. The CC-cycle had mixed transgranular and intergranular fracture, fewer cycles of initiation and shorter cycle life than PP or PC. The CP-cycle had fully integranular cracking, and failed in fewer cycles than were required for cracks to initate for PP,PC, and CC.

Investigation of HP Turbine Blade Failure in a Military Turbofan Engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, R. K.; Thomas, Johny; Srinivasan, K.; Nandi, Vaishakhi; Bhatt, R. Raghavendra

2017-04-01

Failure of a high pressure (HP) turbine blade in a military turbofan engine is investigated to determine the root cause of failure. Forensic and metallurgical investigations are carried out on the affected blades. The loss of coating and the presence of heavily oxidized intergranular fracture features including substrate material aging and airfoil curling in the trailing edge of a representative blade indicate that the coating is not providing adequate oxidation protection and the blade material substrate is not suitable for the application at hand. Coating spallation followed by substrate oxidation and aging leading to intergranular cracking and localized trailing edge curling is the root cause of the blade failure. The remaining portion of the blade fracture surface showed ductile overload features in the final failure. The damage observed in downstream components is due to secondary effects.

Effect of boron on intergranular hot cracking in Ni-Cr-Fe superalloys containing niobium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thompson, R. G.

1990-01-01

Solidification mechanisms had a dominant influence on microfissuring behavior of the test group. Carbon modified the Laves formation significantly and showed that one approach to alloy design would be balancing carbide formers against Laves formers. Boron's strong effect on microfissuring can be traced to its potency as a Laves former. Boron's segregation to grain boundaries plays at best a secondary role in microfissuring.

A 3D coupled hydro-mechanical granular model for the prediction of hot tearing formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sistaninia, M.; Phillion, A. B.; Drezet, J.-M.; Rappaz, M.

2012-07-01

A new 3D coupled hydro-mechanical granular model that simulates hot tearing formation in metallic alloys is presented. The hydro-mechanical model consists of four separate 3D modules. (I) The Solidification Module (SM) is used for generating the initial solid-liquid geometry. Based on a Voronoi tessellation of randomly distributed nucleation centers, this module computes solidification within each polyhedron using a finite element based solute diffusion calculation for each element within the tessellation. (II) The Fluid Flow Module (FFM) calculates the solidification shrinkage and deformation-induced pressure drop within the intergranular liquid. (III) The Semi-solid Deformation Module (SDM) is used to simulate deformation of the granular structure via a combined finite element / discrete element method. In this module, deformation of the solid grains is modeled using an elasto-viscoplastic constitutive law. (IV) The Failure Module (FM) is used to simulate crack initiation and propagation with the fracture criterion estimated from the overpressure required to overcome the capillary forces at the liquid-gas interface. The FFM, SDM, and FM are coupled processes since solid deformation, intergranular flow, and crack initiation are deeply linked together. The granular model predictions have been validated against bulk data measured experimentally and calculated with averaging techniques.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhai, Ziqing; Kruska, Karen; Toloczko, Mychailo B.

Stress corrosion crack initiation of two thermally-treated, cold-worked (CW) alloy 690 materials was investigated in 360oC simulated PWR primary water using constant load tensile (CLT) tests and blunt notch compact tension (BNCT) tests equipped with direct current potential drop (DCPD) for in-situ detection of cracking. SCC initiation was not detected by DCPD for the 21% and 31%CW CLT specimens loaded at their yield stress after ~9,220 h, however intergranular (IG) precursor damage and isolated surface cracks were observed on the specimens. The two 31%CW BNCT specimens loaded at moderate stress intensity after several cyclic loading ramps showed DCPD-indicated crack initiationmore » after 10,400h exposure at constant stress intensity, which resulted from significant growth of IG cracks. The 21%CW BNCT specimens only exhibited isolated small IG surface cracks and showed no apparent DCPD change throughout the test. Interestingly, post-test cross-section examinations revealed many grain boundary (GB) nano-cavities in the bulk of all the CLT and BNCT specimens particularly for the 31%CW materials. Cavities were also found along GBs extending to the surface suggesting an important role in crack nucleation. This paper provides an overview of the evolution of GB cavities and will discuss their effects on crack initiation in CW alloy 690.« less

Effect of a heat treatment on the precipitation behavior and tensile properties of alloy 690 steam generator tubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Tae-Hyuk; Suh, Ho-Young; Han, Seul-Ki; Noh, Jae-Soo; Lee, Jong-Hyeon

2016-10-01

The intergranular carbide precipitation behavior and its effect on the tensile properties were investigated in alloy 690. The precipitation of intergranular carbides, identified as Cr-rich M23C6, was retarded on the low-angle grain boundaries and the coincidence-site lattice boundaries. The M23C6 carbides have a cube-cube orientation relationship with the matrix. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation of the solution annealed alloy 690 are 648.2 ± 8.2 MPa, 242.8 ± 10.5 MPa and 44.9 ± 2.3%, respectively. The ultimate tensile strength and the yield strength increased to 764.8 ± 7.8 MPa and 364.8 ± 10.2 MPa until the aging time reached 16 h. This increase is ascribed to the M23C6 carbide acting as reinforcements. However, when the aging time exceed 16 h, these properties gradually decreased with increasing aging time. The decrease in ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation were mainly caused by the intergranular cracking due to the low bond strength between the carbide and the matrix.

Experiment-based modelling of grain boundary β-phase (Mg2Al3) evolution during sensitisation of aluminium alloy AA5083.

PubMed

Zhang, R; Steiner, M A; Agnew, S R; Kairy, S K; Davies, C H J; Birbilis, N

2017-06-07

An empirical model for the evolution of β-phase (Mg 2 Al 3 ) along grain boundaries in aluminium alloy AA5083 (Al-Mg-Mn) during isothermal exposures is proposed herein. Developing a quantitative understanding of grain boundary precipitation is important to interpreting intergranular corrosion and stress corrosion cracking in this alloy system. To date, complete ab initio models for grain boundary precipitation based upon fundamental principles of thermodynamics and kinetics are not available, despite the critical role that such precipitates play in dictating intergranular corrosion phenomena. Empirical models can therefore serve an important role in advancing the understanding of grain boundary precipitation kinetics, which is an approach applicable beyond the present context. High resolution scanning electron microscopy was to quantify the size and distribution of β-phase precipitates on Ga-embrittled intergranular fracture surfaces of AA5083. The results are compared with the degree of sensitisation (DoS) as judged by nitric acid mass loss testing (ASTM-G67-04), and discussed with models for sensitisation in 5xxx series Al-alloys. The work herein allows sensitisation to be quantified from an unambiguous microstructural perspective.

Role of oxygen diffusion at Ni/Cr2O3 interface in intergranular oxidation of Ni-Cr alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Medasani, Bharat; Sushko, Maria; Schreiber, Daniel; Rosso, Kevin; Bruemmer, Stephen

Certain Ni-Cr alloys used in nuclear systems experience intergranular oxidation and stress corrosion cracking when exposed to high-temperature water leading to their degradation and unexpected failure. To develop a mechanistic understanding of grain boundary oxidation processes, we proposed a mesoscale metal alloy oxidation model that combines quantum Density Functional Theory (DFT) with mesoscopic Poisson-Nernst-Planck/classical DFT. This framework encompasses the chemical specificity of elementary diffusion processes and mesoscale reactive dynamics, and allows modeling oxidation processes on experimentally relevant length scales from first principles. As a proof of concept, a preliminary model was previously employed that limited oxygen diffusion pathways to those through the oxide phase and did not allow oxygen diffusion in the alloy or across oxide/alloy interfaces. In this work, we expand the model to include oxygen diffusion pathways along Ni/Cr2O3 interfaces and demonstrate the increasing importance of such pathways for intergranular oxidation of Ni-Cr alloys with high Cr content. This work is supported by the U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences, Materials Sciences and Engineering Division. Simulations are performed using PNNL Institutional Computing facility.

Hydrogen-enhanced-plasticity mediated decohesion for hydrogen-induced intergranular and ``quasi-cleavage'' fracture of lath martensitic steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagao, Akihide; Dadfarnia, Mohsen; Somerday, Brian P.; Sofronis, Petros; Ritchie, Robert O.

2018-03-01

Hydrogen embrittlement of lath martenistic steels is characterized by intergranular and "quasi-cleavage" transgranular fracture. Recent transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses (Nagao et al., 2012a, 2014a, 2014b, 2014c) of samples lifted from beneath fracture surfaces through focused ion beam machining (FIB) revealed a failure mechanism that can be termed hydrogen-enhanced-plasticity mediated decohesion. Fracture occurs by the synergistic action of the hydrogen-enhanced localized plasticity and decohesion. In particular, intergranular cracking takes place by dislocation pile-ups impinging on prior austenite grain boundaries and "quasi-cleavage" is the case when dislocation pile-ups impinge on block boundaries. These high-angle boundaries, which have already weakened by the presence of hydrogen, debond by the pile-up stresses. The micromechanical model of Novak et al. (2010) is used to quantitatively describe and predict the hydrogen-induced failure of these steels. The model predictions verify that introduction of nanosized (Ti,Mo)C precipitates in the steel microstructure enhances the resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. The results are used to discuss microstructural designs that are less susceptible to hydrogen-induced failure in systems with fixed hydrogen content (closed systems).

Accelerated Stress Corrosion Crack Initiation of Alloys 600 and 690 in Hydrogenated Supercritical Water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moss, Tyler; Was, Gary S.

2017-04-01

The objective of this study is to determine whether stress corrosion crack initiation of Alloys 600 and 690 occurs by the same mechanism in subcritical and supercritical water. Tensile bars of Alloys 690 and 600 were strained in constant extension rate tensile experiments in hydrogenated subcritical and supercritical water from 593 K to 723 K (320 °C to 450 °C), and the crack initiation behavior was characterized by high-resolution electron microscopy. Intergranular cracking was observed across the entire temperature range, and the morphology, structure, composition, and temperature dependence of initiated cracks in Alloy 690 were consistent between hydrogenated subcritical and supercritical water. Crack initiation of Alloy 600 followed an Arrhenius relationship and did not exhibit a discontinuity or change in slope after crossing the critical temperature. The measured activation energy was 121 ± 13 kJ/mol. Stress corrosion crack initiation in Alloy 690 was fit with a single activation energy of 92 ± 12 kJ/mol across the entire temperature range. Cracks were observed to propagate along grain boundaries adjacent to chromium-depleted metal, with Cr2O3 observed ahead of crack tips. All measures of the SCC behavior indicate that the mechanism for stress corrosion crack initiation of Alloy 600 and Alloy 690 is consistent between hydrogenated subcritical and supercritical water.

Effect of solution treatment on stress corrosion cracking behavior of an as-forged Mg-Zn-Y-Zr alloy

PubMed Central

Wang, S. D.; Xu, D. K.; Wang, B. J.; Sheng, L. Y.; Han, E. H.; Dong, C.

2016-01-01

Effect of solid solution treatment (T4) on stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of an as-forged Mg-6.7%Zn-1.3%Y-0.6%Zr (in wt.%) alloy has been investigated using slow strain rate tensile (SSRT) testing in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. The results demonstrated that the SCC susceptibility index (ISCC) of as-forged samples was 0.95 and its elongation-to-failure (εf) was only 1.1%. After T4 treatment, the SCC resistance was remarkably improved. The ISCC and εf values of T4 samples were 0.86 and 3.4%, respectively. Fractography and surface observation indicated that the stress corrosion cracking mode for as-forged samples was dominated by transgranular and partially intergranular morphology, whereas the cracking mode for T4 samples was transgranular. In both cases, the main cracking mechanism was associated with hydrogen embrittlement (HE). Through alleviating the corrosion attack of Mg matrix, the influence of HE on the SCC resistance of T4 samples can be greatly suppressed. PMID:27387817

Corrosion and Potentiostatic Polarization of an Al-Cu-Li Alloy under Tensile Stress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jin-feng; Zheng, Zi-qiao

The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of an Al-3.8Cu-1.5Li-0.5Zn-0.5Mg-0.3Mn alloy in 3.5% NaCl solution was studied through using slow strain rate tension(SSRT). The potentiodynamic polarization and anodic potentiostastic polarization of the stressed and stress free alloy with T6 temper were investigated. The tensile stress decreased the break down potential. The alloy was sensitive to intergranular SCC (IGSCC), due to the continuous distribution of anodic phase of T2(Al6CuLi3) along the grain boundary. During the potentiostastic polarization, the current-time curve of the stressed alloy displayed a repeated transient feature that the current increased suddenly followed by a slower recovery, and corrosion crack appeared along the grain boundary. While the stress free alloy did not show this current feature and corrosion crack along the grain boundary. The repeated current transient was associated with the crack tip propagation and crack wall passivation. This feature may be used to analyze the SCC process.

The effect of carbon distribution on deformation and cracking of Ni-16Cr-9Fe-C alloys

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hertzberg, J.L.; Was, G.S.

1995-12-31

Constant extension rate tensile (CERT) tests and constant load tensile (CLT) tests were conducted on controlled purity Ni-16Cr-9Fe-C alloys. The amount and form of carbon were varied in order to investigate the roles of carbon in solution and as intergranular (IG) carbides in the deformation and IG cracking behavior in 360 C argon and primary water environments. Results show that the strength, ductility and creep resistance of these alloys are increased with carbon present in solid solution, while IG cracking on the fracture surface is suppressed. Alloys containing carbon in the form of IG carbides, however, exhibit reduced strength andmore » ductility relative to carbon in solution, while maintaining high IG cracking resistance with respect to carbon-free alloys. CERT results of commercial alloy 600 and controlled purity, carbon containing alloys yield comparable failure strains and IG cracking amounts. CLT comparisons with creep tests of alloy 600 suggest that alloys containing IG carbides are more susceptible to creep than those containing all carbon in solid solution.« less

Grain boundary damage evolution and SCC initiation of cold-worked alloy 690 in simulated PWR primary water

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhai, Ziqing; Toloczko, Mychailo B.; Kruska, Karen

Long-term grain boundary (GB) damage evolution and stress corrosion crack initiation in alloy 690 are being investigated by constant load tensile testing in high-temperature, simulated PWR primary water. Six commercial alloy 690 heats are being tested in various cold work conditions loaded at their yield stress. This paper reviews the basic test approach and detailed characterizations performed on selected specimens after an exposure time of ~1 year. Intergranular crack nucleation was observed under constant stress in certain highly cold-worked (CW) alloy 690 heats and was found to be associated with the formation of GB cavities. Somewhat surprisingly, the heats mostmore » susceptible to cavity formation and crack nucleation were thermally treated materials with most uniform coverage of small GB carbides. Microstructure, % cold work and applied stress comparisons are made among the alloy 690 heats to better understand the factors influencing GB cavity formation and crack initiation.« less

Fracture toughness of Alloy 690 and EN52 weld in air and water

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brown, C.M.; Mills, W.J.

1999-06-01

The effect of low and high temperature water with high hydrogen on the fracture toughness of Alloy 690 and its weld, EN52, was characterized using elastic-plastic J{sub IC} methodology. While both materials display excellent fracture resistance in air and elevated temperature (>93 C) water, a dramatic degradation in toughness is observed in 54 C water. The loss of toughness is associated with a hydrogen-induced intergranular cracking mechanism where hydrogen is picked up from the water. Comparison of the cracking behavior in low temperature water with that for hydrogen-precharged specimens tested in air indicates that the critical local hydrogen content requiredmore » to cause low temperature embrittlement is on the order of 120 to 160 ppm. Loading rate studies show that the cracking resistance is significantly improved at rates above ca. 1000 MPa{radical}m/h because there is insufficient time to produce grain boundary embrittlement. Electron fractographic examinations were performed to correlate cracking behavior with microstructural features and operative fracture mechanics.« less

Fracture toughness of alloy 690 and EN52 welds in air and water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, C. M.; Mills, W. J.

2002-06-01

The effect of low- and high-temperature water with high hydrogen on the fracture toughness of alloy 690 and its weld, EN52, was characterized using elastic-plastic J IC methodology. While both materials display excellent fracture resistance in air and elevated-temperature (>93 °C) water, a dramatic degradation in toughness is observed in 54 °C water. The loss of toughness is associated with a hydrogen-induced intergranular cracking mechanism, where hydrogen is picked up from the water. Comparison of the cracking behavior in low-temperature water with that for hydrogen-precharged specimens tested in air indicates that the critical local hydrogen content required to cause low-temperature embrittlement is on the order of 120 to 160 ppm. Loading-rate studies show that cracking resistance is improved at rates above ˜ 1000 MPa √m/h, because there is insufficient time to produce grain-boundary embrittlement. Electron fractographic examinations were performed to correlate cracking behavior with microstructural features and operative fracture mechanisms.

Fractography and mechanisms of environmentally enhanced fatigue crack propagation of a reactor pressure vessel steel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Torronen, K.; Kemppainen, M.

1981-10-01

This paper describes the findings and interpretations of the fractographic survey conducted for the International Cyclic Crack Growth Rate (ICCGR) cooperative group round-robin specimens. Specimens of A533B pressure vessel steel were tested at several laboratories in the United States and elsewhere with the same nominal test parameters. A rather wide scatter of the results was found. A fractographic and metallographic survey was carried out in order to clarify the scatter and to evaluate the micromechanism of the crack growth. The fractographic findings are reported in detail and correlated to the crack growth behavior. A hydrogen-assisted crack propagation mechanism based onmore » the fractography is proposed and applied to the observed crack growth behavior.« less

Thermal-Mechanical Stress Analysis of PWR Pressure Vessel and Nozzles under Grid Load-Following Mode: Interim Report on the Effect of Cyclic Hardening Material Properties and Pre-existing Cracks on Stress Analysis Results

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mohanty, Subhasish; Soppet, William; Majumdar, Saurin

This report provides an update on an assessment of environmentally assisted fatigue for light water reactor components under extended service conditions. This report is a deliverable under the work package for environmentally assisted fatigue as part of DOE’s Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program. In a previous report (September 2015), we presented tensile and fatigue test data and related hardening material properties for 508 low-alloys steel base metal and other reactor metals. In this report, we present thermal-mechanical stress analysis of the reactor pressure vessel and its hot-leg and cold-leg nozzles based on estimated material properties. We also present results frommore » thermal and thermal-mechanical stress analysis under reactor heat-up, cool-down, and grid load-following conditions. Analysis results are given with and without the presence of preexisting cracks in the reactor nozzles (axial or circumferential crack). In addition, results from validation stress analysis based on tensile and fatigue experiments are reported.« less

Development of an expert system for fractography of environmentally assisted cracking

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Minoshima, Kohji; Komai, Kenjiro; Yamasaki, Norimasa

1997-12-31

An expert system that diagnoses the causes of failure of environmentally assisted cracking (EAC) based upon fractography has been developed. The system uses the OPS83 programming language, expressing rules in the manner of production rules, and is composed of three independent subsystems, which respectively deal with EACs of high-strength or high-tensile-strength steel, aluminum alloy, and stainless steel in dry and humidified air, water, and aqueous solutions containing Cl, Br, or I ions. The concerned EAC issues cover stress corrosion cracking (SCC), hydrogen embrittlement, cyclic SCC, dynamic SCC, and corrosion fatigue as well as fatigue and overload fracture. The knowledge basemore » covers the rules relating to not only environments, materials, and loading conditions, but also macroscopic and microscopic fracture surface morphology. In order to deal with vague expressions of fracture surface morphology, fuzzy set theory is used in the system, and the description of rules about vague fracture surface appearance is thereby possible. Applying the developed expert system to case histories, accurate diagnoses were made. The authors discuss the related diagnosis results and usefulness of the developed system.« less

Precursor Evolution and Stress Corrosion Cracking Initiation of Cold-Worked Alloy 690 in Simulated Pressurized Water Reactor Primary Water

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhai, Ziqing; Toloczko, Mychailo; Kruska, Karen

Stress corrosion crack initiation of two thermally-treated, cold-worked (CW) alloy 690 (UNS N06690) materials was investigated in 360oC simulated PWR primary water using constant load tensile (CLT) tests and blunt notch compact tension (BNCT) tests equipped with direct current potential drop (DCPD) for in-situ detection of cracking. SCC initiation was not detected by DCPD for either the 21% or 31%CW CLT specimens loaded at their yield stress after ~9,220 hours, however intergranular (IG) precursor damage and isolated surface cracks were observed on the specimens. The two 31%CW BNCT specimens loaded at moderate stress intensity after several cyclic loading ramps showedmore » DCPD-indicated crack initiation after 10,400 hours of exposure at constant stress intensity, which was resulted from significant growth of IG cracks. The 21%CW BNCT specimens only exhibited isolated small IG surface cracks and showed no apparent DCPD change throughout the test. Post-test cross-section examinations revealed many grain boundary (GB) nano-cavities in the bulk of all the CLT and BNCT specimens particularly for the 31%CW materials. Cavities were also found along GBs extending to the surface suggesting an important role in crack nucleation. This paper provides an overview of the evolution of GB cavities and discusses their effects on crack initiation in CW alloy 690.« less

Finite element analysis of the influence of elastic anisotropy on stress intensification at stress corrosion cracking initiation sites in fcc alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meric de Bellefon, G.; van Duysen, J. C.

2018-05-01

A recent finite-element method (FEM)-based study from the present authors quantified the effect of elastic anisotropy of grains on stress intensification at potential intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) initiation sites in austenitic stainless steels. In particular, it showed that the auxetic behavior of grains (negative Poisson's ratio) in some directions plays a very important role in IGSCC initiation, since it can induce local stress intensification factors of about 1.6. A similar effect is expected for other fcc alloys such as Ni-based alloys. The present article confirms those results and paves the way to the definition of an IGSCC susceptibility index by identifying grain configurations that are the most favorable for crack initiation. The index will rely on the probability to get those configurations on surface of specimens.

Main steam-line break core shroud loading calculations for BWRs

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shoop, U.; Feltus, M.A.; Baratta, A.J.

1995-12-31

In July 1994, the U.S. Nuclear regulatory Commission sent out Generic Letter 94-03 to all boiling water reactors in the United States, informing them of intergranular stress corrosion cracking of core shrouds found in 2 reactors. The letter directed all to perform safety analysis of the BWR units. Penn State performed scoping calculations to determine the forces experienced by the core shroud during a main-stream line break transient.

Intergranular Cracking as a Major Cause of Long-Term Capacity Fading of Layered Cathodes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Hao; Wolf, Mark; Karki, Khim

Capacity fading has limited commercial layered Li-ion battery electrodes to <70% of their theoretical capacity. Higher capacities can be achieved initially by charging to higher voltages, however, these gains are quickly eroded by a faster fade in capacity. In-creasing lifetimes and reversible capacity is contingent on identifying the origin of this capacity fade to inform electrode design and synthesis. We must understand how the battery reactions change following capacity loss after long-term cycling. Using operando X-ray diffraction, we followed the reaction of a LiNi 0.8Co 0.15Al 0.05O 2 (NCA) electrode after months of charge-discharge cycles. Furthermore, the heterogeneous reaction kineticsmore » observed during extended cycles quantitatively explain the capacity loss, which is ultimately attributed to inter-granular fracturing that degrades the connectivity of sub-surface grains within the polycrystalline NCA aggregate.« less

Intergranular Cracking as a Major Cause of Long-Term Capacity Fading of Layered Cathodes

DOE PAGES

Liu, Hao; Wolf, Mark; Karki, Khim; ...

2017-05-26

Capacity fading has limited commercial layered Li-ion battery electrodes to <70% of their theoretical capacity. Higher capacities can be achieved initially by charging to higher voltages, however, these gains are quickly eroded by a faster fade in capacity. In-creasing lifetimes and reversible capacity is contingent on identifying the origin of this capacity fade to inform electrode design and synthesis. We must understand how the battery reactions change following capacity loss after long-term cycling. Using operando X-ray diffraction, we followed the reaction of a LiNi 0.8Co 0.15Al 0.05O 2 (NCA) electrode after months of charge-discharge cycles. Furthermore, the heterogeneous reaction kineticsmore » observed during extended cycles quantitatively explain the capacity loss, which is ultimately attributed to inter-granular fracturing that degrades the connectivity of sub-surface grains within the polycrystalline NCA aggregate.« less

Intergranular Cracking as a Major Cause of Long-Term Capacity Fading of Layered Cathodes.

PubMed

Liu, Hao; Wolf, Mark; Karki, Khim; Yu, Young-Sang; Stach, Eric A; Cabana, Jordi; Chapman, Karena W; Chupas, Peter J

2017-06-14

Capacity fading has limited commercial layered Li-ion battery electrodes to <70% of their theoretical capacity. Higher capacities can be achieved initially by charging to higher voltages, however, these gains are eroded by a faster fade in capacity. Increasing lifetimes and reversible capacity are contingent on identifying the origin of this capacity fade to inform electrode design and synthesis. We used operando X-ray diffraction to observe how the lithiation-delithiation reactions within a LiNi 0.8 Co 0.15 Al 0.05 O 2 (NCA) electrode change after capacity fade following months of slow charge-discharge. The changes in the reactions that underpin energy storage after long-term cycling directly correlate to the capacity loss; heterogeneous reaction kinetics observed during extended cycles quantitatively account for the capacity loss. This reaction heterogeneity is ultimately attributed to intergranular fracturing that degrades the connectivity of subsurface grains within the polycrystalline NCA aggregate.

Environmental Effect on Evolutionary Cyclic Plasticity Material Parameters of 316 Stainless Steel: An Experimental & Material Modeling Approach

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mohanty, Subhasish; Soppet, William K.; Majumdar, Saurin

2014-09-20

This report provides an update on an earlier assessment of environmentally assisted fatigue for light water reactor (LWR) materials under extended service conditions. This report is a deliverable under the work package for environmentally assisted fatigue in the Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) program. The overall objective of this LWRS project is to assess the degradation by environmentally assisted cracking/fatigue of LWR materials such as various alloy base metals and their welds used in reactor coolant system piping. This effort is to support the Department of Energy LWRS program for developing tools to understand the aging/failure mechanism and to predictmore » the remaining life of LWR components for anticipated 60-80 year operation.« less

Corrosion pitting and environmentally assisted small crack growth

PubMed Central

Turnbull, Alan

2014-01-01

In many applications, corrosion pits act as precursors to cracking, but qualitative and quantitative prediction of damage evolution has been hampered by lack of insights into the process by which a crack develops from a pit. An overview is given of recent breakthroughs in characterization and understanding of the pit-to-crack transition using advanced three-dimensional imaging techniques such as X-ray computed tomography and focused ion beam machining with scanning electron microscopy. These techniques provided novel insights with respect to the location of crack development from a pit, supported by finite-element analysis. This inspired a new concept for the role of pitting in stress corrosion cracking based on the growing pit inducing local dynamic plastic strain, a critical factor in the development of stress corrosion cracks. Challenges in quantifying the subsequent growth rate of the emerging small cracks are then outlined with the potential drop technique being the most viable. A comparison is made with the growth rate for short cracks (through-thickness crack in fracture mechanics specimen) and long cracks and an electrochemical crack size effect invoked to rationalize the data. PMID:25197249

A potentiodynamic study of aluminum-lithium alloys in an aqueous sodium chloride environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tsao, C.-H. T.; Pizzo, P. P.

1985-01-01

The characteristics of the potentiodynamic curves for Al-Li alloys in 3.5 percent NaCl aqueous solution are explained and the electrochemical parameters of the potentiodynamic technique are correlated to observed pitting and intergranular cracking behavior. It is shown that the oxygen content of the sodium chloride electrolyte plays an important role in the electrochemical behavior of Al-Li alloys. The potentiodynamic behavior of the alloys is found to be insensitive to variation in compositional content and heat treatment, both of which affect the stress-corrosion behavior. Stringer oxide particle attack and random pitting are observed. It is shown that alternate-immersion exposure prior to potentiodynamic polarization may offer a means of assessing susceptibility to stress-corrosion cracking.

Crack initiation and potential hot-spot formation around a cylindrical defect under dynamic compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Xiao; Li, Xinguo; Zheng, Xianxu; Li, Kewu; Hu, Qiushi; Li, Jianling

2017-11-01

In recent decades, the hot-spot theory of condensed-phase explosives has been a compelling focus of scientific investigation attracting many researchers. The defect in the polymeric binder of the polymer-bonded explosive is called the intergranular defect. In this study, the real polymeric binder was substituted by poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as it is transparent and has similar thermodynamic properties to some binders. A set of modified split Hopkinson pressure bars equipped with a time-resolved shadowgraph was used to study the process of crack initiation and potential hot-spot formation around a cylindrical defect in PMMA. The new and significant phenomenon that the opening-mode crack emerged earlier than the shearing-mode crack from the cylindrical defect has been published for the first time in this paper. Furthermore, a two-dimensional numerical simulation was performed to show the evolution of both the stress field and the temperature field. The simulation results were in good agreement with the experiment. Finally, the law of potential hot-spot formation is discussed in detail.

SCC of Alloy 690 and its Weld Metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andresen, Peter L.; Morra, Martin M.; Ahluwalia, Kawaljit

Alloy 690 base metal, HAZ and weld metal were tested in representative PWR primary water at 290 to 360°C. Intergranular cracking was observed in all materials. Growth rates as high as 1.2 × 10-6 mm/s were observed in the S-L orientation with micro structural banded material after cold rolling or forging to align the planes of banding, rolling and cracking. However, not all banded material has exhibited such high growth rates. Growth rates on homogeneous Alloy 690, including extruded CRDM tubing, often showed growth rates in the range of 2 - 8 × 10-8 mm/s in cold worked condition and an S-L orientation. Crack growth rates in some Alloy 690 tests were in the range of 1 to 10 × 10-9 mm/s, primarily in orientations other than S-L. For cracks aligned along the HAZ, growth rates as high as 1.2 × 10-8 mm/s were observed. Alloy 152/52/52i weld metals always exhibited low growth rates, apart from a weld that was further cold worked by 20%, which grew at 7 × 10-9 mm/s.

Effects of neutron irradiation on deformation behavior of nickel-base fastener alloys

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bajaj, R.; Mills, W.J.; Kammenzind, B.F.

1999-07-01

This paper presents the effects of neutron irradiation on the fracture behavior and deformation microstructure of high-strength nickel-base alloy fastener materials, Alloy X-750 and Alloy 625. Alloy X-750 in the HTH condition, and Alloy 625 in the direct aged condition were irradiated to a fluence of 2.4x10{sup 20} n/cm{sup 2} at 264 C in the Advanced Test Reactor. Deformation structures at low strains were examined. It was previously shown that Alloy X-750 undergoes hardening, a significant degradation in ductility and an increase in intergranular fracture. In contrast, Alloy 625 had shown softening with a concomitant increase in ductility and transgranularmore » failure after irradiation. The deformation microstructures of the two alloys were also different. Alloy X-750 deformed by a planar slip mechanism with fine microcracks forming at the intersections of slip bands with grain boundaries. Alloy 625 showed much more homogeneous deformation with fine, closely spaced slip bands and an absence of microcracks. The mechanism(s) of irradiation assisted stress corrosion cracking (IASCC) are discussed.« less

Low cycle fatigue behavior of polycrystalline NiAl at 300 and 1000 K

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lerch, Bradley A.; Noebe, Ronald D.

1993-01-01

The low cycle fatigue behavior of polycrystalline NiAl was determined at 300 and 1000 K - temperatures below and above the brittle- to-ductile transition temperature (BDTT). Fully reversed, plastic strain-controlled fatigue tests were conducted on two differently fabricated alloy samples: hot isostatically pressed (HIP'ed) prealloyed powder and hot extruded castings. HIP'ed powder (HP) samples were tested only at 1000 K, whereas the more ductile cast-and-extruded (C+E) NiAl samples were tested at both 1000 and 300 K. Plastic strain ranges of 0.06 to 0.2 percent were used. The C+E NiAl cyclically hardened until fracture, reaching stress levels approximately 60 percent greater than the ultimate tensile strength of the alloy. Compared on a strain basis, NiAl had a much longer fatigue life than other B2 ordered compounds in which fracture initiated at processing-related defects. These defects controlled fatigue life at 300 K, with fracture occurring rapidly once a critical stress level was reached. At 1000 K, above the BDTT, both the C+E and HP samples cyclically softened during most of the fatigue tests in air and were insensitive to processing defects. The processing method did not have a major effect on fatigue life; the lives of the HP samples were about a factor of three shorter than the C+E NiAl, but this was attributed to the lower stress response of the C+E material. The C+E NiAl underwent dynamic grain growth, whereas the HP material maintained a constant grain size during testing. In both materials, fatigue life was controlled by intergranular cavitation and creep processes, which led to fatigue crack growth that was primarily intergranular in nature. Final fracture by overload was transgranular in nature. Also, HP samples tested in vacuum had a life three times longer than their counterparts tested in air and, in contrast to those tested in air, hardened continuously over half of the sample life, thereby indicating an environmentally assisted fatigue damage mechanism. The C+E samples were tested only in air. At 1000 K, NiAl exhibited a superior fatigue life when compared to most superalloys on a plastic strain basis, but was inferior to most superalloys on a stress basis.

Oxidation products of INCONEL alloys 600 and 690 in pressurized water reactor environments and their role in intergranular stress corrosion cracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferguson, J. B.; Lopez, Hugo F.

2006-08-01

In this work, thermodynamic arguments for the stability of Ni and Cr compounds developed under pressurized water reactor environments ( P_{H_2 O} and P_{H_2 } ) were experimentally tested. A mechanism is proposed to explain crack initiation and propagation alloy 600 along the grain boundaries, where Cr2O3 has formed from the leaching of Cr from the matrix, leaving behind a porous Ni-rich region. The mechanism is based on the thermodynamic potential for the transformation of a protective NiO surface layer into an amorphous nonprotective Ni(OH)2 gel. This gel would also form along the grain boundaries and when hydrogenated steam reaches the porous Ni-rich regions. Crack initiation is then favored by tensile stressing of the grain boundary regions, which can easily rupture the gelatinous film. The leaching of matrix Cr to form nonprotective CrOOH gel at the crack tip followed by the exposure of fresh porous Ni to the environment could explain crack propagation in INCONEL alloy 600. The proposed crack initiation mechanism is not expected to occur in alloy 690 where a protective Cr2O3 film covers the entire metal surface. However, crack propagation along the grain boundaries in alloy 600 and precracked alloy 690 is expected to be active as hydroxide-forming reactions weaken the boundaries.

Investigation into the stress corrosion cracking properties of AA2099, an aluminum-lithium-copper alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Padgett, Barbara Nicole

Recently developed Al-Li-Cu alloys show great potential for implementation in the aerospace industry because of the attractive mix of good mechanical properties and low density. AA2099 is an Al-Li-Cu alloy with the following composition Al-2.69wt%Cu-1.8wt%Li-0.6wt%Zn-0.3wt%Mg-0.3wt%Mn-0.08wt%Zr. The environmental assisted cracking and localized corrosion behavior of the AA2099 was investigated in this thesis. The consequences of uncontrolled grain boundary precipitation via friction stir welding on the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of AA2099 was investigated first. Using constant extension rate testing, intergranular corrosion immersion experiments, and potentiodynamic scans, the heat-affected zone on the trailing edge of the weld (HTS) was determined to be most susceptible of the weld zones. The observed SCC behavior for the HTS was linked to the dissolution of an active phase (Al2CuLi, T1) populating the grain boundary. It should be stated that the SCC properties of AA2099 in the as-received condition were determined to be good. Focus was then given to the electrochemical behavior of precipitate phases that may occupy grain and sub-grain boundaries in AA2099. The grain boundary micro-chemistry and micro-electrochemistry have been alluded to within the literature as having significant influence on the SCC behavior of Al-Li-Cu alloys. Major precipitates found in this alloy system are T1 (Al 2CuLi), T2 (Al7.5Cu4Li), T B (Al6CuLi3), and theta (Al2 Cu). These phases were produced in bulk form so that the electrochemical nature of each phase could be characterized. It was determined T1 was most active electrochemically and theta was least. When present on grain boundaries in the alloy, electrochemical behavior of the individual precipitates aligned with the observed corrosion behavior of the alloy (e.g. TB was accompanied by general pitting corrosion and T 1 was accompanied by intergranular corrosion attack). In addition to the electrochemical behavior of the above-mentioned intermetallics, the phenomenon of Zn substituting for Cu in T1 was also studied. It was determined that for Zn substitutions up to 8.4wt%, improved corrosion behavior of T 1 would occur by dealloying of Zn and Li. Lastly, isothermal aging treatments at 160°C and 190°C were conducted to vary the grain boundary structures in a systematic way. The SCC behaviors for the under-aged, peak-aged, and over-aged condition were studied using CERT and alternate immersion testing at each temperature. The severely under-aged condition (≤ 9 hours) at 160°C proved to have poorest SCC resistance. The over-aged condition at 160°C (≥ 24 hours) also had degraded SCC resistance. In contrast the 190°C isothermal aging condition produced better SCC resistance than 160°C isothermal aging temperature for all conditions. The differences in behavior were linked to the species populating the grain boundaries in each isothermal aging condition (T2 at 190°C and T1 at 160°C).

Heat treatment of NiCrFe alloy 600 to optimize resistance to intergranular stress corrosion

DOEpatents

Steeves, A.F.; Bibb, A.E.

A process of producing a NiCrFe alloy having a high resistance to stress corrosion cracking comprises heating a NiCrFe alloy to a temperature sufficient to enable the carbon present in the alloy body in the form of carbide deposits to enter into solution, rapidly cooling the alloy body, and heating the cooled body to a temperature between 1100 to 1500/sup 0/F for about 1 to 30 hours.

Grain boundary microstructure, chemistry, and IGSCC in Alloy 600 and Alloy 690

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Norring, K.; Stiller, K.; Nilsson, J.O.

1992-12-31

The resistance to intergranular stress corrosion cracking of six different Alloy 600 and Alloy 690 steam generator tubes has been investigated. The composition of the materials at grain boundaries has been investigated using analytical transmission electron microscopy and atom probe field ion microscopy techniques. The depletion of chromium at the grain boundaries has been related to the type of grain boundary precipitates. Segregation of carbon and boron to the grain boundaries has been observed and quantified.

Hydrogen Induced Intergranular Cracking of Nickel-Base Alloys.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-02-01

alloys are discussed. Experimental The steel used in the present investigation is a fully bainitic 2 1/4 Cr-lMo pressure vessel steel , ASTM A542 Class 3...Appendix A describes recent experiments performed in order to study the influence of plastic deformation on hydrogen transport in a 214 Cr-lMo steel (8...PLASTIC DEFORMATION ON HYDROGEN TRANSPORT IN 2 1/4 Cr-lMo STEEL M. Kurkela, G.S. Frankel, and R.M. Latanision Department of Materials Science and

Two dimensional modeling of elastic wave propagation in solids containing cracks with rough surfaces and friction - Part II: Numerical implementation.

PubMed

Delrue, Steven; Aleshin, Vladislav; Truyaert, Kevin; Bou Matar, Olivier; Van Den Abeele, Koen

2018-01-01

Our study aims at the creation of a numerical toolbox that describes wave propagation in samples containing internal contacts (e.g. cracks, delaminations, debondings, imperfect intergranular joints) of known geometry with postulated contact interaction laws including friction. The code consists of two entities: the contact model and the solid mechanics module. Part I of the paper concerns an in-depth description of a constitutive model for realistic contacts or cracks that takes into account the roughness of the contact faces and the associated effects of friction and hysteresis. In the crack model, three different contact states can be recognized: contact loss, total sliding and partial slip. Normal (clapping) interactions between the crack faces are implemented using a quadratic stress-displacement relation, whereas tangential (friction) interactions were introduced using the Coulomb friction law for the total sliding case, and the Method of Memory Diagrams (MMD) in case of partial slip. In the present part of the paper, we integrate the developed crack model into finite element software in order to simulate elastic wave propagation in a solid material containing internal contacts or cracks. We therefore implemented the comprehensive crack model in MATLAB® and introduced it in the Structural Mechanics Module of COMSOL Multiphysics®. The potential of the approach for ultrasound based inspection of solids with cracks showing acoustic nonlinearity is demonstrated by means of an example of shear wave propagation in an aluminum sample containing a single crack with rough surfaces and friction. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fracture Characteristics of Monolayer CVD-Graphene

PubMed Central

Hwangbo, Yun; Lee, Choong-Kwang; Kim, Sang-Min; Kim, Jae-Hyun; Kim, Kwang-Seop; Jang, Bongkyun; Lee, Hak-Joo; Lee, Seoung-Ki; Kim, Seong-Su; Ahn, Jong-Hyun; Lee, Seung-Mo

2014-01-01

We have observed and analyzed the fracture characteristics of the monolayer CVD-graphene using pressure bulge testing setup. The monolayer CVD-graphene has appeared to undergo environmentally assisted subcritical crack growth in room condition, i.e. stress corrosion cracking arising from the adsorption of water vapor on the graphene and the subsequent chemical reactions. The crack propagation in graphene has appeared to be able to be reasonably tamed by adjusting applied humidity and stress. The fracture toughness, describing the ability of a material containing inherent flaws to resist catastrophic failure, of the CVD-graphene has turned out to be exceptionally high, as compared to other carbon based 3D materials. These results imply that the CVD-graphene could be an ideal candidate as a structural material notwithstanding environmental susceptibility. In addition, the measurements reported here suggest that specific non-continuum fracture behaviors occurring in 2D monoatomic structures can be macroscopically well visualized and characterized. PMID:24657996

Lead induced stress corrosion cracking of Alloy 690 in high temperature water

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chung, K.K.; Lim, J.K.; Moriya, Shinichi

1995-12-31

Recent investigations of cracked steam generator tubes at nuclear power plants concluded that lead significantly contributed to cracking the Alloy 600 materials. In order to investigate the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of Alloy 690, slow strain rate tests (SSRT) and anodic polarization measurements were performed. The SSRTs were conducted in a lead-chloride solution (PbCl{sub 2}) and in a chloride but lead free solution (NaCl) at pH of 3 and 4.5 at 288 C. The anodic polarization measurements were carried out at 30 C using the same solutions as in SSRT. The SSRT results showed that Alloy 690 was susceptiblemore » to SCC in both solutions. In the lead chloride solution, cracking had slight dependence on lead concentration and pH. Cracking tend to increase with a higher lead concentration and a lower pH and was mainly intergranular and was to be a few tens to hundreds micrometers in length. In the chloride only solution, cracking was similar to the lead induced SCC. The results of anodic polarization measurement and electron probe micro analysis (EPMA) helped to understand lead induced SCC. Lead was a stronger active corrosive element but had a minor affect on cracking susceptibility of the alloy. While, chloride was quite different from lead effect to SCC. A possible mechanism of lead induced SCC of Alloy 690 was also discussed based on the test results.« less

A study of creep crack growth in 2219-T851

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bensussan, Philippe L.; Jablonski, David A.; Pelloux, Regis M.

1984-01-01

Creep crack growth rates were measured in high strength 2219-T851 aluminum alloy with a computerized fully automated test procedure. Crack growth tests were performed on CT specimens with side grooves. The experimental set-up is described. During a test, the specimen is cyclically loaded on a servohydraulic testing machine under computer control, maintained at maximum load for a given hold time at each cycle, unloaded, and then reloaded. Crack lengths are obtained from compliance measurements recorded during each unloading. It is shown that the measured crack growth rates per cycle do represent creep crack growth rates per unit time for hold times longer than 10 seconds. The validity of LEFM concepts for side-grooved specimens is reviewed, and compliance and stress intensity factor calibrations for such specimens are reported. For the range of testing conditions of this study, 2219-T851 is shown to be creep brittle in terms of concepts of fracture mechanics of creeping solids. It is found that, under these testing conditions, a correlation exists between the creep crack growth rates under plane strain conditions and the stress intensity factor ( da/dt = A K 3.8 at 175 °C) for simple K histories in a regime of steady or quasi-steady state crack growth. The micromechanisms of fracture are determined to be of complex nature. The fracture mode is observed to be mixed inter- and transgranular, the relative amount of intergranular fracture decreasing as K and da/dt increase.

Stress-corrosion behavior of aluminum-lithium alloys in aqueous salt environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pizzo, P. P.; Galvin, R. P.; Nelson, H. G.

1984-01-01

The stress corrosion susceptibility of two powder metallurgy (P/M) alloys, Al-Li-Cu and Al-Li-Cu-Mg; two mechanically attrited (M/A) alloys, Al-Li-Cu and Al-Li-Mg; and two wrought, ingot alloys, X-2020 and AA7475, are compared. Time-dependent fracture in an aqueous sodium chloride environment under alternate immersion condition was found to vary significantly between alloys. The stress corrosion behavior of the two powder metallurgy processed alloys was studied in detail under conditions of crack initiation, static crack growth, and fatigue crack growth. A variety of stress corrosion tests were performed including smooth surface, time-to-failure tests; potentiostatic tests on smooth surfaces exposed to constant applied strain rates; and fracture mechanics-type tests under static and cyclic loads. Both alloys show surface pitting and subsequent intergranular corrosion. Pitting is more severe in the magnesium-bearing alloy and is associated with stringer particles strung along the extrusion direction as a result of P/M processing.

Stress-corrosion behavior of aluminum-lithium alloys in aqueous environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pizzo, P. P.; Galvin, R. P.; Nelson, H. G.

1983-01-01

The stress corrosion susceptibility of two powder metallurgy (P/M) alloys, Al-Li-Cu and Al-Li-Cu-Mg two mechanically attrited (M/A) alloys, Al-Li-Cu and Al-Li-Mg; and two wrought, ingot alloys, X-2020 and AA7475, are compared. Time-dependent fracture in an aqueous sodium chloride environment under alternate immersion condition was found to vary significantly between alloys. The stress corrosion behavior of the two powder metallurgy processed alloys was studied in detail under conditions of crack initiation, static crack growth, and fatigue crack growth. A variety of stress corrosion tests were performed including smooth surface, time-to-failure tests; potentiostatic tests on smooth surfaces exposed to constant applied strain rates; and fracture mechanics-type tests under static and cyclic loads. Both alloys show surface pitting and subsequent intergranular corrosion. Pitting is more severe in the magnesium-bearing alloy and is associated with stringer particles strung along the extrusion direction as a result of P/M processing.

Factors affecting stress assisted corrosion cracking of carbon steel under industrial boiler conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Dong

Failure of carbon steel boiler tubes from waterside has been reported in the utility boilers and industrial boilers for a long time. In industrial boilers, most waterside tube cracks are found near heavy attachment welds on the outer surface and are typically blunt, with multiple bulbous features indicating a discontinuous growth. These types of tube failures are typically referred to as stress assisted corrosion (SAC). For recovery boilers in the pulp and paper industry, these failures are particularly important as any water leak inside the furnace can potentially lead to smelt-water explosion. Metal properties, environmental variables, and stress conditions are the major factors influencing SAC crack initation and propagation in carbon steel boiler tubes. Slow strain rate tests (SSRT) were conducted under boiler water conditions to study the effect of temperature, oxygen level, and stress conditions on crack initation and propagation on SA-210 carbon steel samples machined out of boiler tubes. Heat treatments were also performed to develop various grain size and carbon content on carbon steel samples, and SSRTs were conducted on these samples to examine the effect of microstructure features on SAC cracking. Mechanisms of SAC crack initation and propagation were proposed and validated based on interrupted slow strain tests (ISSRT). Water chemistry guidelines are provided to prevent SAC and fracture mechanics model is developed to predict SAC failure on industrial boiler tubes.

Microstructural characterization of ultrasonic impact treated aluminum-magnesium alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tran, Kim Ngoc Thi

Aluminum 5456-H116 has high as-welded strength, is formable, and highly corrosion resistant, however, it can become sensitized when exposed to elevated temperatures for a prolonged time. Sensitization results in the formation of a continuous β phase at the grain boundaries that is anodic to the matrix. Thus the grain boundaries become susceptible to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and intergranular corrosion cracking (IGC). Cracking issues on aluminum superstructures have prompted the use of a severe plastic deformation processes, such as ultrasonic impact treatment (UIT), to improve SCC resistance. This study correlated the effects of UIT on the properties of 5456-H116 alloy to the microstructural evolution of the alloy and helped develop a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms that cause the microstructural evolution. Ultrasonic impact treatment produces a deformed layer at the surface ˜ 10 to 18 µm thick that is characterized by micro-cracks, tears, and voids. Ultrasonic impact treatment results in grain refinement within the deformation layer and extending below the deformed layer. The microstructure exhibits weak crystallographic texture with larger fraction of high angle grain boundaries. Nanocrystalline grains within the deformation layer vary in size from 2 to 200 nm in diameter and exhibit curved or wavy grain boundaries. The nanocrystalline grains are thermally stable up to 300°C. Above 300°C, grain growth occurs with an activation energy of ˜ 32 kJ/mol. Below the deformation layer, the microstructure is characterized by submicron grains, complex structure of dislocations, sub-boundaries, and Moiré fringes depicting overlapping grains. The deformation layer does not exhibit the presence of a continuous β phase, however below the deformation layer; a continuous β phase along the grain boundaries is present. In general the highest hardness and yield strength is at the UIT surface which is attributed to the formation of nanocrystalline grains. Although the highest hardness and yield strength was observed at the UIT surface, the results were mixed with some lower values. The lower hardness and yield strength values at the UIT surface are attributed to the voids and micro cracking/micro voids observed in the deformation layer. The fracture mode was transgranular ductile fracture with micro void coalescence and dimples. Both UIT and untreated material exhibit similar levels of intergranular corrosion susceptibility. Corrosive attack was intergranular with slightly deeper attack in the untreated material. Numerical simulation modeling showed that the calculated residual stress under the tool, ˜80 MPa, is of the same order of magnitude as the compressive residual stresses measured by XRD measurements near the surface. Modeling also showed that high effective strains were induced almost immediately. The UIT process also resulted in rapid localized heating to a maximum temperature of ˜32°C during the first eleven pin tool cycles. The model also showed that during UIT processing, the material undulates as the pin tool impacts and retracts from the surface of the material. The undulations represent the elastic response of the surface to the compressive stresses built up during a pin tool cycle.

Electromigration of intergranular voids in metal films for microelectronic interconnects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Averbuch, Amir; Israeli, Moshe; Ravve, Igor

2003-04-01

Voids and cracks often occur in the interconnect lines of microelectronic devices. They increase the resistance of the circuits and may even lead to a fatal failure. Voids may occur inside a single grain, but often they appear on the boundary between two grains. In this work, we model and analyze numerically the migration and evolution of an intergranular void subjected to surface diffusion forces and external voltage applied to the interconnect. The grain-void interface is considered one-dimensional, and the physical formulation of the electromigration and diffusion model results in two coupled fourth-order one-dimensional time-dependent PDEs. The boundary conditions are specified at the triple points, which are common to both neighboring grains and the void. The solution of these equations uses a finite difference scheme in space and a Runge-Kutta integration scheme in time, and is also coupled to the solution of a static Laplace equation describing the voltage distribution throughout the grain. Since the voltage distribution is required only along the interface line, the two-dimensional discretization of the grain interior is not needed, and the static problem is solved by the boundary element method at each time step. The motion of the intergranular void was studied for different ratios between the diffusion and the electric field forces, and for different initial configurations of the void.

Characterization of stress corrosion cracks in Ni-based weld alloys 52, 52M and 152 grown in high-temperature water

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xie, Yi; Wu, Yaqiao; Burns, Jatuporn

Ni-based weld alloys 52, 52M and 152 are extensively used in repair and mitigation of primary water stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in nuclear power plants. In the present study, a series of microstructure and microchemistry at the SCC tips of these alloys were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and energy filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM). The specimens have similar chemical compositions and testing conditions. Intergranular (IG) and transgranular (TG) SCC was observed in all of them. The cracks were filled with nickel-oxidesmore » and partial precipitations of chrome carbides (CrCs), niobium carbides (NbCs), titanium nitrides (TiNs) and silicon carbides (SiCs), while iron (Fe) was largely dissolved into the solution. However, the crack densities, lengths and distributions were different for all three specimens. - Highlights: • Microstructure and microchemistry at the SCC tips of Ni-based weld alloys 52, 52M and 152 were examined. • The crack densities, lengths and distributions were found to be different for different alloys. • IGSCC and TGSCC were observed on alloy 52, only TGSCC was observed on alloy 52M and 152. • The cracks were filled by Ni-oxides and precipitated CrCs, NbCs, TiNs and SiCs.« less

Hot cracking of Structural Steel during Laser Welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pineda Huitron, Rosa M.; Vuorinen, Esa

2017-10-01

Laser welding is an important technique in many industries due to its high precision in operation, its local and fast processing, narrow welds and its good weld surface quality. However, the process can involve some complications due to the rapid heating and cooling of the material processed, resulting in physical and metallurgical effects as thermal contraction during solidification, giving as a result the presence of residual stresses in the narrow weld. Formation of defects during the process is an important topic to be evaluated in order to achieve better performance of the steels in use. In the present work, defects formed during laser welding of a structural steel have been investigated. The defects formed have been identified and the causes of the defects are discussed. Possible strategies for improvement of the welding procedure and final weld result are proposed. The defects were analysed by optical and scanning electron microscopy and hardness measurement. Cracks were located in the middle of the fusion zone and followed both inter-granular and trans-granular paths. Impurities as manganese sulphides were found along the welding direction, and could act as sites for crack formation. The cracks formed during solidification of the weld are identified as solidification cracks. This kind of cracks is usually caused by solidification shrinkage and thermal contractions during the process, which appear in the fusion zone and sometimes in the heat affected zone.

Fatigue properties of type 316LN stainless steel in air and mercury

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strizak, J. P.; Tian, H.; Liaw, P. K.; Mansur, L. K.

2005-08-01

An extensive fatigue testing program on 316LN stainless steel was recently carried out to support the design of the mercury target container for the spallation neutron source (SNS) that is currently under construction at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the United States. The major objective was to determine the effects of mercury on fatigue behavior. The S- N fatigue behavior of 316LN stainless steel is characterized by a family of bilinear fatigue curves which are dependent on frequency, environment, mean stress and cold work. Generally, fatigue life increases with decreasing stress and levels off in the high cycle region to an endurance limit below which the material will not fail. For fully reversed loading as well as tensile mean stress loading conditions mercury had no effect on endurance limit. However, at higher stresses a synergistic relationship between mercury and cyclic loading frequency was observed at low frequencies. As expected, fatigue life decreased with decreasing frequency, but the response was more pronounced in mercury compared with air. As a result of liquid metal embrittlement (LME), fracture surfaces of specimens tested in mercury showed widespread brittle intergranular cracking as opposed to typical transgranular cracking for specimens tested in air. For fully reversed loading (zero mean stress) the effect of mercury disappeared as frequency increased to 10 Hz. For mean stress conditions with R-ratios of 0.1 and 0.3, LME was still evident at 10 Hz, but at 700 Hz the effect of mercury had disappeared ( R = 0.1). Further, for higher R-ratios (0.5 and 0.75) fatigue curves for 10 Hz showed no environmental effect. Finally, cold working (20%) increased tensile strength and hardness, and improved fatigue resistance. Fatigue behavior at 10 and 700 Hz was similar and no environmental effect was observed.

Assessment of surface relief and short cracks under cyclic creep in a type 316LN austenitic stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarkar, Aritra; Nagesha, A.; Parameswaran, P.; Sandhya, R.; Laha, K.

2015-12-01

Formation of surface relief and short cracks under cyclic creep (stress-controlled fatigue) in type 316LN stainless steel was studied at temperatures ranging from ambient to 923 K using scanning electron microscopy technique. The surface topography and crack distribution behaviour under cyclic creep were found to be strong functions of testing temperature due to the difference in strain accumulation. At 823 K, surface relief mainly consisted of fine slip markings due to negligible accumulation of strain as a consequence of dynamic strain ageing (DSA) which led to an increase in the cyclic life. Persistent slip markings (PSM) with distinct extrusions containing minute cracks were seen to prevail in the temperature range 873-923 K, indicating a higher slip activity causing higher strain accumulation in the absence of DSA. Besides, a large number of secondary cracks (both transgranular and intergranular) which were partially accentuated by severe oxidation, were observed. Extensive cavitation-induced grain boundary cracking took place at 923 K, which coalesced with PSM-induced transgranular cracks resulting in failure dominated by creep that in turn led to a drastic reduction in cyclic life. Investigations on the influence of stress rate were also carried out which underlined the presence of DSA at 823 K. At 923 K, lowering the stress rate caused further strengthening of the contribution from creep damage marked by a shift in the damage mechanism from cyclic slip to diffusion.

Fracture Toughness of Advanced Ceramics at Room Temperature

PubMed Central

Quinn, George D.; Salem, Jonathan; Bar-on, Isa; Cho, Kyu; Foley, Michael; Fang, Ho

1992-01-01

This report presents the results obtained by the five U.S. participating laboratories in the Versailles Advanced Materials and Standards (VAMAS) round-robin for fracture toughness of advanced ceramics. Three test methods were used: indentation fracture, indentation strength, and single-edge pre-cracked beam. Two materials were tested: a gas-pressure sintered silicon nitride and a zirconia toughened alumina. Consistent results were obtained with the latter two test methods. Interpretation of fracture toughness in the zirconia alumina composite was complicated by R-curve and environmentally-assisted crack growth phenomena. PMID:28053447

Study of the Microstructure and Cracking Mechanisms of Hastelloy X Produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion.

PubMed

Marchese, Giulio; Basile, Gloria; Bassini, Emilio; Aversa, Alberta; Lombardi, Mariangela; Ugues, Daniele; Fino, Paolo; Biamino, Sara

2018-01-11

Hastelloy X (HX) is a Ni-based superalloy which suffers from high crack susceptibility during the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process. In this work, the microstructure of as-built HX samples was rigorously investigated to understand the main mechanisms leading to crack formation. The microstructural features of as-built HX samples consisted of very fine dendrite architectures with dimensions typically less than 1 µm, coupled with the formation of sub-micrometric carbides, the largest ones were mainly distributed along the interdendritic regions and grain boundaries. From the microstructural analyses, it appeared that the formation of intergranular carbides provided weaker zones, which combined with high thermal residual stresses resulted in hot cracks formation along the grain boundaries. The carbides were extracted from the austenitic matrix and characterized by combining different techniques, showing the formation of various types of Mo-rich carbides, classified as M₆C, M 12 C and M n C m type. The first two types of carbides are typically found in HX alloy, whereas the last one is a metastable carbide probably generated by the very high cooling rates of the process.

Effect of Low-Temperature Environment on Stress Corrosion Cracking Behavior of X80 Pipeline Steel in Simulated Alkaline Soil Solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Fei; Wang, Dan; Wu, Ming; Yu, Chengxiang; Sun, Dongxu; Yang, Xu; Xu, Changhao

2018-04-01

The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of X80 pipeline steel in simulated alkaline soil solution under different temperatures was investigated by slow-strain-rate testing, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Results showed that the fracture was transgranular and brittle at 273 K to 278 K (0 °C to 5 °C), and the metal surface was dissolved by a large number of chloride ions. Furthermore, hydrogen embrittlement was caused by the hydrogen atom extended to the high-stress region. The fracture process was controlled by hydrogen-induced cracking, and SCC was highly sensitive at this stage. At 288 K to 298 K (15 °C to 25 °C), the fracture morphology was attributed to the mixed mode of ductile and brittle fractures, the fracture process was controlled by the mechanism of hydrogen-induced cracking and anodic dissolution, and the susceptibility to SCC decreased. When the temperature reached 308 K to 318 K (35 °C to 45 °C), the fracture was mainly intergranular and ductile, the fracture process was controlled by anodic dissolution, and SCC sensitivity was the smallest in this temperature range.

Failure analysis of an aluminum alloy material framework component induced by casting defects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Bo; Hu, Weiye

2017-09-01

Failure analysis on a fractured radome framework component was carried out through visual observations, metallographic examination using optical microscope, fractog-raphy inspections using scanning electron microscope and chemical composition analysis. The failed frame was made of casting Al-Si7-Mg0.4 aluminum alloy. It had suffered a former vi-bration performance tests. It was indicated that the fractures were attributed to fatigue cracks which were induced by casting porosities at the outer surfaces of frame. Failure analysis was carefully conducted for the semi-penetrating crack appearing on the framework. According to the fractography inspected by scanning electron microscope, it was indicated that numerous casting porosities at the outer surface of the framework played the role of multiple fracture sources due to some applied stresses. Optical microstructure observations suggested that the dendrite-shaped casting porosities largely contributed to the crack-initiation. The groove-shaped structure at roots of spatial convex-bodies on the edge of casting porosities supplied the preferred paths of the crack-propagation. Besides, the brittle silicon eutectic particles distrib-uting along grain boundaries induced the intergranular fracture mode in the region of the over-load final fracture surface.

Study of the Microstructure and Cracking Mechanisms of Hastelloy X Produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion

PubMed Central

Basile, Gloria; Bassini, Emilio; Ugues, Daniele; Fino, Paolo

2018-01-01

Hastelloy X (HX) is a Ni-based superalloy which suffers from high crack susceptibility during the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process. In this work, the microstructure of as-built HX samples was rigorously investigated to understand the main mechanisms leading to crack formation. The microstructural features of as-built HX samples consisted of very fine dendrite architectures with dimensions typically less than 1 µm, coupled with the formation of sub-micrometric carbides, the largest ones were mainly distributed along the interdendritic regions and grain boundaries. From the microstructural analyses, it appeared that the formation of intergranular carbides provided weaker zones, which combined with high thermal residual stresses resulted in hot cracks formation along the grain boundaries. The carbides were extracted from the austenitic matrix and characterized by combining different techniques, showing the formation of various types of Mo-rich carbides, classified as M6C, M12C and MnCm type. The first two types of carbides are typically found in HX alloy, whereas the last one is a metastable carbide probably generated by the very high cooling rates of the process. PMID:29324658

European Scientific Notes. Volume 38, Number 8.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-08-01

is done mechanics, environmentally assisted using a Dugdale-Bilby strip yielding fracture, and oxidation in CO2. model (see Dowling and Townley , 1975...larger than the load ture, ASTM-STP668 (1979), 581. required to initiate cracking (this is Dowling, A.R., and C.H.A. Townley , why most of the failure

Relative stress corrosion susceptibilities of alloys 690 and 600 in simulated boiling water reactor environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Page, R. A.; McMinn, A.

1986-05-01

The relative susceptibilities of alloys 600 and 690 to intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) in pure water and a simulated resin intrusion environment at 288 °C were evaluated. A combination of creviced and noncreviced slow-strain-rate, and precracked fracture mechanics tests were employed in the evaluation. Susceptibility was determined as a function of dissolved oxygen content, degree of sensitization, and crevice condition. The results indicated that alloy 600 was susceptible to various degrees of IGSCC in oxygen containing pure water when creviced, and immune to IGSCC when uncreviced. Alloy 690 was immune to IGSCC under all pure water conditions examined. Alloy 600 and alloy 690 were both susceptible to cracking in the simulated resin intrusion environment. Alloy 690, however, exhibited the greatest resistance to SCC of the two alloys.

Experimental Characterization and Simulation of Slip Transfer at Grain Boundaries and Microstructurally-Sensitive Crack Propagation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gupta, Vipul; Hochhalter, Jacob; Yamakov, Vesselin; Scott, Willard; Spear, Ashley; Smith, Stephen; Glaessgen, Edward

2013-01-01

A systematic study of crack tip interaction with grain boundaries is critical for improvement of multiscale modeling of microstructurally-sensitive fatigue crack propagation and for the computationally-assisted design of more durable materials. In this study, single, bi- and large-grain multi-crystal specimens of an aluminum-copper alloy are fabricated, characterized using electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), and deformed under tensile loading and nano-indentation. 2D image correlation (IC) in an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) is used to measure displacements near crack tips, grain boundaries and within grain interiors. The role of grain boundaries on slip transfer is examined using nano-indentation in combination with high-resolution EBSD. The use of detailed IC and EBSD-based experiments are discussed as they relate to crystal-plasticity finite element (CPFE) model calibration and validation.

Filler Wire Development for 2195 Aluminum-Lithium. Pt. 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bjorkman, Gerald W.; Cho, Alex

1998-01-01

The objective of the research was to determine the susceptibility of submitted welded 2195 plate in an AI (Alternate Immersion) environment. Forty-day AI exposure was completed on 8 welded 2195 stress corrosion samples. No stress corrosion cracking (SCC) was found on any of the samples tested. All 8 samples experienced exfoliation corrosion attack in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) adjacent to the weld. All samples were examined metallographically and showed varying degrees of intergranular corrosion (IG). The filler metal on all samples showed moderate to heavy pitting.

Effect of water on mechanical properties and stress corrosion behavior of alloy 600, alloy 690, EN82H welds, and EN52 welds

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brown, C.M.; Mills, W.J.

1999-02-01

The fracture toughness and tensile properties of alloy 600 (UNS N06600), alloy 690 (UNS N06690), and their welds (EN82H [UNS N06082] and EN52 [UNS N06052]) were characterized in 54 C and 338 C water with an elevated hydrogen content. Results were compared with air data to evaluate the effect of low- and high-temperature water on the mechanical properties. In addition, the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of EN82H and EN52 welds was evaluated in 360 C water. Elastic-plastic (J{sub IC}) fracture toughness testing revealed that the fracture resistance of all test materials was exceptionally high in 54 C and 338more » C air and 338 C water, demonstrating that fracture properties essentially were unaffected by the high-temperature water environment. In 54 C water, however, J{sub IC} values for EN82H and EN52 welds were reduced by an order of magnitude, and alloy 690 showed a fivefold decrease in J{sub IC}. Scanning electron fractography revealed that the degraded fracture properties were associated with a fracture mechanism transition from ductile dimple rupture to intergranular cracking. The latter was associated with hydrogen-induced cracking mechanism. The fracture toughness for alloy 600 remained high in 54 C water, and microvoid coalescence was the operative mechanism in low-temperature air and water. Tensile properties for all test materials essentially were unaffected by the water environment, except for the total elongation for EN82H welds, which was reduced significantly in 54 C water. Constant-load testing of precracked weld specimens in 360 C water resulted in extensive intergranular SCC in EN82H welds, whereas no SCC occurred in EN52 welds under comparable test conditions.« less

Improving the toughness of ultrahigh strength steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Koji

2002-01-01

The ideal structural steel combines high strength with high fracture toughness. This dissertation discusses the toughening mechanism of the Fe/Co/Ni/Cr/Mo/C steel, AerMet 100, which has the highest toughness/strength combination among all commercial ultrahigh strength steels. The possibility of improving the toughness of this steel was examined by considering several relevant factors. Chapter 1 reviews the mechanical properties of ultrahigh strength steels and the physical metallurgy of AerMet 100. It also describes the fracture mechanisms of steel, i.e. ductile microvoid coalescence, brittle transgranular cleavage, and intergranular separation. Chapter 2 examines the strength-toughness relationship for three heats of AerMet 100. A wide variation of toughness is obtained at the same strength level. The toughness varies despite the fact that all heat fracture in the ductile fracture mode. The difference originates from the inclusion content. Lower inclusion volume fraction and larger inclusion spacing gives rise to a greater void growth factor and subsequently a higher fracture toughness. The fracture toughness value, JIc, is proportional to the particle spacing of the large non-metallic inclusions. Chapter 3 examines the ductile-brittle transition of AerMet 100 and the effect of a higher austenitization temperature, using the Charpy V-notch test. The standard heat treatment condition of AerMet 100 shows a gradual ductile-brittle transition due to its fine effective grain size. Austenitization at higher temperature increases the prior austenite grain size and packet size, leading to a steeper transition at a higher temperature. Both transgranular cleavage and intergranular separation are observed in the brittle fracture mode. Chapter 4 examines the effect of inclusion content, prior austenite grain size, and the amount of austenite on the strength-toughness relationship. The highest toughness is achieved by low inclusion content, small prior austenite grain size, and a small content of stable austenite. The low inclusion content increases the strain at the fracture. The reduction in prior austenite grain size prevents the fast unstable crack propagation by cleavage. And the stable austenite decreases the strength of the intergranular separation at the prior austenite grain boundary, which provides the stress relief at the crack tip.

Internal hydrogen-induced subcritical crack growth in austenitic stainless steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, J. H.; Altstetter, C. J.

1991-11-01

The effects of small amounts of dissolved hydrogen on crack propagation were determined for two austenitic stainless steel alloys, AISI 301 and 310S. In order to have a uniform distribution of hydrogen in the alloys, they were cathodically charged at high temperature in a molten salt electrolyte. Sustained load tests were performed on fatigue precracked specimens in air at 0 ‡C, 25 ‡C, and 50 ‡C with hydrogen contents up to 41 wt ppm. The electrical potential drop method with optical calibration was used to continuously monitor the crack position. Log crack velocity vs stress intensity curves had definite thresholds for subcritical crack growth (SCG), but stage II was not always clearly delineated. In the unstable austenitic steel, AISI 301, the threshold stress intensity decreased with increasing hydrogen content or increasing temperature, but beyond about 10 wt ppm, it became insensitive to hydrogen concentration. At higher concentrations, stage II became less distinct. In the stable stainless steel, subcritical crack growth was observed only for a specimen containing 41 wt ppm hydrogen. Fractographic features were correlated with stress intensity, hydrogen content, and temperature. The fracture mode changed with temperature and hydrogen content. For unstable austenitic steel, low temperature and high hydrogen content favored intergranular fracture while microvoid coalescence dominated at a low hydrogen content. The interpretation of these phenomena is based on the tendency for stress-induced phase transformation, the different hydrogen diffusivity and solubility in ferrite and austenite, and outgassing from the crack tip. After comparing the embrittlement due to internal hydrogen with that in external hydrogen, it is concluded that the critical hydrogen distribution for the onset of subcritical crack growth is reached at a location that is very near the crack tip.

Effect of precrack halos on kic determined by the surface crack in flexure method. Final report, August 1995-May 1997

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Swab, J.J.; Quinn, G.D.

1997-12-01

The surface crack in flexure (SCF) method, which is used to determine the fracture toughness of dense ceramics necessitates the measurement of precrack sizes by fractographic examination. Stable crack extension may occur from flaws under ambient room-temperature conditions, even in the relatively short time under load during fast fracture strength or fracture toughness testing. In this paper, fractographic techniques are used to characterize evidence of stable crack extension, a halo, around Knoop indentation surface cracks. Optical examination of the fracture surfaces of a high-purity Al2O3, an AlN, a glass-ceramic, and a MgF2 revealed the presence of a halo around themore » periphery of each precrack. The halo in the AlN was merely an optical effect due to crack reorientation, while the halo in the MgF2 was due to indentation-induced residual stresses initiating crack growth. However, for the Al2O3 and the glass-ceramic, environmentally assisted slow crack growth (SCG) was the cause of the halo. In the latter two materials, this stable crack extension must be included as part of the critical crack size in order to determine the appropriate fracture toughness.« less

Effects of microstructure banding on hydrogen assisted fatigue crack growth in X65 pipeline steels

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ronevich, Joseph A.; Somerday, Brian P.; San Marchi, Chris W.

Banded ferrite-pearlite X65 pipeline steel was tested in high pressure hydrogen gas to evaluate the effects of oriented pearlite on hydrogen assisted fatigue crack growth. Test specimens were oriented in the steel pipe such that cracks propagated either parallel or perpendicular to the banded pearlite. The ferrite-pearlite microstructure exhibited orientation dependent behavior in which fatigue crack growth rates were significantly lower for cracks oriented perpendicular to the banded pearlite compared to cracks oriented parallel to the bands. Thus the reduction of hydrogen assisted fatigue crack growth across the banded pearlite is attributed to a combination of crack-tip branching and impededmore » hydrogen diffusion across the banded pearlite.« less

Effects of microstructure banding on hydrogen assisted fatigue crack growth in X65 pipeline steels

DOE PAGES

Ronevich, Joseph A.; Somerday, Brian P.; San Marchi, Chris W.

2015-09-10

Banded ferrite-pearlite X65 pipeline steel was tested in high pressure hydrogen gas to evaluate the effects of oriented pearlite on hydrogen assisted fatigue crack growth. Test specimens were oriented in the steel pipe such that cracks propagated either parallel or perpendicular to the banded pearlite. The ferrite-pearlite microstructure exhibited orientation dependent behavior in which fatigue crack growth rates were significantly lower for cracks oriented perpendicular to the banded pearlite compared to cracks oriented parallel to the bands. Thus the reduction of hydrogen assisted fatigue crack growth across the banded pearlite is attributed to a combination of crack-tip branching and impededmore » hydrogen diffusion across the banded pearlite.« less

Corrosion fatigue characterization of reactor pressure vessel steels. [PWR; BWR

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Van Der Sluys, W.A.

1982-12-01

During routine operation, light water reactor (LWR) pressure vessels are subjected to a variety of transients that result in time-varying stresses. Consequently, fatigue and environmentally-assisted fatigue are mechanisms of growth relevant to flaws in these pressure vessels. To provide a better understanding of the resistance of nuclear pressure vessel steels to these flaw growth processes, fracture mechanics data were generated on the rates of fatigue crack growth for SA508-2 and SA533B-1 steels in both room temperature air and 288/sup 0/C water. Areas investigated were: the relationship of crack growth rate to prior loading history; the effects of loading frequency andmore » R ratio (K/sub min//K/sub max/) on crack growth rate as a function of the stress intensity factor range (..delta..K); transient aspects of the fatigue crack growth behavior; the effect of material chemistry (sulphur content) on fatigue crack; and growth rate; water chemistry effects (high-purity water versus simulated pressurized water reactotr (PWR) primary coolant).« less

One Dimensional Cold Rolling Effects on Stress Corrosion Crack Growth in Alloy 690 Tubing and Plate Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toloczko, Mychailo B.; Olszta, Matthew J.; Bruemmer, Stephen M.

Stress corrosion crack-growth experiments have been performed on cold-rolled alloy 690 materials in simulated PWR primary water at 360°C. Extruded alloy 690 CRDM tubing in two conditions, thermally treated (TT) and solution annealed (SA), was cold rolled (CR) in one direction to several reductions reaching a maximum of 31% and tested in the S-L orientation. High stress corrosion cracking (SCC) propagation rates ( 8x10-8 mm/s) were observed for the 31%CR alloy 690TT material, while the 31%CR alloy 690SA exhibited 10X lower rates. The difference in intergranular SCC susceptibility appears to be related to grain boundary carbide distribution before cold rolling. SCC growth rates were found to depend on test temperature and hydrogen concentration. Tests were also performed on two alloy 690 plate heats, one CR to a reduction of 26% and the other to 20%. SCC growth rates at 360°C were similar to that measured for the 31%CR alloy 690TT CRDM tubing. Comparisons will be made to other results on CR alloy 690 materials.

Finite element analysis of heat load of tungsten relevant to ITER conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zinovev, A.; Terentyev, D.; Delannay, L.

2017-12-01

A computational procedure is proposed in order to predict the initiation of intergranular cracks in tungsten with ITER specification microstructure (i.e. characterised by elongated micrometre-sized grains). Damage is caused by a cyclic heat load, which emerges from plasma instabilities during operation of thermonuclear devices. First, a macroscopic thermo-mechanical simulation is performed in order to obtain temperature- and strain field in the material. The strain path is recorded at a selected point of interest of the macroscopic specimen, and is then applied at the microscopic level to a finite element mesh of a polycrystal. In the microscopic simulation, the stress state at the grain boundaries serves as the marker of cracking initiation. The simulated heat load cycle is a representative of edge-localized modes, which are anticipated during normal operations of ITER. Normal stresses at the grain boundary interfaces were shown to strongly depend on the direction of grain orientation with respect to the heat flux direction and to attain higher values if the flux is perpendicular to the elongated grains, where it apparently promotes crack initiation.

Healing of damaged metal by a pulsed high-energy electromagnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kukudzhanov, K. V.; Levitin, A. L.

2018-04-01

The processes of defect (intergranular micro-cracks) transformation are investigated for metal samples in a high-energy short-pulsed electromagnetic field. This investigation is based on a numerical coupled model of the impact of high-energy electromagnetic field on the pre-damaged thermal elastic-plastic material with defects. The model takes into account the melting and evaporation of the metal and the dependence of its physical and mechanical properties on the temperature. The system of equations is solved numerically by finite element method with an adaptive mesh using the arbitrary Euler–Lagrange method. The calculations show that the welding of the crack and the healing of micro-defects under treatment by short pulses of the current takes place. For the macroscopic description of the healing process, the healing and damage parameters of the material are introduced. The healing of micro-cracks improves the material healing parameter and reduces its damage. The micro-crack shapes practically do not affect the time-dependence of the healing and damage under the treatment by the current pulses. These changes are affected only by the value of the initial damage of the material and the initial length of the micro-crack. The time-dependence of the healing and the damage is practically the same for all different shapes of micro-defects, provided that the initial lengths of micro-cracks and the initial damages are the same for these different shapes of defects.

Caustic stress corrosion cracking of alloys 600 and 690 with NaOH concentrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, In-Gyu; Lee, Chang-Soon; Hwang, Seong-Sik; Kim, Hong-Pyo; Kim, Joung-Soo

2005-10-01

In order to evaluate the stress corrosion cracking resistance for commercial alloys (C600MA, C600TT, C690TT) and Korean-made alloys (K600MA, K690TT), C-ring tests were performed in a caustic environment of 4, 10, 20, 30, and 50% NaOH solution at 315°C, for 480 h with an applied potential of 125 mV vs. OCP. Different stress corrosion cracking phenomena were observed according to the NaOH concentration. The rate of caustic IGSCC attack did not appear to increase monotonically with caustic concentrations, but peaked at a concentration between 4 and 50% caustic, or approximately 30% NaOH. Intergranular stress corrosion cracking was found for C600MA in 10, 20, and 30% NaOH solutions, while no cracking was observed in the 4 and 50% NaOH solutions. In 30% NaOH solution, transgrnular stress corrosion cracking was detected in C690TT, which may be related with the large amount of plastic strain (150% yield) and the applied potential (125 mV vs. OCP). The overall data clearly indicate that C600MA has the worst SCC resistance while K690TT offers the best resistance. There is also fairly good correlation between the caustic SCC susceptibility and some metallurgical parameters, particularly the grain size and the yield strength at room temperature. Specifically, materials having larger grain size and lower yield strength exhibited higher caustic SCC resistance.

Deformation of Reservoir Sandstones by Elastic versus Inelastic Deformation Mechanisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pijnenburg, R.; Verberne, B. A.; Hangx, S.; Spiers, C. J.

2016-12-01

Hydrocarbon or groundwater production from sandstone reservoirs can result in surface subsidence and induced seismicity. Subsidence results from combined elastic and inelastic compaction of the reservoir due to a change in the effective stress state upon fluid extraction. The magnitude of elastic compaction can be accurately described using poroelasticity theory. However inelastic or time-dependent compaction is poorly constrained. Specifically, the underlying microphysical processes controlling sandstone compaction remain poorly understood. We use sandstones recovered by the field operator (NAM) from the Slochteren gas reservoir (Groningen, NE Netherlands) to study the importance of elastic versus inelastic deformation processes upon simulated pore pressure depletion. We conducted conventional triaxial tests under true in-situ conditions of pressure and temperature. To investigate the effect of applied differential stress (σ1 - σ3 = 0 - 50 MPa) and initial sample porosity (φi = 12 - 24%) on instantaneous and time-dependent inelastic deformation, we imposed multiple stages of axial loading and relaxation. The results show that inelastic strain develops at all stages of loading, and that its magnitude increases with increasing value of differential stress and initial porosity. The stress sensitivity of the axial creep strain rate and microstructural evidence suggest that inelastic compaction is controlled by a combination of intergranular slip and intragranular cracking. Intragranular cracking is shown to be more pervasive with increasing values of initial porosity. The results are consistent with a conceptual microphysical model, involving deformation by poro-elasticity combined with intergranular sliding and grain contact failure. This model aims to predict sandstone deformation behavior for a wide range of stress conditions.

Mechanism-Based Modeling of Hydrogen Environment Assisted Cracking (HEAC) in High Strength Alloys for Marine Applications: Prediction of Monel K-500 HEAC for Select Environmental and Mechanical Conditions

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-15

0.45 .015 .0005 Si = 0.08, Cr = 0.04, Zr = 0.03, Nb , Ta, W, V < 0.01, Bi, Pb, Ag, Sn< 0.0005 wt pet Page | 7 Table 2. Mechanical Properties...analysis and contribute to dcPD increase due to plasticity-based resistivity increase. Additionally, crack surface electrical contact which changes during...STTR-II sponsored). Task 2-3 Produce laboratory measurements of HEAC resistance (KIH, da/dtn, and da/dt vs. stress intensity factor) for a single

Fractography of the high temperature hydrogen attack of a medium carbon steel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Melson, H. G.; Moorhead, R. D.

1975-01-01

Microscopic fracture processes were studied which are associated with hydrogen attack of a medium carbon steel in a well-controlled, high-temperature, high-purity hydrogen environment. Exposure to a hydrogen pressure and temperature of 3.5 MN/m2 and 575 C was found to degrade room temperature tensile properties with increasing exposure time. After 408 hr, yield and ultimate strengths were reduced by more than 40 percent and elongation was reduced to less than 2 percent. Initial fissure formation was found to be associated with manganese rich particles, most probably manganese oxide, aligned in the microstructure during the rolling operation. Fissure growth was found to be associated with a reduction in carbide content of the microstructure and was inhibited by the depletion of carbon. The interior surfaces of sectioned fissures or bubbles exhibit both primary and secondary cracking by intergranular separation. The grain surfaces were rough and rounded, suggesting a diffusion-associated separation process. Specimens that failed at room temperature after exposure to hydrogen were found to exhibit mixed mode fracture having varying amounts of intergranular separation, dimple formation, and cleavage, depending on exposure time.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kruska, Karen; Zhai, Ziqing; Bruemmer, Stephen M.

Due to its superior resistance to corrosion and stress corrosion cracking (SCC), high Cr, Ni-base Alloy 690 is now commonly used in pressurized water reactors (PWRs). Even though highly cold-worked (CW) Alloy 690 has been shown to be susceptible to SCC crack growth in PWR primary water environments, an open question remains whether SCC initiation was possible for these materials under constant load test conditions. Testing has been performed on a series of CW alloy 690 CRDM tubing specimens at constant load for up to 9,220 hours in 360°C simulated PWR primary water. A companion paper will discuss the overallmore » testing approach and describe results on different alloy 690 heats and cold work levels. The focus of the current paper is to illustrate the use of focused ion beam (FIB), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for the high-resolution investigation of precursor damage and intergranular (IG) crack nucleation in these specimens. Three-dimensional (3D) FIB/SEM imaging has been conducted on a series of grain boundary (GB) damage precursors, such as IG small cavities, local corrosion and even shallow cracks observed at the specimen surface. Contrast variations and EDS mapping were used to distinguish oxides, carbides and cavities from the matrix material. Nanometer-sized cavities were observed associated with GB carbides in the highly CW specimens. Shallow IG cracks were present in the 30%CW specimens and exhibited oxidized crack flanks and a higher density of cavities ahead of the oxide front in all cases. The shape and distribution of carbides and cavities in the plane of the cracked GBs was analyzed in 3D to gain a mechanistic understanding of the processes that may be leading to crack initiation in highly CW alloy 690.« less

Oxidation products of Inconel alloys 600 and 690 in hydrogenated steam environments and their role in stress corrosion cracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferguson, J. Bryce

Inconel Alloys 600 and 690 are used extensively in components of Nuclear Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) in the primary water loop which consists of H2 supersaturated steam. Alloy 600 has been found to crack intergranularly when exposed to primary water conditions. Alloy 690 was designed as a replacement and is generally regarded as immune to cracking. There is no consensus as to the mechanism which is responsible for cracking or the lack thereof in these alloys. In this work thermodynamic arguments for the stability of Ni and Cr compounds developed under pressurized water reactor environments ( PH2O and PH2 ) were experimentally tested. A mechanism is proposed to explain crack initiation and propagation alloy 600 along the grain boundaries where Cr2O3 has formed from the leaching of Cr from the matrix leaving behind a porous Ni-rich region. The mechanism is based on the thermodynamic potential for the transformation of a protective NiO surface layer into an amorphous non-protective Ni(OH)2 gel. This gel would also form along the grain boundaries and when hydrogenated steam reaches the porous Ni-rich regions. Crack initiation is then favored by tensile stressing of the grain boundary regions which can easily rupture the gelatinous film. The leaching of matrix Cr to form non-protective CrOOH gel at the crack tip followed by the exposure of fresh porous Ni to the environment also explains crack propagation in inconel alloy 600. The proposed crack initiation mechanism is not expected to occur in alloy 690 where a protective Cr2O 3 film covers the entire metal surface. However, crack propagation along the grain boundaries in alloy 600 and pre-cracked alloy 690 is expected to be active as hydroxide-forming reactions weaken the material at the grain boundaries.

Evaluation of NDE Round-Robin Exercises Using the NRC Steam Generator Mockup at Argonne National Laboratory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Muscara, Joseph; Kupperman, David S.; Bakhtiari, Sasab

2002-07-01

This paper discusses round-robin exercises using the NRC steam generator (SG) mock-up at Argonne National Laboratory to assess inspection reliability. The purpose of the round robins was to assess the current reliability of SG tubing inservice inspection, determine the probability of detection (POD) as function of flaw size or severity, and assess the capability for sizing of flaws. For the round robin and subsequent evaluation completed in 2001, eleven teams participated. Bobbin and rotating coil mock-up data collected by qualified industry personnel were evaluated. The mock-up contains hundreds of cracks and simulations of artifacts such as corrosion deposits and tubemore » support plates that make detection and characterization of cracks more difficult in operating steam generators than in most laboratory situations. An expert Task Group from industry, Argonne National Laboratory, and the NRC have reviewed the signals from the laboratory-grown cracks used in the mock-up to ensure that they provide reasonable simulations of those obtained in the field. The mock-up contains 400 tube openings. Each tube contains nine 22.2-mm (7/8-in.) diameter, 30.5-cm (1-ft) long, Alloy 600 test sections. The flaws are located in the tube sheet near the roll transition zone (RTZ), in the tube support plate (TSP), and in the free-span. The flaws are primarily intergranular stress corrosion cracks (axial and circumferential, ID and OD) though intergranular attack (IGA) wear and fatigue cracks are also present, as well as cracks in dents. In addition to the simulated tube sheet and TSP the mock-up has simulated sludge and magnetite deposits. A multiparameter eddy current algorithm, validated for mock-up flaws, provided a detailed isometric plot for every flaw and was used to establish the reference state of defects in the mock-up. The detection results for the 11 teams were used to develop POD curves as a function of maximum depth, voltage and the parameter m p, for the various types of flaws. The POD curves were represented as linear logistic curves, and the curve parameters were determined by the method of Maximum Likelihood. The effect of both statistical uncertainties inherent in sampling from distributions and the uncertainties due to errors in the estimates of maximum depth and m p was investigated. The 95% one-sided confidence limits (OSL), which include errors in maximum depth estimates, are presented along with the POD curves. For the second round robin a reconfigured mock-up is being used to evaluate the effectiveness of eddy current array probes. The primary emphasis is on the X-Probe. Progress with the X-Probe round robin is discussed in this paper. (authors)« less

Phase transformation and sustained load crack growth in ZrO[sub 2] + 3 mol% Y[sub 2]O[sub 3]: Experiments and kinetic modeling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yin, H.; Gao, M.; Wei, R.P.

1995-01-01

To better understand environmentally assisted crack growth (SCG) in yttria stabilized zirconia, experimental studies were undertaken to characterize the kinetics of crack growth and the associated stress/moisture induced phase transformation in ZrO[sub 2] + 3 mol% Y[sub 2]O[sub 3] (3Y-TZP) in water, dry nitrogen and toluene from 3 to 70 C. The results showed that crack growth in water depended strongly on stress intensity factor (K[sub 1]) and temperature (T) and involved the transformation of a thin layer of material near the crack tip from the tetragonal (t) to the monoclinic (m) phase. These results, combined with literature data onmore » moisture-induced phase transformation, suggested that crack growth enhancement by water is controlled by the rate of this transformation and reflects the environmental cracking susceptibility of the transformed m-phase. A model was developed to link subcritical crack growth (SCG) rate to the kinetics of t [yields] m phase transformation. The SCG rate is expressed as an exponential function of stress-free activation energy, a stress-dependent contribution in terms of the mode 1 stress intensity factor K[sub I] and actuation volume, and temperature. The stress-free activation energies for water and the inert environments were determined to be 82 [+-] 3 and 169 [+-] 4 kJ/mol, respectively, at the 95% confidence level, and the corresponding activation volumes were 14 and 35 unit cells. The decreases in activation energy and activation volume may be attributed to a change in surface energy by water.« less

Pitting and Stress Corrosion Cracking Susceptibility of Nanostructured Al-Mg Alloys in Natural and Artificial Environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Mala M.; Ziemian, Constance W.

2008-12-01

The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of two developmental nanocrystalline 5083 alloys with varied composition and processing conditions was studied. The results were compared to a commercial aluminum AA 5083 (H111) alloy. The pitting densities, size and depths, and residual tensile strengths were measured after alternate immersion in artificial seawater and atmospheric exposure under different loading conditions. Optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with EDX was used to analyze the fracture surfaces of failed specimen after removal at selected intervals and tensile testing. One of the nanostructured Al-Mg alloys exhibited significantly superior pitting resistance when compared to conventional microstructured AA 5083. Under conditions where pitting corrosion showed up as local tunnels toward phase inclusions, transgranular cracking was observed, whereas under conditions when pitting corrosion evolved along grain boundaries, intergranular cracking inside the pit was observed. Pit initiation resistance of the nano alloys appears to be better than that of the conventional alloys. However, long-term pit propagation is a concern and warrants further study. The objective of this investigation was to obtain information regarding the role that ultra-fine microstructures play in their degradation in marine environments and to provide insight into the corrosion mechanisms and damage processes of these alloys.

Low Cycle Fatigue and Creep-Fatigue Behavior of Alloy 617 at High Temperature

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cabet, Celine; Carroll, Laura; Wright, Richard

Alloy 617 is the leading candidate material for an intermediate heat exchanger (IHX) application of the Very High Temperature Nuclear Reactor (VHTR), expected to have an outlet temperature as high as 950 degrees C. Acceptance of Alloy 617 in Section III of the ASME Code for nuclear construction requires a detailed understanding of the creep-fatigue behavior. Initial creep-fatigue work on Alloy 617 suggests a more dominant role of environment with increasing temperature and/or hold times evidenced through changes in creep-fatigue crack growth mechanism/s and failure life. Continuous cycle fatigue and creep-fatigue testing of Alloy 617 was conducted at 950 degreesmore » C and 0.3% and 0.6% total strain in air to simulate damage modes expected in a VHTR application. Continuous cycle specimens exhibited transgranular cracking. Intergranular cracking was observed in the creep-fatigue specimens, although evidence of grain boundary cavitation was not observed. Despite the absence of grain boundary cavitation to accelerate crack propagation, the addition of a hold time at peak tensile strain was detrimental to cycle life. This suggests that creepfatigue interaction may occur by a different mechanism or that the environment may be partially responsible for accelerating failure.« less

Fatigue threshold studies in Fe, Fe-Si, and HSLA steel: Part II. thermally activated behavior of the effective stress intensity at threshold

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, W.; Esaklul, K.; Gerberich, W. W.

1984-05-01

It is shown that closure mechanisms alone cannot fully explain increasing fatigue thresholds with decreasing test temperature for a sequence of Fe-Si binary alloys and an HSLA steel. Implications are that fatigue crack propagation near threshold is a thermally activated process. The effective threshold stress intensity, which was obtained by subtracting the closure portion from the fatigue threshold, was examined. This effective stress intensity was found to correlate very well to the thermal component of the flow stress. A detailed fractographic study of the fatigue surface was performed. Water vapor in the room air was found to promote the formation of oxide and intergranular crack growth. At lower temperature, a brittle-type cyclic cleavage fatigue surface was observed but the ductile process persisted even at 123 K. Arrest marks were found on all three modes of fatigue crack growth. The regular spacings between these lines and dislocation modeling suggested that fatigue crack growth was controlled by the subcell structure near threshold. A model based on the slip-off of dislocations was examined. From this, it is shown that the effective fatigue threshold may be related to the square root of (one plus the strain rate sensitivity).

Identification of modes of fracture in a 2618-T6 aluminum alloy using stereophotogrammetry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Salas Zamarripa, A., E-mail: a.salaszamarripa@gmail.com; Pinna, C.; Brown, M.W.

2011-12-15

The identification and the development of a quantification technique of the modes of fracture in fatigue fracture surfaces of a 2618-T6 aluminum alloy were developed during this research. Fatigue tests at room and high temperature (230 Degree-Sign C) were carried out to be able to compare the microscopic fractographic features developed by this material under these testing conditions. The overall observations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the fracture surfaces showed a mixture of transgranular and ductile intergranular fracture. The ductile intergranular fracture contribution appears to be more significant at room temperature than at 230 Degree-Sign C. A quantitative methodologymore » was developed to identify and to measure the contribution of these microscopic fractographic features. The technique consisted of a combination of stereophotogrammetry and image analysis. Stereo-pairs were randomly taken along the crack paths and were then analyzed using the profile module of MeX software. The analysis involved the 3-D surface reconstruction, the trace of primary profile lines in both vertical and horizontal directions within the stereo-pair area, the measurements of the contribution of the modes of fracture in each profile, and finally, the calculation of the average contribution in each stereo-pair. The technique results confirmed a higher contribution of ductile intergranular fracture at room temperature than at 230 Degree-Sign C. Moreover, there was no indication of a direct relationship between this contribution and the strain amplitudes range applied during the fatigue testing. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Stereophotogrammetry and image analysis as a measuring tool of modes of fracture in fatigue fracture surfaces. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A mixture of ductile intergranular and transgranular fracture was identified at room temperature and 230 Degree-Sign C testing. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Development of a quantitative methodology to obtain the percentage of modes of fracture within the fracture surface.« less

FAA/NASA International Symposium on Advanced Structural Integrity Methods for Airframe Durability and Damage Tolerance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harris, Charles E. (Editor)

1994-01-01

International technical experts in durability and damage tolerance of metallic airframe structures were assembled to present and discuss recent research findings and the development of advanced design and analysis methods, structural concepts, and advanced materials. The symposium focused on the dissemination of new knowledge and the peer-review of progress on the development of advanced methodologies. Papers were presented on: structural concepts for enhanced durability, damage tolerance, and maintainability; new metallic alloys and processing technology; fatigue crack initiation and small crack effects; fatigue crack growth models; fracture mechanics failure, criteria for ductile materials; structural mechanics methodology for residual strength and life prediction; development of flight load spectra for design and testing; and advanced approaches to resist corrosion and environmentally assisted fatigue.

Critical Issues in Hydrogen Assisted Cracking of Structural Alloys

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-01-01

does not precipitate ? Does the HEAC mechanism explain environment-assisted (stress corrosion ) crack growth in high strength alloys stressed in moist...superalloys were cracked in high pressure (100-200 M~a) H2, while maraging and tempered-martensitic steels were cracked in low pressure (-100 kPa) H2...of IRAC in ultra-high strength AerMet®l00 steel demonstrates the role of crack tip stress in promoting H accumulation and embrittlement. The cracking

Experimental and Numerical Studies on Development of Fracture Process Zone (FPZ) in Rocks under Cyclic and Static Loadings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghamgosar, M.; Erarslan, N.

2016-03-01

The development of fracture process zones (FPZ) in the Cracked Chevron Notched Brazilian Disc (CCNBD) monsonite and Brisbane tuff specimens was investigated to evaluate the mechanical behaviour of brittle rocks under static and various cyclic loadings. An FPZ is a region that involves different types of damage around the pre-existing and/or stress-induced crack tips in engineering materials. This highly damaged area includes micro- and meso-cracks, which emerge prior to the main fracture growth or extension and ultimately coalescence to macrofractures, leading to the failure. The experiments and numerical simulations were designed for this study to investigate the following features of FPZ in rocks: (1) ligament connections and (2) microcracking and its coalescence in FPZ. A Computed Tomography (CT) scan technique was also used to investigate the FPZ behaviour in selected rock specimens. The CT scan results showed that the fracturing velocity is entirely dependent on the appropriate amount of fracture energy absorbed in rock specimens due to the change of frequency and amplitudes of the dynamic loading. Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) was used to compute the displacements, tensile stress distribution and plastic energy dissipation around the propagating crack tip in FPZ. One of the most important observations, the shape of FPZ and its extension around the crack tip, was made using numerical and experimental results, which supported the CT scan results. When the static rupture and the cyclic rupture were compared, the main differences are twofold: (1) the number of fragments produced is much greater under cyclic loading than under static loading, and (2) intergranular cracks are formed due to particle breakage under cyclic loading compared with smooth and bright cracks along cleavage planes under static loading.

Identification of fundamental deformation and failure mechanisms in armor ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muller, Andrea Marie

Indentation of a surface with a hard sphere can be used to examine micromechanical response of a wide range of materials and has been shown to generate loading conditions resembling early stages of ballistic impact events. Cracking morphologies also show similarities, particularly with formation of cone cracks at the contact site. The approach in this thesis is to use this indentation technique to characterize contact damage and deformation processes in armor ceramics, as well as identify the role of cone cracking and inelastic behavior. To accomplish these objectives, an instrumented indentation system was designed and fabricated, extending depth-sensing capabilities originally developed for nano-indentation to higher forces. This system is also equipped with an acoustic emission system to detect onset of cone cracking and subsequent failure. Once calibrated and verified the system was used to evaluate elastic modulus and cone crack initiation forces of two commercial float glasses. As-received air and tin surfaces of soda-lime-silica and borosilicate float glass were tested to determine differences in elastic and fracture behavior. Information obtained from load--displacement curves and visual inspection of indentation sites were used to determine elastic modulus, and conditions for onset of cone cracking as a function of surface roughness. No difference in reduced modulus or cone cracking loads on as-received air and tin surfaces were observed. Abraded surfaces showed the tin surface to be slightly more resistant to cone cracking. A study focusing on the transition from elastic to inelastic deformation in two transparent fine-grained polycrystalline spinels with different grain sizes was then conducted. Congruent experiments included observations on evolution of damage, examinations of sub-surface damage and inspection of remnant surface profiles. Indentation stress--strain behavior obtained from load--displacement curves revealed a small difference in yielding and strain-hardening behavior given the significant grain size difference. Directly below the indentation sites, regions of grain boundary cracking, associated with the inelastic zone, were identified in both spinels. Comparison of Meyer hardness and in-situ hardness showed a discrepancy at low loads, a result of elastic recovery. Elastic-plastic indentation behavior of the two spinels was then compared to behavior of a transparent large-grained aluminum oxinitirde (AlON) and a small-grained sintered aluminum nitride (AlN). Subsurface indentation damage revealed transitions from intergranular to transgranular fracture in the two spinels, AlON showed a transition from multiple cleavage microcracks to transgranular fracture while AlN exhibited only intergranular fracture. Analysis of indentation stress-strain results showed a slight difference in yielding behaviors of the two spinels and AlON whereas AlN showed a much lower yield value comparatively. Slight differences in strain-hardening behavior were observed. When comparing indentation stress--strain energy density and work of indentation a linear correlation was observed and a clear distinction could be made between materials. Therefore, it is suggested by the work in this thesis that instrumented spherical indentation could serve as a useful method of evaluating armor materials, particularly when behavior is described using indentation stress and strain, as this is a useful way to evaluate onset and development of inelastic deformation under high contact pressures and self-confining stresses. Additionally, it proposes that comparison of the work of indentation and indentation strain energy density approaches provide a good foundation for evaluating and comparing a materials penetration resistance.

Production of intergranular attack of alloy 600, alloy 690, and alloy 800 tubing in tubesheet crevices: Topical report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Scott, D.B.; Glaves, C.L.,

1987-07-01

Three model boilers, manufactured to simulate full-size tube sheet crevices, were tested with various secondary side environments. The first was faulted with organics representative of the decomposition of humic acid. The second was faulted with sodium carbonate and sodium hydroxide, while the third was faulted with sodium sulfate and sodium hydroxide. Each model contained seven tubes, which included Alloy 600 in the mill-annealed (MA) and thermally-treated (TT) conditions and Alloy 690 in the thermally-treated condition. Two models contained Alloy 800 tubes in the mill-annealed condition and one had Alloy 800 in the mill-annealed/cold-worked/glass-bead-peened condition. Two different sizes of tubesheet crevicesmore » were used in all model boilers. In the organics-faulted boiler, tubes of Alloy 600MA, Alloy 690TT and Alloy 800MA experienced no significant intergranular attack (IGA); however, the Alloy 600TT had intergranular attack (IGA) three to four grains deep. The carbonate-caustic faulted boiler experienced throughwall stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in all tubes of Alloy 600 MA and Alloy 800 MA. Eddy current indications were present in Alloy 690TT, Alloy 600TT and Alloy 800 in the mill-annealed/cold worked/glass-bead-peened condition. Metallographic examination of tubes from the third model boiler, faulted with sodium sulfate and caustic, revealed IGA in the mill-annealed Alloy 600 tubes. The IGA was more extensive in an Alloy 600 tube annealed at 1700/sup 0/F than an Alloy 600 tube annealed at 1875/sup 0/F.« less

Fundamental Understanding of Crack Growth in Structural Components of Generation IV Supercritical Light Water Reactors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Iouri I. Balachov; Takao Kobayashi; Francis Tanzella

2004-11-17

This work contributes to the design of safe and economical Generation-IV Super-Critical Water Reactors (SCWRs) by providing a basis for selecting structural materials to ensure the functionality of in-vessel components during the entire service life. During the second year of the project, we completed electrochemical characterization of the oxide film properties and investigation of crack initiation and propagation for candidate structural materials steels under supercritical conditions. We ranked candidate alloys against their susceptibility to environmentally assisted degradation based on the in situ data measure with an SRI-designed controlled distance electrochemistry (CDE) arrangement. A correlation between measurable oxide film properties andmore » susceptibility of austenitic steels to environmentally assisted degradation was observed experimentally. One of the major practical results of the present work is the experimentally proven ability of the economical CDE technique to supply in situ data for ranking candidate structural materials for Generation-IV SCRs. A potential use of the CDE arrangement developed ar SRI for building in situ sensors monitoring water chemistry in the heat transport circuit of Generation-IV SCWRs was evaluated and proved to be feasible.« less

Embrittlement in CN3MN Grade Superaustenitic Stainless Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Başkan, Mertcan; Chumbley, Scott L.; Kalay, Yunus Eren

2014-05-01

Superaustenitic stainless steels (SSS) are widely used in extreme environments such as off-shore oil wells, chemical and food processing equipment, and seawater systems due to their excellent corrosion resistance and superior toughness. The design of the corresponding heat treatment process is crucial to create better mechanical properties. In this respect, the short-term annealing behavior of CN3MN grade SSS was investigated by a combined study of Charpy impact tests, hardness measurements, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Specimens were heat treated at 1200 K (927 °C) for up to 16 minutes annealing time and their impact strengths and hardnesses were tested. The impact toughness was found to decrease to less than the half of the initial values while hardness stayed the same. Detailed fracture surface analyses revealed a ductile to brittle failure transition for relatively short annealing times. Brittle fracture occurred in both intergranular and transgranular modes. SEM and TEM indicated precipitation of nano-sized intermetallics, accounting for the intergranular embrittlement, along the grain boundaries with respect to annealing time. The transgranular fracture originated from linear defects seen to exist within the grains. Close observation of such defects revealed stacking-fault type imperfections, which lead to step-like cracking observed in microlength scales.

Effect of Boron Microalloying Element on Susceptibility to Hydrogen Embrittlement in High Strength Mooring Chain Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, H.; Cheng, X. Y.; Shen, H. P.; Su, L. C.; Zhang, S. Y.

The susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement in high strength mooring chain steel with different boron content (0, 0.003 %, 0.008 %) were investigated by electrochemical hydrogen charging technique and tensile test. The results revealed that appropriate boron content can effectively depress hydrogen induced embrittlement. Precharged with a low current density, this effect seemed to be unobvious. It gradually became clearly with the increasing current density. The increase of resistance to the hydrogen embrittlement for 3B and 8B after adding appropriate boron was attributed to three facts. The first was that the segregation of boron atoms along grain boundaries reduced the grain boundary segregation of phosphorus, which prohibited hydrogen concentration at the grain boundaries, depressing the possibility of the intergranular fracture due to H. The second was that the segregation of boron increased intergranular cohesion, enhanced grain boundary strength, and refined the final microstructure. The third was that the addition of boron changed the state of hydrogen traps, leading to the small amount of diffusible hydrogen. That is to say, hydrogen transferred to these defects by dislocations was accordingly decreased, which led to the low sensitive of hydrogen induced cracking.

Effect of temperature and dissolved oxygen on stress corrosion cracking behavior of P92 ferritic-martensitic steel in supercritical water environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Z.; Hu, Z. F.; Zhang, L. F.; Chen, K.; Singh, P. M.

2018-01-01

The effect of temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) on stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of P92 martensitic steel in supercritical water (SCW) was investigated using slow strain rate test (SSRT) and fractography analysis. The SSRT was carried out at temperatures of 400, 500, 600 °C in deaerated supercritical water and at DO contents of 0, 200, 500 ppb at the temperature of 600 °C, respectively. The results of SSRT show that the decrease of ductility at the temperature of 400 °C may be related to the dynamic strain aging (DSA) of P92 steel. The degradation of the mechanical properties in SCW is the joint effect of temperature and SCC. Compared with the effect of temperature, DO in SCW has no significant effect on the SCC susceptibility of P92 steel. The observation of oxide layer shows that large numbers of pores are nucleated in the oxide layer, which is related to vacancy accumulation and hydrogen generated in the oxide layer. Under the combined action of the growth stress and tensile stress, micro cracks, nucleated from the pores in the oxide layer, are easily propagated intergranularly outward to the surface of specimen, and fewer cracks can extend inward along the intrinsic pores to the inner oxide/metal interface, which is the reason for the exfoliation of oxide films.

Metallurgical evaluation of a feedwater nozzle to safe-end weld

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bowerman, B.S.; Czajkowski, C.J.; Roberts, T.C.

1999-11-01

Weld cracks in safety class systems are a serious concern, because these systems are part of the primary barrier providing containment of radioactive coolant. Loss of weld integrity yields leaks, or, under catastrophic failure, can be the basis for a severe loss of coolant accident. A circumferential indication was found by ultrasonic examination (UT) in the N4A-2 inlet feedwater nozzle to safe-end weld during the second refueling outage of River Bend Station Unit 1 in March 1989. The indication, approximately 15cm (6in) long with a reported maximum depth of 0.5cm (0.1in), was located in the Alloy 182 weld butter onmore » the safe-end side of the weld. (The safe-end base metal was ASME SA 508 Class 1 carbon steel.) The reported characteristics of the UT indication were indicative of intergranular stress corrosion cracking. This indication was reexamined during the second and third fuel cycles in March 1990 and September 1991, respectively, and during the third refuel outage in November 1990. Crack growth was reported during each examination. The safe-end was replaced during the fourth refueling outage in the summer of 1992. The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) subsequently contracted with Brookhaven National laboratory (BNL) to conduct a confirmatory investigation to establish the failure mode and determine the root causes of cracking in the safe-end weld.« less

Hydrogen Assisted Cracking of High Strength Steel Welds

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-05-01

cracking of high strength steel welds. The microplasticity theory originally proposed by M Beachem is used to explain the effect of hydrogen on the var... microplasticity mechanism rather than embrittlement (B7). He suggests that the hydrogen in the lattice ahead of the crack tip assists whatever...intensity level on the observed fracture mode. This theory postu- lates that hydrogen will promote cracking by a microplasticity mechanism rather than

Effect of deformation twin on toughness in magnesium binary alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Somekawa, Hidetoshi; Inoue, Tadanobu; Tsuzaki, Kaneaki

2015-08-01

The impact of alloying elements on toughness was investigated using eight kinds of Mg-0.3 at.% X (X = Al, Ag, Ca, Gd, Mn, Pb, Y and Zn) binary alloys with meso-grained structures. These binary alloys had an average grain size of approximately 20 μm. The fracture toughness and crack propagation behaviour were influenced by the alloying elements; the Mg-Ag and Mg-Pb alloys had the highest and the lowest toughness amongst the alloys, respectively, irrespective of presence in their ? type deformation twins. The twin boundaries affected the crack propagation behaviour in most of the alloys; in contrast, not only was the fracture related to the twin boundaries, but also the intergranular fracture occurred in the alloys that included rare earth elements. The influential factor for toughness in the meso- and the coarse-grained magnesium alloys, which readily formed deformation twins during plastic deformation, was not the change in lattice parameter with chemical composition, but the twin boundary segregation energy.

Microstructural Response of Directionally Solidified René 80 Superalloy to Gas-Tungsten Arc Welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sidhu, R. K.; Ojo, O. A.; Chaturvedi, M. C.

2009-01-01

The microstructural response of directionally solidified René 80 (DS René 80) superalloy to gas-tungsten-arc (GTA) welding was investigated. Rapid heating during welding resulted in a significant grain-boundary liquation of solid-state reaction product γ' precipitates, intergranular elemental segregation induced M5B3 borides, and secondary solidification constituents MC carbides and sulfocarbides, which were all present in the preweld heat-treated alloy. Liquation of these particles embrittled the grain boundaries in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) and caused microfissuring along the liquated grain boundaries. Nevertheless, contrary to the generally observed increase in HAZ cracking in superalloys with an increase in Ti and Al concentration, due to increase in the alloy’s hardness, significantly reduced cracking was observed in DS René 80 compared to the conventionally cast IN738 welded under the same conditions, despite its hardness being higher than that of IN738. This was related to the nature of base-metal grain- boundary intersections at the fusion-zone boundary in these materials.

Investigation of fatigue crack initiation from a non-metallic inclusion via high energy x-ray diffraction microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Naragani, Diwakar; Sangid, Michael D.; Shade, Paul A.

Crack initiation at inclusions is a dominant, unavoidable and life-limiting failure mechanism of important structural materials. Fatigue progresses in a complex manner to find the ‘weakest link’ in the microstructure, leading to crack nucleation. In this study, fully 3-D characterization methods using high-energy synchrotron x-rays are combined with in-situ mechanical testing to study the crack initiation mechanism in a Ni-based superalloy specimen. The specimen was produced via powder metallurgy and seeded with a non-metallic inclusion. Two x-ray techniques were employed: absorption contrast computed micro-tomography (μ-CT) to determine the morphology of the inclusion and its location in the gauge section ofmore » the specimen; and far-field high-energy diffraction microscopy (FF-HEDM) to resolve the centroids, average orientations, and lattice strains of the individual grains comprising the microstructure surrounding the inclusion. Sequential μ-CT and FF-HEDM scans were carried out at both peak and zero applied stress following schedules of cyclic deformation. The µ-CT data showed the onset and location of crack initiation, and the FF-HEDM data provided temporal and spatial evolution of the intergranular strains. Strain partitioning and the associated stress heterogeneities that develop are shown to stabilize within a few loading cycles. Elasto-viscoplastic fast Fourier transform simulations were utilized to supplement interpretation of the experimental stress distributions and compared with the experimental stress distributions. In conclusion, appropriate conditions for crack nucleation in the form of stress gradients were demonstrated and created by virtue of the inclusion, specifically the residual stress state and local bonding state at the inclusion-matrix interface.« less

Investigation of fatigue crack initiation from a non-metallic inclusion via high energy x-ray diffraction microscopy

DOE PAGES

Naragani, Diwakar; Sangid, Michael D.; Shade, Paul A.; ...

2017-07-14

Crack initiation at inclusions is a dominant, unavoidable and life-limiting failure mechanism of important structural materials. Fatigue progresses in a complex manner to find the ‘weakest link’ in the microstructure, leading to crack nucleation. In this study, fully 3-D characterization methods using high-energy synchrotron x-rays are combined with in-situ mechanical testing to study the crack initiation mechanism in a Ni-based superalloy specimen. The specimen was produced via powder metallurgy and seeded with a non-metallic inclusion. Two x-ray techniques were employed: absorption contrast computed micro-tomography (μ-CT) to determine the morphology of the inclusion and its location in the gauge section ofmore » the specimen; and far-field high-energy diffraction microscopy (FF-HEDM) to resolve the centroids, average orientations, and lattice strains of the individual grains comprising the microstructure surrounding the inclusion. Sequential μ-CT and FF-HEDM scans were carried out at both peak and zero applied stress following schedules of cyclic deformation. The µ-CT data showed the onset and location of crack initiation, and the FF-HEDM data provided temporal and spatial evolution of the intergranular strains. Strain partitioning and the associated stress heterogeneities that develop are shown to stabilize within a few loading cycles. Elasto-viscoplastic fast Fourier transform simulations were utilized to supplement interpretation of the experimental stress distributions and compared with the experimental stress distributions. In conclusion, appropriate conditions for crack nucleation in the form of stress gradients were demonstrated and created by virtue of the inclusion, specifically the residual stress state and local bonding state at the inclusion-matrix interface.« less

Mechanical behaviour of metallic thin films on polymeric substrates and the effect of ion beam assistance on crack propagation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

George, M.; Coupeau, C.; Colin, J.

2005-01-10

The mechanisms of crack propagation in metallic films on polymeric substrates have been studied through in situ atomic force microscopy observations of thin films under tensile stresses and finite element stress calculations. Two series of films - ones deposited with ion beam assistance, the others without - have been investigated. The observations and stress calculations show that ion beam assistance can change drastically the propagation of cracks in coated materials: by improving the adhesion film/substrate, it slows down the delamination process, but in the same time enhances the cracks growth in the thickness of the material.

Crystal Plasticity Model Validation Using Combined High-Energy Diffraction Microscopy Data for a Ti-7Al Specimen

DOE PAGES

Turner, Todd J.; Shade, Paul A.; Bernier, Joel V.; ...

2016-11-18

High-Energy Diffraction Microscopy (HEDM) is a 3-d x-ray characterization method that is uniquely suited to measuring the evolving micromechanical state and microstructure of polycrystalline materials during in situ processing. The near-field and far-field configurations provide complementary information; orientation maps computed from the near-field measurements provide grain morphologies, while the high angular resolution of the far-field measurements provide intergranular strain tensors. The ability to measure these data during deformation in situ makes HEDM an ideal tool for validating micro-mechanical deformation models that make their predictions at the scale of individual grains. Crystal Plasticity Finite Element Models (CPFEM) are one such classmore » of micro-mechanical models. While there have been extensive studies validating homogenized CPFEM response at a macroscopic level, a lack of detailed data measured at the level of the microstructure has hindered more stringent model validation efforts. We utilize an HEDM dataset from an alphatitanium alloy (Ti-7Al), collected at the Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, under in situ tensile deformation. The initial microstructure of the central slab of the gage section, measured via near-field HEDM, is used to inform a CPFEM model. The predicted intergranular stresses for 39 internal grains are then directly compared to data from 4 far-field measurements taken between ~4% and ~80% of the macroscopic yield strength. In conclusion, the intergranular stresses from the CPFEM model and far-field HEDM measurements up to incipient yield are shown to be in good agreement, and implications for application of such an integrated computational/experimental approach to phenomena such as fatigue and crack propagation is discussed.« less

Environmental fatigue in aluminum-lithium alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Piascik, Robert S.

1992-01-01

Aluminum-lithium alloys exhibit similar environmental fatigue crack growth characteristics compared to conventional 2000 series alloys and are more resistant to environmental fatigue compared to 7000 series alloys. The superior fatigue crack growth behavior of Al-Li alloys 2090, 2091, 8090, and 8091 is due to crack closure caused by tortuous crack path morphology and crack surface corrosion products. At high R and reduced closure, chemical environment effects are pronounced resulting in accelerated near threshold da/dN. The beneficial effects of crack closure are minimized for small cracks resulting in rapid growth rates. Limited data suggest that the 'chemically small crack' effect, observed in other alloy system, is not pronounced in Al-Li alloys. Modeling of environmental fatigue in Al-Li-Cu alloys related accelerated fatigue crack growth in moist air and salt water to hydrogen embrittlement.

Microstructural characterization of hydrogen induced cracking in TRIP-assisted steel by EBSD

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Laureys, A., E-mail: Aurelie.Laureys@UGent.be; Depover, T.; Petrov, R.

2016-02-15

The present work evaluates hydrogen induced cracking by performing an elaborate EBSD (Electron BackScatter Diffraction) study in a steel with transformation induced plasticity (TRIP-assisted steel). This type of steel exhibits a multiphase microstructure which undergoes a deformation induced phase transformation. Additionally, each microstructural constituent displays a different behavior in the presence of hydrogen. The aim of this study is to obtain a better understanding on the mechanisms governing hydrogen induced crack initiation and propagation in the hydrogen saturated multiphase structure. Tensile tests on notched samples combined with in-situ electrochemical hydrogen charging were conducted. The tests were interrupted at stresses justmore » after reaching the tensile strength, i.e. before macroscopic failure of the material. This allowed to study hydrogen induced crack initiation and propagation by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and EBSD. A correlation was found between the presence of martensite, which is known to be very susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement, and the initiation of hydrogen induced cracks. Initiation seems to occur mostly by martensite decohesion. High strain regions surrounding the hydrogen induced crack tips indicate that further crack propagation may have occurred by the HELP (hydrogen-enhanced localized plasticity) mechanism. Small hydrogen induced cracks located nearby the notch are typically S-shaped and crack propagation was dominantly transgranularly. The second stage of crack propagation consists of stepwise cracking by coalescence of small hydrogen induced cracks. - Highlights: • Hydrogen induced cracking in TRIP-assisted steel is evaluated by EBSD. • Tensile tests were conducted on notched hydrogen saturated samples. • Crack initiation occurs by a H-Enhanced Interface DEcohesion (HEIDE) mechanism. • Crack propagation involves growth and coalescence of small cracks. • Propagation is governed by the characteristics of phases on the crack path.« less

Hydrogen-Assisted Crack Propagation in Austenitic Stainless Steel Fusion Welds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Somerday, B. P.; Dadfarnia, M.; Balch, D. K.; Nibur, K. A.; Cadden, C. H.; Sofronis, P.

2009-10-01

The objective of this study was to characterize hydrogen-assisted crack propagation in gas-tungsten arc (GTA) welds of the nitrogen-strengthened, austenitic stainless steel 21Cr-6Ni-9Mn (21-6-9), using fracture mechanics methods. The fracture initiation toughness and crack growth resistance curves were measured using fracture mechanics specimens that were thermally precharged with 230 wppm (1.3 at. pct) hydrogen. The fracture initiation toughness and slope of the crack growth resistance curve for the hydrogen-precharged weld were reduced by as much as 60 and 90 pct, respectively, relative to the noncharged weld. A physical model for hydrogen-assisted crack propagation in the welds was formulated from microscopy evidence and finite-element modeling. Hydrogen-assisted crack propagation proceeded by a sequence of microcrack formation at the weld ferrite, intense shear deformation in the ligaments separating microcracks, and then fracture of the ligaments. One salient role of hydrogen in the crack propagation process was promoting microcrack formation at austenite/ferrite interfaces and within the ferrite. In addition, hydrogen may have facilitated intense shear deformation in the ligaments separating microcracks. The intense shear deformation could be related to the development of a nonuniform distribution of hydrogen trapped at dislocations between microcracks, which in turn created a gradient in the local flow stress.

Fracture toughness of advanced ceramics at room temperature

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quinn, George D.; Salem, Jonathan; Bar-On, Isa; Cho, Kyu; Foley, Michael; Fang, HO

1992-01-01

Results of round-robin fracture toughness tests on advanced ceramics are reported. A gas-pressure silicon nitride and a zirconia-toughened alumina were tested using three test methods: indentation fracture, indentation strength, and single-edge precracked beam. The latter two methods have produced consistent results. The interpretation of fracture toughness test results for the zirconia alumina composite is shown to be complicated by R-curve and environmentally assisted crack growth phenomena.

Environmental Assisted Cracking in High Hardness Armor Steel

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-09-01

Longitudinal and transverse tension tests (ASTM E8-81) utilizing flat dogbane specimens, and subsize Charpy impact tests (ASTM 23-81) were performed on part...had been obtained. Longitudinal and transverse tension tests (ASTM E8-81) utilizing flat dogbane specimens, and subsize Charpy impact tests (ASTM 23... Charpy and tensile bar surfaces. All of the optical metallography samples were prepared using standard metallographic practices. The optical specimens

Physical Metallurgy, Weldability, and in-Service Performance of Nickel-Chromium Filler Metals Used in Nuclear Power Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Young, George A.; Etien, Robert A.; Hackett, Micah J.; Tucker, Julie D.; Capobianco, Thomas E.

Wrought Alloy 690 is well established for corrosion resistant nuclear applications but development continues to improve the weldability of a filler metal that retains the corrosion resistance and phase stability of the base metal. High alloy Ni-Cr filler metals are prone to several types of welding defects and new alloys are emerging for commercial use. This paper uses experimental and computational methods to illustrate key differences among welding consumables. Results show that solidification segregation is critical to understanding the weldability and environmentally-assisted cracking resistance of these alloys. Primary water stress corrosion cracking tests show a marked decrease in crack growth rates near 21 wt. % Cr at the grain boundary. While filler metals with 21-29 wt.% grain boundary Cr show similar PWSCC resistance, the higher alloyed grades are more prone to solidification cracking. Modeling and aging studies indicate that in some filler metals minor phase formation (e.g., Laves and σ) and long range order (LRO) must be assessed to ensure adequate weldability and inservice performance.

Status of the steam generator tube circumferential ODSCC degradation experienced at the Doel 4 plant

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Roussel, G.

1997-02-01

Since the 1991 outage, the Doel Unit 4 nuclear power plant is known to be affected by circumferential outside diameter intergranular stress corrosion cracking at the hot leg tube expansion transition. Extensive non destructive examination inspections have shown the number of tubes affected by this problem as well as the size of the cracks to have been increasing for the three cycles up to 1993. As a result of the high percentage of tubes found non acceptable for continued service after the 1993 in-service inspection, about 1,700 mechanical sleeves were installed in the steam generators. During the 1994 outage, allmore » the tubes sleeved during the 1993 outage were considered as potentially cracked to some extent at the upper hydraulic transition and were therefore not acceptable for continued service. They were subsequently repaired by laser welding. Furthermore all the tubes not sleeved during the 1993 outage were considered as not acceptable for continued service and were repaired by installing laser welded sleeves. During the 1995 outage, some unexpected degradation phenomena were evidenced in the sleeved tubes. This paper summarizes the status of the circumferential ODSCC experienced in the SG tubes of the Doel 4 plant as well as the other connected degradation phenomena.« less

Fracture toughness, tensile and stress corrosion cracking properties of Alloy 600, Alloy 690 and their welds in water

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brown, C.M.; Mills, W.J.

1996-10-01

The fracture toughness and tensile properties of Alloy 600, Alloy 690 and their welds, EN82H and EN52, were characterized in 54 and 338 C water with an elevated hydrogen content. Results were compared with air data to evaluate the effect of low and high temperature water on mechanical properties. In addition, the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of EN82H and EN52 welds was evaluated in 360 C water with high hydrogen. Elastic-plastic J{sub c} fracture toughness testing revealed that the fracture resistance of all test materials was exceptionally high in 54 and 338 C air and 338 C water, demonstratingmore » that fracture properties were essentially unaffected by the high temperature water environment. In 54 C water, however, J{sub c} values for EN82H and EN52 welds were reduced by an order of magnitude, and Alloy 690 showed a five-fold decrease in J{sub c}. Tensile properties for all test materials were essentially unaffected by the water environment, except for the total elongation for EN82H welds which was significantly reduced in 54 C water. At a strain rate of 5 x 10{sup 6} sec{sup {minus}1} in low temperature water, there appears to be sufficient time for environmental interactions to restrict ductility in EN82H welds. Constant-load testing of precracked weld specimens in 360 C water resulted in extensive intergranular SCC in EN82H welds loaded to K{sub I} levels between 35 and 55 MPa {radical}m, whereas no SCC occurred in EN52 welds under comparable test conditions.« less

STRESS CORROSION CRACKING OF ALLOY 152 WELD BUTTER NEAR THE LOW ALLOY STEEL INTERFACE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Alexandreanu, Bogdan; Chen, Yiren; Natesan, Ken

2015-01-01

The objective of this work was to obtain SCC growth data in Alloy 152 weld butter near the interface with Low Alloy Steel (LAS), which is a region where some dilution of Cr was expected to have occurred, thus presumably exhibiting an increased SCC-susceptibility vs. the bulk of the weld. The LAS piece used in this application was Alloy 533-Gr B from the Midland reactor lower head, and the Alloy 152 weld butter received a prototypical Post Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT) prior to joining by Alloy 152 to an Alloy 690 piece according to a procedure qualified to ASME IX.more » The compact tension specimens for SCC testing were aligned in the first layer of the Alloy 152 butter. The experimental approach based on tracking environmental enhancement vs. location was successful in identifying SCC-susceptible locations, and SCC rates ranging from 10-12 m/s to as high as 10-10 m/s were measured. The post-test examination of the specimens found that the fracture had the intergranular/interdendritic appearance typical of welds, and that the propagation was arrested wherever an intersection with the LAS occurred. The large range of SCC rates measured does not appear to correlate well with the local concentration of Cr (approx. 25% at the SCC locations), and, in fact, low Cr (20%) – high Fe “streaks” seemed to slow/arrest crack propagation. In short, simple “Cr dilution” does not seem to fully account for the “SCC-susceptible” microstructure that yielded the 10-10 m/s growth rate in this weld.« less

Influences of semiconductor morphology on the mechanical fatigue behavior of flexible organic electronics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Young-Joo; Yeon, Han-Wool; Shin, Hae-A-Seul

2013-12-09

The influence of crystalline morphology on the mechanical fatigue of organic semiconductors (OSCs) was investigated using 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)pentacene (TIPS-pentacene) as a crystalline OSC and poly(triarylamine) (PTAA) as an amorphous OSC. During cyclic bending, resistances of the OSCs were monitored using the transmission-line method on a metal-semiconductor-metal structure. The resistance of the TIPS-pentacene increased under fatigue damage in tensile-stress mode, but no such degradation was observed in the PTAA. Both OSCs were stable under compressive bending fatigue. The formation of intergranular cracks at the domain boundaries of the TIPS-pentacene was responsible for the degradation of its electrical properties under tensile bending fatigue.

Effects of fine porosity on the fatigue behavior of a powder metallurgy superalloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miner, R. V.; Dreshfield, R. L.

1980-01-01

Hot-isostatically-pressed powder-metallurgy Astroloy was obtained which contained 1.4 percent porosity at the grain boundaries produced by argon entering the powder container during pressing. This material was tested at 650 C in fatigue, creep-fatigue, tension, and stress-rupture and the results compared with data on sound Astroloy. They influenced fatigue crack initiation and produced a more intergranular mode of propagation but fatigue life was not drastically reduced. Fatigue behavior of the porous material showed typical correlation with tensile behavior. The plastic strain range-life relation was reduced proportionately with the reduction in tensile ductility, but the elastic strain range-life relation was changed little.

Final summary report for 1989 inservice inspection (ISI) of SRS (Savannah River Site) 100-P Reactor tank

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Morrison, J.M.; Loibl, M.W.

1989-12-15

The integrity of the SRS reactor tanks is a key factor affecting their suitability for continued service since, unlike the external piping system and components, the tanks are virtually irreplaceable. Cracking in various areas of the process water piping systems has occurred beginning in 1960 as a result of several degradation mechanisms, chiefly intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) and chloride-induced transgranular cracking. IGSCC, currently the primary degradation mechanism, also occurred in the knuckle'' region (tank wall-to-bottom tube sheet transition piece) unique to C Reactor and was eventually responsible for that reactor being deactivated in 1985. A program of visual examinationsmore » of the SRS reactor tanks was initiated in 1968, which used a specially designed immersible periscope. Under that program the condition of the accessible tank welds and associated heat affected zones (HAZ) was evaluated on a five-year frequency. Prior to 1986, the scope of these inspections comprised approximately 20 percent of the accessible weld area. In late 1986 and early 1987 the scope of the inspections was expanded and a 100 percent visual inspection of accessible welds was performed of the P-, L-, and K-Reactor tanks. Supplemental dye penetrant examinations were performed in L Reactor on selected areas which showed visual indications. No evidence of cracking was detected in any of these inspections of the P-, L-, and K-Reactor tanks. 17 refs., 7 figs.« less

A study of fractography in the low-temperature brittle fracture of an 18Cr-18Mn-0.7N austenitic steel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, S.C.; Hashida, T.; Takahashi, H.

1998-03-01

The fracture mode and crack propagation behavior of brittle fracture at 77 and 4 K in an 18Cr-18Mn-0.7N austenitic stainless were investigated using optical and scanning electron microscopy. The fracture path was examined by observing the side surface in a partially ruptured specimen. The relationship of the fracture facets to the microstructures were established by observing the fracture surface and the adjacent side surface simultaneously. Three kinds of fracture facets were identified at either temperature. The first is a smooth curved intergranular fracture facet with characteristic parallel lines on it. The second is a fairly planar facet formed by partingmore » along an annealing twin boundary, a real {l_brace}111{r_brace} plane. There are three sets of parallel lines on the facet and the lines in different sets intersect at 60 deg. The third is a lamellar transgranular fracture facet with sets of parallel steps on it. Fracture propagated by the formation of microcracks on a grain boundary, annealing twin boundary, and coalescence of these cracks. The observation suggests that the ease of crack initiation and propagation along the grain boundary and the annealing twin boundary may be the main reason for the low-temperature brittleness of this steel. A mechanism for grain boundary cracking, including annealing twin boundary parting, has been discussed based on the stress concentration induced by impinging planar deformation structures on the grain boundaries.« less

Partially melted zone in aluminum welds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Chen-Che

The partially melted zone (PMZ) is a region immediately outside the weld metal where grain boundary (GB) liquation can occur and cause intergranular cracking. Aluminum alloys are known to be susceptible to liquation and liquation cracking. The PMZ of alloy 2219 (essentially Al-6.3Cu) was studied. Liquation is initiated eutectically. Solidification of the GB liquid was directional---upward and toward the weld as a result of the temperature gradients across the PMZ. The liquated material solidifies with severe segregation into a low-strength, low-ductility structure consisting of a solute-depleted ductile phase and a solute-rich brittle eutectic. In tensile testing the maximum load and displacement before failure were both far below those of the base metal. The GB eutectic fractured while the adjacent Cu-depleted a deformed readily under tension. The solidification mode of the grain boundary liquid was mostly planar. However, cellular solidification was also observed near the bottom of partial-penetration welds, where temperature gradients were lowest. The liquation mechanisms in wrought multicomponent aluminum alloys during welding were also studied. Three mechanisms were identified. They cover most, if not all, wrought aluminum alloys. Liquation cracking in the PMZ was investigated in full-penetration aluminum welds. Liquation cracking occurs because the solidifying PMZ is pulled by a solidifying and thus contracting weld metal that is stronger than the PMZ. Liquation cracking can occur if there is significant liquation in the PMZ, if there is no solidification cracking in the adjacent weld metal, and if the PMZ becomes lower in solid fraction (and hence strength) during its terminal solidification than the solidifying weld metal. Liquation cracking in the PMZ was also investigated in partial-penetration aluminum welds. The papillary (nipple) type penetration common in welding with spray transfer of the filler wire actually oscillates along the weld and promotes cracking regardless of the filler metal used. The fast-solidifying weld metal immediately behind the penetration tip contracts and pulls the PMZ near the tip and, regardless of the weld-metal composition, cracking can occur if PMZ liquation is significant.

An investigation of reheat cracking in the weld heat affected zone of type 347 stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phung-On, Isaratat

2007-12-01

Reheat cracking has been a persistent problem for welding of many alloys such as the stabilized stainless steels: Types 321 and 347 as well as Cr-Mo-V steels. Similar problem occurs in Ni-base superalloys termed "strain-age cracking". Cracking occurs during the post weld heat treatment. The HAZ is the most susceptible area due to metallurgical reactions in solid state during both heating and cooling thermal cycle. Many investigations have been conducted to understand the RHC mechanism. There is still no comprehensive mechanism to explain its underlying mechanism. In this study, there were two proposed cracking mechanisms. The first is the formation of a PFZ resulting in local weakening and strain localization. The second is the creep-like grain boundary sliding that causes microvoid formation at the grain boundaries and the triple point junctions. Cracking occurs due to the coalescence of the microvoids that form. In this study, stabilized grade stainless steel, Type 347, was selected for investigation of reheat cracking mechanism due to the simplicity of its microstructure and understanding of its metallurgical behavior. The Gleeble(TM) 3800 system was employed due to its capability for precise control of both thermal and mechanical simulation. Cylindrical samples were subjected to thermal cycles for the HAZ simulation followed by PWHT as the reheat cracking test. "Susceptibility C-curves" were plotted as a function of PWHT temperatures and time to failure at applied stress levels of 70% and 80% yield strength. These C-curves show the possible relationship of the reheat cracking susceptibility and carbide precipitation behavior. To identify the mechanism, the sample shape was modified containing two flat surfaces at the center section. These flat surfaces were electro-polished and subjected to the HAZ simulation followed by the placement of the micro-indentation arrays. Then, the reheat cracking test was performed. The cracking mechanism was identified by tracing the shifting of the micro-indentations compared to their original locations. At the 80% stress level, the cracking mechanism was identified as the PFZ weakening, while at the 70% stress as the creep-like grain boundary sliding. A design of experiment (DOE) using a D-optimal design was successfully employed in this study to investigate the effects of microstructures on the reheat cracking susceptibility. The microstructures were modified by heat treatment prior to the reheat cracking test. The grain size and cooling rate were found to have moderate effects on cracking susceptibility. The amount (volume fraction) of MC carbide (NbC) had a significant effect on time to failure. The more NbC formed prior to test, the longer time to failure, and the more resistance to reheat cracking. On the other hand, the amount of GB carbide (M23C6) had an insignificant effect. The statistical interaction between MC carbide with other testing parameters also had strong effect. The PWHT temperature also had significant effect as can be predicted from the susceptibility C-curves. The heat treatment schedules, during cooling and during heating schedules, were also investigated. During cooling schedule was the same schedule done earlier in this study. On the other hand, during heating schedule allowed the sample cool to room temperature prior microstructure modification followed by the reheat cracking test. During heating schedule showed an improvement in resistance to reheat cracking. Microstructure of the crack samples showed the intergranular cracking path and wedge shapes along cracking boundaries. There was also the evidence of grain boundary sliding as a result of the creep-like grain boundary sliding cracking mechanism. SEM showed the intergranular cracking and grain separation with precipitates decorated on the fracture surfaces. The precipitates were identified as Nb-rich, MC carbide (NbC). The fracture surfaces showed micro-ductility and microvoid coalescence. The size of microvoid corresponds to the size of precipitate that forms. In addition, there was intragranular cracking in some location indicating that another failure mechanism may also be possible. It was believed that failure may occur along a precipitate free zone. However, the distinct PFZ could not be detected. A SS-DTA technique was also implemented in order to determine precipitation temperatures of the material. The results showed the possible precipitation temperatures in the range of 850°C to 650°C. However, the results were not confidently reliable due to the small amount of carbide formed that affects the sensitivity of the SS-DTA. A simple grain boundary sliding model was generated proposing that the sliding is operated by the shear stress resulting from the formation of precipitate in the grain interior. Then, the sliding results in the microvoid formation and coalescence followed by cracking. In addition, a simple finite element model was generated to provide the illustration of the shear stress built up by the formation of precipitate. The model showed that shear stress can cause the grain boundary movement/sliding. Based on the results from this study, the recommendation for the selection of post weld heat treatment schedule as well as welding procedures can be determined for the prevention of the reheat cracking. A residual stress should be kept below the critical value during welding and post weld heat treating. The testing procedures used in this study can be applied as the guidelines to conduct the reheat cracking susceptibility test for material selection.

Study of the Effect of Swelling on Irradiation Assisted Stress Corrosion Cracking

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Teysseyre, Sebastien Paul

2016-09-01

This report describes the methodology used to study the effect of swelling on the crack growth rate of an irradiation-assisted stress corrosion crack that is propagating in highly irradiated stainless steel 304 material irradiated to 33 dpa in the Experimental Breeder Reactor-II. The material selection, specimens design, experimental apparatus and processes are described. The results of the current test are presented.

Effects of fluid-rock interaction on friction and slip stability of gouge-filled faults (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spiers, C. J.

2013-12-01

Understanding the effects of fluid-rock interaction on fault friction is central not only to understanding natural seismogenesis but also to evaluating the risks of fault reactivation and induced seismicity posed by subsurface resources production and by geological storage of CO2. Microstructural studies on natural fault rocks deformed in the mid and upper crust, including those sampled in fault drilling projects, frequently show evidence for i) fluid-related reactions forming an anastomosing phyllosilicate network, ii) pressure solution and cataclasis of clast phases, and iii) dilatation and cementation of fractures, cracks and pores. Moreover, decades of friction experiments on simulated granitic, gabroic, quartz and more recently calcite and phyllosilicate-quartz gouges, have shown that the presence of an aqueous pore fluid, or even water vapour, strongly influences the frictional behaviour of these materials. This has long been recognised to point to the operation of fluid-assisted deformation mechanisms, such as stress corrosion cracking or pressure solution. Indeed, recent low velocity friction experiments performed at Utrecht on evaporite and quartz gouges, with varying amounts of phyllosilicate, indicate that fluid-assisted deformation of the clast phases is a requirement for velocity-weakening slip capable of causing stick-slip. Supercritical carbon dioxide, on the other hand, has little effect on the frictional behaviour of either dry or wet gouges. An important trend emerging from all gouges containing quartz, and tested at hydrothermal conditions and sliding velocities below 100 μm/s, is a transition from velocity strengthening at low temperatures, to velocity weakening at intermediate temperatures, and back to velocity strengthening at high temperatures, delineating three regimes of steady state frictional behaviour. Where dilation has been measured or estimated, the velocity weakening regime is further characterised by porosity development. This all leads to the conclusion that a micromechanism-based description of the frictional behaviour of gouge-filled faults, under mid and upper crustal conditions, needs to account for pressure solution and stress corrosion cracking of clast phases, and for both dilatant and non-dilatant slip on intervening, weak phyllosilicates. First attempts to do this, assuming pressure solution as the fluid-assisted clast deformation mechanism, successfully predict the three-regime behaviour seen in experiments on phyllosilicate-quartz gouges, as well as other key observations. Both steady state and transient frictional behaviour similar to that seen in experiments can be predicted. The key factor here controlling both frictional response (i.e a, b, a-b and Dc in the terminology of RSF modelling) and porosity turns out to be competition between dilatation due to intergranular slip on phyllosillicates versus flow and compaction by pressure solution. In particular, velocity-weakening slip, hence rupture nucleation, are predicted to be caused by the effects of the fluid phase in promoting compaction by pressure solution during dilatant shear.

Intergranular Corrosion Behavior of 304LN Stainless Steel Heat Treated at 623 K (350 °C)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Raghuvir; Kumar, Mukesh; Ghosh, Mainak; Das, Gautam; Singh, P. K.; Chattoraj, I.

2013-01-01

Low temperature sensitization of 304LN stainless steel from the two pipes, differing slightly in chemical composition, has been investigated; specimens were aged at 623 K (350 °C) for 20,000 hours and evaluated for intergranular corrosion and degree of sensitization. The base and heat-affected zone (HAZ) of the 304LN-1 appear resistant to sensitization, while 304LN-2 revealed a "dual" type microstructure at the transverse section and HAZ. The microstructure at 5.0-mm distance from the fusion line indicates qualitatively less sensitization as compared to that at 2.0 mm. The 304LN-2 base alloy shows overall lower degree of sensitization values as compared to the 304LN-1. A similar trend of degree of sensitization was observed in the HAZ where it was higher in the 304LN-1 as compared to the 304LN-2. The weld zone of both the stainless steels suffered from cracking during ASTM A262 practice E, while the parent metals and HAZs did not show such fissures. A mottled image within the ferrite lamella showed spinodal decomposition. The practice E test and transmission electron microscopy results indicate that the interdendritic regions may suffer from failure due to carbide precipitation and due to the evolution of brittle phase from spinodal decomposition.

A study on the influence of microstructure on small fatigue cracks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castelluccio, Gustavo M.

In spite of its significance in industrial applications, the prediction of the influence of microstructure on the early stages of crack formation and growth in engineering alloys remains underdeveloped. The formation and early growth of fatigue cracks in the high cycle fatigue regime lasts for much of the fatigue life, and it is strongly influenced by microstructural features such as grain size, twins and morphological and crystallographic texture. However, most fatigue models do not predict the in uence of the microstructure on early stages of crack formation, or they employ parameters that should be calibrated with experimental data from specimens with microstructures of interest. These post facto strategies are adequate to characterize materials, but they are not fully appropriate to aid in the design of fatigue-resistant engineering alloys. This thesis considers finite element computational models that explicitly render the microstructure of selected FCC metallic systems and introduces a fatigue methodology that estimates transgranular and intergranular fatigue growth for microstructurally small cracks. The driving forces for both failure modes are assessed by means of fatigue indicators, which are used along with life correlations to estimate the fatigue life. Furthermore, cracks with meandering paths are modeled by considering crack growth on a grain-by-grain basis with a damage model embedded analytically to account for stress and strain redistribution as the cracks extend. The methodology is implemented using a crystal plasticity constitutive model calibrated for studying the effect of microstructure on early fatigue life of a powder processed Ni-base RR1000 superalloy at elevated temperature under high cycle fatigue conditions. This alloy is employed for aircraft turbine engine disks, which undergo a thermomechanical production process to produce a controlled bimodal grain size distribution. The prediction of the fatigue life for this complex microstructure presents particular challenges that are discussed and addressed. The conclusions of this work describe the mechanistic of microstructural small crack. In particular, the fatigue crack growth driving force has been characterized as it evolves within grains and crosses to other grains. Furthermore, the computational models serve as a tool to assess the effects of microstructural features on early stages of fatigue crack formation and growth, such as distributions of grain size and twins.

Deformation and damage mechanisms of zinc coatings on hot-dip galvanized steel sheets: Part II. Damage modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parisot, Rodolphe; Forest, Samuel; Pineau, André; Grillon, François; Demonet, Xavier; Mataigne, Jean-Michel

2004-03-01

Zinc-based coatings are widely used for protection against corrosion of steel-sheet products in the automotive industry. The objective of the present article is to investigate the damage modes at work in three different microstructures of a zinc coating on an interstitial-free steel substrate under tension, planestrain tension, and expansion loading. Plastic-deformation mechanisms are addressed in the companion article. Two main fracture mechanisms, namely, intergranular cracking and transgranular cleavage fracture, were identified in an untempered cold-rolled coating, a tempered cold-rolled coating, and a recrystallized coating. No fracture at the interface between the steel and zinc coating was observed that could lead to spalling, in the studied zinc alloy. A complex network of cleavage cracks and their interaction with deformation twinning is shown to develop in the material. An extensive quantitative analysis based on systematic image analysis provides the number and cumulative length of cleavage cracks at different strain levels for the three investigated microstructures and three loading conditions. Grain refinement by recrystallization is shown to lead to an improved cracking resistance of the coating. A model for crystallographic cleavage combining the stress component normal to the basal plane and the amount of plastic slip on the basal slip systems is proposed and identified from equibiaxial tension tests and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) analysis of the cracked grains. This analysis requires the computation of the nonlinear stress-strain response of each grain using a crystal-plasticity constitutive model. The model is then applied successfully to other loading conditions and is shown to account for the preferred orientations of damaged grains observed in the case of plane-strain tension.

Acoustic emission during fatigue of porous-coated Ti-6Al-4V implant alloy.

PubMed

Kohn, D H; Ducheyne, P; Awerbuch, J

1992-01-01

Acoustic emission (AE) events and event intensities (e.g., event amplitude, counts, duration, and energy counts) were recorded and analyzed during fatigue loading of uncoated and porous-coated Ti-6Al-4V. AE source location, spatial filtering, event, and event intensity distributions were used to detect, monitor, analyze, and predict failures. AE provides the ability to spatially and temporally locate multiple fatigue cracks, in real time. Fatigue of porous-coated Ti-6Al-4V is governed by a sequential, multimode fracture process of: transverse fracture in the porous coating; sphere/sphere and sphere/substrate debonding; substrate fatigue crack initiation; slow and rapid substrate fatigue crack propagation. Because of the porosity of the coating, the different stages of fracture within the coating occur in a discontinuous fashion. Therefore, the AE events generated are intermittent and the onset of each mode of fracture in the porous coating can be detected by increases in AE event rate. Changes in AE event rate also correspond to changes in crack extension rate, and may therefore be used to predict failure. AE offers two distinct advantages over conventional optical and microscopic methods of analyzing fatigue cracks--it is more sensitive and it can determine the time history of damage progression. The magnitude of the AE event intensities increased with increasing stress. Failure mechanisms are best differentiated by analyzing AE event amplitudes. Intergranular fracture and microvoid coalescence generated the highest AE event amplitudes (100 dB), whereas, plastic flow and friction generated the lowest AE event amplitudes (55-65 dB). Fractures in the porous coating were characterized by AE event amplitudes of less than 80 dB.

Quantitative analysis of microstructure deformation in creep fenomena of ferritic SA-213 T22 and austenitic SA-213 TP304H material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mulyana, Cukup; Taufik, Ahmad; Gunawan, Agus Yodi; Siregar, Rustam Efendi

2013-09-01

The failure of critical component of fossil fired power plant that operated in creep range (high stress, high temperature and in the long term) depends on its microstructure characteristics. Ferritic low carbon steel (2.25Cr-1Mo) and Austenitic stainless alloy (18Cr-8Ni) are used as a boiler tube in the secondary superheater outlet header to deliver steam before entering the turbin. The tube failure is occurred in a form of rupture, resulting trip that disrupts the continuity of the electrical generation. The research in quantification of the microstructure deformation has been done in predicting the remaining life of the tube through interrupted accelerated creep test. For Austenitic Stainless Alloy (18Cr-8Ni), creep test was done in 550°C with the stress 424.5 MPa and for Ferritic Low Carbon Steel (2.25Cr-1Mo) in 570°C with the stress 189 MPa. The interrupted accelerated creep test was done by stopping the observation in condition 60%, 70%, 80% and 90% of remaining life, the creep test fracture was done before. Then the micro hardness test, photo micro, SEM and EDS were obtained from those samples. Refer to ASTM E122, microstructure parameters were calculated. The results indicated that there are a consistency of decreasing their grain diameters, increasing their grain size numbers, micro hardness, and the length of crack or void number per unit area with the decreasing of remaining life. While morphology of grain (stated in parameter α=LV/LH) relatively constant for austenitic. However, for ferritic the change of morphology revealed significantly. Fracture mode propagation of ferritic material is growth with voids transgranular and intergranular crack, and for austenitic material the fracture growth with intergranular creep fracture void and wedge crack. In this research, it was proposed a formulation of mathematical model for creep behavior corresponding their curve fitting resulted for the primary, secondary and tertiary in accelerated creep test. In addition, it was also developed a new method for predicting the remaining life using quantification of microstructure and using expansion of parameter Larson Miller from Taylor series for critical component in high temperature in industry. It was found that the proposed method was easier to be applied in field with the results more accurate then Larson Miller Method.

Assessing Hydrogen Assisted Cracking Modes in High Strength Steel Welds

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-12-01

posed theoretical hydrogen assisted cracking mechanisms. It was found that the microplasticity theory of Beachem can best describe how the stress...precludes an internal pressure gradient as the driv- ing force for crack growth. The adsorption theory of Petch and Stables3 and further modifications4...the adsorption theory. In addition, fracture surfaces indicate rapid void formation and coales- cence at low temperatures where the rate of surface

Experimental and Finite Element Modeling of Near-Threshold Fatigue Crack Growth for the K-Decreasing Test Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Stephen W.; Seshadri, Banavara R.; Newman, John A.

2015-01-01

The experimental methods to determine near-threshold fatigue crack growth rate data are prescribed in ASTM standard E647. To produce near-threshold data at a constant stress ratio (R), the applied stress-intensity factor (K) is decreased as the crack grows based on a specified K-gradient. Consequently, as the fatigue crack growth rate threshold is approached and the crack tip opening displacement decreases, remote crack wake contact may occur due to the plastically deformed crack wake surfaces and shield the growing crack tip resulting in a reduced crack tip driving force and non-representative crack growth rate data. If such data are used to life a component, the evaluation could yield highly non-conservative predictions. Although this anomalous behavior has been shown to be affected by K-gradient, starting K level, residual stresses, environmental assisted cracking, specimen geometry, and material type, the specifications within the standard to avoid this effect are limited to a maximum fatigue crack growth rate and a suggestion for the K-gradient value. This paper provides parallel experimental and computational simulations for the K-decreasing method for two materials (an aluminum alloy, AA 2024-T3 and a titanium alloy, Ti 6-2-2-2-2) to aid in establishing clear understanding of appropriate testing requirements. These simulations investigate the effect of K-gradient, the maximum value of stress-intensity factor applied, and material type. A material independent term is developed to guide in the selection of appropriate test conditions for most engineering alloys. With the use of such a term, near-threshold fatigue crack growth rate tests can be performed at accelerated rates, near-threshold data can be acquired in days instead of weeks without having to establish testing criteria through trial and error, and these data can be acquired for most engineering materials, even those that are produced in relatively small product forms.

Improve sensitization and corrosion resistance of an Al-Mg alloy by optimization of grain boundaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Jianfeng; Heckman, Nathan M.; Velasco, Leonardo; Hodge, Andrea M.

2016-05-01

The sensitization and subsequent intergranular corrosion of Al-5.3 wt.% Mg alloy has been shown to be an important factor in stress corrosion cracking of Al-Mg alloys. Understanding sensitization requires the review of grain boundary character on the precipitation process which can assist in developing and designing alloys with improved corrosion resistance. This study shows that the degree of precipitation in Al-Mg alloy is dependent on grain boundary misorientation angle, adjacent grain boundary planes and grain boundary types. The results show that the misorientation angle is the most important factor influencing precipitation in grain boundaries of the Al-Mg alloy. Low angle grain boundaries (≤15°) have better immunity to precipitation and grain boundary acid attack. High angle grain boundaries (>15°) are vulnerable to grain boundary acid attack. Grain boundaries with adjacent plane orientations near to {100} have potential for immunity to precipitation and grain boundary acid attack. This work shows that low Σ (Σ ≤ 29) coincident site lattice (CSL) grain boundaries have thinner β precipitates. Modified nitric acid mass loss test and polarization test demonstrated that the global corrosion resistance of sputtered Al-Mg alloy is enhanced. This may be attributed to the increased fractions of low Σ (Σ ≤ 29) CSL grain boundaries after sputtering.

Effect of Microstructure and Alloy Chemistry on Hydrogen Embrittlement of Precipitation-Hardened Ni-Based Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obasi, G. C.; Zhang, Z.; Sampath, D.; Morana, Roberto; Akid, R.; Preuss, M.

2018-04-01

The sensitivity to hydrogen embrittlement (HE) has been studied in respect of precipitation size distributions in two nickel-based superalloys: Alloy 718 (UNS N07718) and Alloy 945X (UNS N09946). Quantitative microstructure analysis was carried out by the combination of scanning and transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). While Alloy 718 is mainly strengthened by γ″, and therefore readily forms intergranular δ phase, Alloy 945X has been designed to avoid δ formation by reducing Nb levels providing high strength through a combination of γ' and γ″. Slow strain rate tensile tests were carried out for different microstructural conditions in air and after cathodic hydrogen (H) charging. HE sensitivity was determined based on loss of elongation due to the H uptake in comparison to elongation to failure in air. Results showed that both alloys exhibited an elevated sensitivity to HE. Fracture surfaces of the H precharged material showed quasi-cleavage and transgranular cracks in the H-affected region, while ductile failure was observed toward the center of the sample. The crack origins observed on the H precharged samples exhibited quasi-cleavage with slip traces at high magnification. The sensitivity is slightly reduced for Alloy 718, by coarsening γ″ and reducing the overall strength of the alloy. However, on further coarsening of γ″, which promotes continuous decoration of grain boundaries with δ phase, the embrittlement index rose again indicating a change of hydrogen embrittlement mechanism from hydrogen-enhanced local plasticity (HELP) to hydrogen-enhanced decohesion embrittlement (HEDE). In contrast, Alloy 945X displayed a strong correlation between strength, based on precipitation size and embrittlement index, due to the absence of any significant formation of δ phase for the investigated microstructures. For the given test parameters, Alloy 945X did not display any reduced sensitivity to HE compared with Alloy 718 when considering high-strength conditions despite the absence of intergranular δ phase.

Tensile and compressive creep behavior of extruded Mg–10Gd–3Y–0.5Zr (wt.%) alloy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, H.; The State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240; Wang, Q.D., E-mail: wangqudong@sjtu.edu.cn

2015-01-15

The tensile and compressive creep behavior of an extruded Mg–10Gd–3Y–0.5Zr (wt.%) alloy was investigated at temperatures ranging from 200 °C to 300 °C and under stresses ranging from 30 MPa to 120 MPa. There existed an asymmetry in the tensile and compressive creep properties. The minimum creep rate of the alloy was slightly greater in tension than in compression. The measured values of the transient strain and initial creep rate in compression were greater than those in tension. The creep stress exponent was approximately 2.5 at low temperatures (T < 250 °C) and 3.4 at higher temperatures both in tensionmore » and in compression. The compression creep activation energy at low temperatures and high temperatures was 83.4 and 184.3 kJ/mol respectively, while one activation energy (184 kJ/mol) represented the tensile–creep behavior over the temperature range examined. Dislocation creep was suggested to be the main mechanism in tensile creep and in the high-temperature regime in compressive creep, while grain boundary sliding was suggested to dominate in the low-temperature regime in compressive creep. Precipitate free zones were observed near grain boundaries perpendicular to the loading direction in tension and parallel to the loading direction in compression. Electron backscattered diffraction analysis revealed that the texture changed slightly during creep. Non-basal slip was suggested to contribute to the deformation after basal slip was introduced. In the tensile–creep ruptured specimens, intergranular cracks were mainly observed at general high-angle boundaries. - Highlights: • Creep behavior of an extruded Mg–RE alloy was characterized by EBSD. • T5 aging treatment enhanced the tension–compression creep asymmetry. • The grains grew slightly during tensile creep, but not for compressive creep. • Precipitate free zones (PFZs) were observed at specific grain boundaries. • Intergranular fracture was dominant and cracks mainly originated at GHABs.« less

Corrosion fatigue of alloys 600 and 690 in simulated LWR environments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ruther, W.E.; Soppett, W.K.; Kassner, T.F.

1996-04-01

Crack growth data were obtained on fracture-mechanics specimens of Alloys 600 and 690 to investigate environmentally assisted cracking (EAC) in simulated boiling water reactor and pressurized water reactor environments at 289 and 320 C. Preliminary information was obtained on the effect of temperature, load ratio, stress intensity (K), and the dissolved-oxygen and -hydrogen concentrations of the water on EAC. Specimens of Type 316NG and sensitized Type 304 stainless steel (SS) were included in several of the experiments to assess the behavior of these materials and Alloy 600 under the same water chemistry and loading conditions. The experimental data are comparedmore » with predictions from an Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) model for crack growth rates (CGRs) of SSs in water and the ASME Code Section 11 correlation for CGRs in air at the K{sub max} and load-ratio values in the various tests. The data for all of the materials were bounded by ANL model predictions and the ASME Section 11 ``air line.``« less

Computational micromechanics of dynamic compressive loading of a brittle polycrystalline material using a distribution of grain boundary properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kraft, R. H.; Molinari, J. F.; Ramesh, K. T.; Warner, D. H.

A two-dimensional finite element model is used to investigate compressive loading of a brittle ceramic. Intergranular cracking in the microstructure is captured explicitly by using a distribution of cohesive interfaces. The addition of confining stress increases the maximum strength and if high enough, can allow the effective material response to reach large strains before failure. Increasing the friction at the grain boundaries also increases the maximum strength until saturation of the strength is approached. Above a transitional strain rate, increasing the rate-of-deformation also increases the strength and as the strain rate increases, fragment sizes of the damaged specimen decrease. The effects of flaws within the specimen were investigated using a random distribution at various initial flaw densities. The model is able to capture an effective modulus change and degradation of strength as the initial flaw density increases. Effects of confinement, friction, and spatial distribution of flaws seem to depend on the crack coalescence and dilatation of the specimen, while strain-rate effects are result of inertial resistance to motion.

Super-formable pure magnesium at room temperature.

PubMed

Zeng, Zhuoran; Nie, Jian-Feng; Xu, Shi-Wei; H J Davies, Chris; Birbilis, Nick

2017-10-17

Magnesium, the lightest structural metal, is difficult to form at room temperature due to an insufficient number of deformation modes imposed by its hexagonal structure and a strong texture developed during thermomechanical processes. Although appropriate alloying additions can weaken the texture, formability improvement is limited because alloying additions do not fundamentally alter deformation modes. Here we show that magnesium can become super-formable at room temperature without alloying. Despite possessing a strong texture, magnesium can be cold rolled to a strain at least eight times that possible in conventional processing. The resultant cold-rolled sheet can be further formed without cracking due to grain size reduction to the order of one micron and inter-granular mechanisms becoming dominant, rather than the usual slip and twinning. These findings provide a pathway for developing highly formable products from magnesium and other hexagonal metals that are traditionally difficult to form at room temperature.Replacing steel or aluminium vehicle parts with magnesium would result in reduced emissions, but shaping magnesium without cracking remains challenging. Here, the authors successfully extrude and roll textured magnesium into ductile foil at low temperatures by activating intra-granular mechanisms.

Experimental and Modeling Studies on the Microstructures and Properties of Oxidized Aluminum Nitride Ceramic Substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Ye; Xu, Haixian; Zhan, Jun; Zhang, Hao; Wei, Xin; Wang, Jianmin; Cui, Song; Tang, Wenming

2018-05-01

Oxidation of aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramic substrates doped with 2 wt.% Y2O3 was performed in air at temperatures ranging from 1000 to 1300 °C for various lengths of time. Microstructure, bending strength, and thermal conductivity of the oxidized AlN substrates were studied experimentally and also via mathematical models. The results show that the oxide layer formed on the AlN substrates is composed of α-Al2O3 nanocrystallines and interconnected micropores. Longitudinal and transverse cracks are induced in the oxide layer under tensile and shear stresses, respectively. Intergranular oxidation of the AlN grains close to the oxide layer/AlN interface also occurs, leading to widening and cracking of the AlN grain boundaries. These processes result in the monotonous degradation of bending strength and thermal conductivity of the oxidized AlN substrates. Two mathematic models concerning these properties of the oxidized AlN substrates versus the oxide layer thickness were put forward. They fit well with the experimental results.

PWSCC Susceptibility in Heat Affected Zones of Alloy 600

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Couvant, Thierry; Brossier, Thomas; Cossange, Christian

The recent field experience and several experimental results have shown the possible deleterious effect of a heat affected zone (HAZ) induced by welding on the susceptibility to the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of Alloy 600 of bottom penetrations exposed to primary water of PWRs. This work tried to quantify the increasing susceptibility to initiation and crack propagation in 600/182 HAZ. The rolled plate did not exhibit any susceptibility to SCC except for a cold work higher than 10% typically. By contrast, the weld metal was well known for its high susceptibility to SCC. Metallurgical and mechanical characterizations of the HAZ indicated a slight gradient of Vickers micro hardness close to the fusion line (up to few mm) and a lack of intergranular precipitates up to 500 µm from the fusion line. SCC tests clearly demonstrated that a non-susceptible plate may exhibit a significant susceptibility to SCC propagation in the HAZ. Results of initiation tests did not allow to observe any SCC in the base metal, due to the high susceptibility to SCC of the weld.

Intrinsic fatigue crack propagation in aluminum-lithium alloys - The effect of gaseous environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Piascik, Robert S.; Gangloff, Richard P.

1989-01-01

Gaseous environmental effects on intrinsic fatigue crack growth are significant for the Al-Li-Cu alloy 2090, peak aged. For both moderate Delta K-low R and low Delta K-high R regimes, crack growth rates decrease according to the environment order: purified water vapor, moist air, helium and oxygen. Gaseous environmental effects are pronounced near threshold and are not closure dominated. Here, embrittlement by low levels of H2O (ppm) supports hydrogen embrittlement and suggests that molecular transport controlled cracking, established for high Delta K-low R, is modified near threshold. Localized crack tip reaction sites or high R crack opening shape may enable the strong, environmental effect at low levels of Delta K. Similar crack growth in He and O2 eliminates the contribution of surface films to fatigue damage in alloy 2090. While 2090 and 7075 exhibit similar environmental trends, the Al-Li-Cu alloy is more resistant to intrinsic corrosion fatigue crack growth.

Environmentally Assisted Cracking: Overview of Evidence for an Adsorption-Induced Localised-Slip Process,

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-12-01

Prior to examination of LME fractures, liquid or solid metals were removed from fracture surfaces as follows: Mercury was evaporated from fractures in a...1 mm/s. Under these conditions, the appearance of fracture surfaces was identical to that produced by rapid fracture (-1 mm/s) in liquid mercury ...Furthermore, the appearance of fractures depended somewhat on the orientation of crystals but was the same in hydrogen and mercury environments for each

Cracking-assisted fabrication of nanoscale patterns for micro/nanotechnological applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Minseok; Kim, Dong-Joo; Ha, Dogyeong; Kim, Taesung

2016-05-01

Cracks are frequently observed in daily life, but they are rarely welcome and are considered as a material failure mode. Interestingly, cracks cause critical problems in various micro/nanofabrication processes such as colloidal assembly, thin film deposition, and even standard photolithography because they are hard to avoid or control. However, increasing attention has been given recently to control and use cracks as a facile, low-cost strategy for producing highly ordered nanopatterns. Specifically, cracking is the breakage of molecular bonds and occurs simultaneously over a large area, enabling fabrication of nanoscale patterns at both high resolution and high throughput, which are difficult to obtain simultaneously using conventional nanofabrication techniques. In this review, we discuss various cracking-assisted nanofabrication techniques, referred to as crack lithography, and summarize the fabrication principles, procedures, and characteristics of the crack patterns such as their position, direction, and dimensions. First, we categorize crack lithography techniques into three technical development levels according to the directional freedom of the crack patterns: randomly oriented, unidirectional, or multidirectional. Then, we describe a wide range of novel practical devices fabricated by crack lithography, including bioassay platforms, nanofluidic devices, nanowire sensors, and even biomimetic mechanosensors.

Analysis of failed nuclear plant components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diercks, D. R.

1993-12-01

Argonne National Laboratory has conducted analyses of failed components from nuclear power- gener-ating stations since 1974. The considerations involved in working with and analyzing radioactive compo-nents are reviewed here, and the decontamination of these components is discussed. Analyses of four failed components from nuclear plants are then described to illustrate the kinds of failures seen in serv-ice. The failures discussed are (1) intergranular stress- corrosion cracking of core spray injection piping in a boiling water reactor, (2) failure of canopy seal welds in adapter tube assemblies in the control rod drive head of a pressurized water reactor, (3) thermal fatigue of a recirculation pump shaft in a boiling water reactor, and (4) failure of pump seal wear rings by nickel leaching in a boiling water reactor.

Effects of compositional modifications on the sensitization behavior of FeCrMn steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edgemon, G. L.; Tortorelli, P. F.; Bell, G. E. C.

1992-09-01

FeCrMn may possibly be used in conjunction with aqueous blankets or cooants in a fusion device. Therefore, standard chemical immersion (modified Strauss) tests were conducted to characterize the effects of compositional modifications on the thermal sensitization behavior of these steels. A good correlation among weight losses, intergranular corrosion, and cracking was found. The most effective means of decreasing their susceptibility was through reduction of the carbon concentration of these steels to 0.1%, but the sensitization resistance of FeCrMn0.1 C compositions was still inferior to type 304L and other similar stainless steels. Alloying additions that form stable carbides did not have a very significant influence on the sensitization behavior.

Effect of a high helium content on the flow and fracture properties of a 9Cr martensitic steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henry, J.; Vincent, L.; Averty, X.; Marini, B.; Jung, P.

2007-08-01

An experimental characterization was conducted of helium effects on the mechanical properties of a 9Cr martensitic steel. Six sub-size Charpy samples were implanted in the notch region at 250 °C with 0.25 at.% helium and subsequently tested in 3-point bending at room temperature. Brittle fracture mode (cleavage and intergranular fracture) was systematically observed in the implanted zones of the samples. Finite element calculations of the tests, using as input the tensile properties measured on a helium loaded sample, were performed in order to determine the fracture stress at the onset of brittle crack propagation. Preliminary TEM investigations of the implantation-induced microstructure revealed a high density of small helium bubbles.

Low cycle fatigue properties of type 316 stainless steel in vacuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furuya, Kazuo; Nagata, Norio; Watanabe, Ryoji

1980-04-01

Low cycle fatigue tests in vacuum were carried out on Type 316 stainless steel under the push-pull type, strain-controlled, continuous cycling mode in the temperature range from room temperature to 1073 K and strain rate from 5 × 10 -3 to 5 × 10 -5/s . Little temperature dependence of the fatigue life at a given plastic strain range is observed. The fatigue life decreases with decreasing strain rate at room temperature and 823 K, but shows little change at 973 and 1073 K. The fracture mode is transgranular in most cases, but an indication of intergranular cracking is observed in the specimens tested at 1073 K and at the lowest strain rate. The results are treated by the general adsorption model.

Section 2: Corrosion and failure analysis studies in support of the pulp and paper industry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Keiser, J.R.; Pawel, S.J.; Swindeman, R.W.

1997-04-01

Technical support is being provided to various pulp and paper companies and related industries to help determine the cause of material degradation problems and to identify alternate materials to prevent such degradation. During the past year, examinations have included parts from several sootblowers, two failed economizer tubes, and inspection of a continuous digester. The results of the analyses and inspections were communicated to the plant operators, and, in some cases, recommendations were made. This article discusses examination of sootblower nozzles, which evidenced intergranular cracking. Analysis indicated the presence of chromium carbide precipitates along the grain boundaries, which can cause themore » sample to be sensitized to grain boundary attack.« less

Hydrogen Assisted Cracking in Pearlitic Steel Rods: The Role of Residual Stresses Generated by Fatigue Precracking

PubMed Central

Toribio, Jesús; Aguado, Leticia; Lorenzo, Miguel; Kharin, Viktor

2017-01-01

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of metals is an issue of major concern in engineering since this phenomenon causes many catastrophic failures of structural components in aggressive environments. SCC is even more harmful under cathodic conditions promoting the phenomenon known as hydrogen assisted cracking (HAC), hydrogen assisted fracture (HAF) or hydrogen embrittlement (HE). A common way to assess the susceptibility of a given material to HAC, HAF or HE is to subject a cracked rod to a constant extension rate tension (CERT) test until it fractures in this harsh environment. This paper analyzes the influence of a residual stress field generated by fatigue precracking on the sample’s posterior susceptibility to HAC. To achieve this goal, numerical simulations were carried out of hydrogen diffusion assisted by the stress field. Firstly, a mechanical simulation of the fatigue precracking was developed for revealing the residual stress field after diverse cyclic loading scenarios and posterior stress field evolution during CERT loading. Afterwards, a simulation of hydrogen diffusion assisted by stress was carried out considering the residual stresses after fatigue and the superposed rising stresses caused by CERT loading. Results reveal the key role of the residual stress field after fatigue precracking in the HAC phenomena in cracked steel rods as well as the beneficial effect of compressive residual stress. PMID:28772845

Cyclic crack growth behavior of reactor pressure vessel steels in light water reactor environments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Van Der Sluys, W.A.; Emanuelson, R.H.

1986-01-01

During normal operation light water reactor (LWR) pressure vessels are subjected to a variety of transients resulting in time varying stresses. Consequently, fatigue and environmentally assisted fatigue are growth mechanisms relevant to flaws in these pressure vessels. In order to provide a better understanding of the resistance of nuclear pressure vessel steels to flaw growth process, a series of fracture mechanics experiments were conducted to generate data on the rate of cyclic crack growth in SA508-2 and SA533b-1 steels in simulated 550/sup 0/F boiling water reactor (BWR) and 550/sup 0/F pressurized water reactor (PWR) environments. Areas investigated over the coursemore » of the test program included the effects of loading frequency and r ratio (Kmin-Kmax) on crack growth rate as a function of the stress intensity factor (deltaK) range. In addition, the effect of sulfur content of the test material on the cyclic crack growth rate was studied. Cyclic crack growth rates were found to be controlled by deltaK, R ratio, and loading frequency. The sulfur impurity content of the reactor pressure vessel steels studied had a significant effect on the cyclic crack growth rates. The higher growth rates were always associated with materials of higher sulfur content. For a given level of sulfur, growth rates were in a 550/sup 0/F simulated BWR environment than in a 550/sup 0/F simulated PWR environment. In both environments cyclic crack growth rates were a strong function of the loading frequency.« less

Fracture Growth Testing of Titanium 6AL-4V in AF-M315E

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sampson, Jeffrey W.; Martinez, Jonathan; McLean, Christopher

2015-01-01

The Green Propellant Infusion Mission (GPIM) will demonstrate the performance of AF-M315E monopropellant in orbit. Flight certification requires a safe-life analysis of the titanium alloy fuel tank to ensure inherent flaws will not cause failure during the design life. Material property inputs for this analysis require testing to determine the stress intensity factor for environmentally-assisted cracking (K (sub EAC)) of Ti 6Al-4V in combination with the AF-M315E monopropellant. Testing of single-edge notched specimens SE(B) representing the bulk tank membrane and weld material were performed in accordance with ASTM E1681. Specimens with fatigue pre-cracks were loaded into test fixtures so that the crack tips were exposed to the monopropellant at 50 degrees Centigrade for a duration of 1,000 hours. Specimens that did not fail during exposure were opened to inspect the crack surfaces for evidence of crack growth. The threshold stress intensity value, KEAC, is the highest applied stress intensity that produced neither a failure of the specimen during the exposure nor showed evidence of crack growth. The threshold stress intensity factor of the Ti 6Al-4V forged tank material when exposed to AF-M315E monopropellant was found to be at least 22.0 kilopounds per square inch. The stress intensity factor of the weld material was at least 31.3 kilopounds per square inch.

CHARACTERIZATION OF DEFECTS IN ALLOY 152, 52 AND 52M WELDS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bruemmer, Stephen M.; Toloczko, Mychailo B.; Olszta, Matthew J.

2009-08-27

Defect distributions have been documented by optical metallography, scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction in alloy 152 and 52 mockups welds, alloy 52 and 52M overlay mockups and an alloy 52M inlay. Primary defects were small cracks at grain boundaries except for more extensive cracking in the dilution zone of an alloy 52 overlay on 304SS. Detailed characterizations of the dilution zone cracks were performed by analytical transmission electron microscopy identifying grain boundary titanium-nitride precipitation associated with the intergranular separations. I. INTRODUCTION Weldments continue to be a primary location of stress-corrosion cracking (SCC) in light-water reactor systems. While problemsmore » related to heat-affected-zone (HAZ) sensitization and intergranular (IG) SCC of austenitic stainless alloys in boiling-water reactors (BWRs) have been significantly reduced, SCC has now been observed in HAZs of non-sensitized materials and in dissimilar metal welds where Ni-base alloy weld metals are used. IGSCC in weld metals has been observed in both BWRs and pressurized water reactors (PWRs) with recent examples for PWR pressure vessel penetrations producing the most concern. This has led to the replacement of alloy 600/182/82 welds with higher Cr, more corrosion-resistant replacement materials (alloy 690/152/52/52M). Complicating this issue has been a known susceptibility to cracking during welding [1-7] of these weld metals. There is a critical need for an improved understanding of the weld metal metallurgy and defect formation in Ni-base alloy welds to effectively assess long-term performance. A series of macroscopic to microscopic examinations were performed on available mockup welds made with alloy 52 or alloy 152 plus selected overlay and inlay mockups. The intent was to expand our understanding of weld metal structures in simulated LWR service components with a focus on as-welded defects. Microstructural features, defect distributions, defect characteristics and weld residual strains were examined by optical metallography, scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Industry-supplied mock-up welds were characterized including alloy 52 and 152 weldments, alloy 52M overlay and inlay welds, and an alloy 52 overlay. II. WELDMENTS II.A. Alloy 52 and 152 Weld Mockups The alloy 52 and 152 weld mockups were fabricated by MHI for the Kewaunee reactor and were obtained from the EPRI NDE Center. The mockups were U-groove welds joining two plates of 304SS as shown in Figure 1. Alloy 152 butter (heat 307380) was placed on the U-groove surface for both mockups by shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). For the alloy 152 weld mockup, the alloy 152 fill (heat 307380) was also applied using SMAW while for the alloy 52 weld mockup, the alloy 52 fill (heat NX2686JK) was applied using gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). Welding parameters for the fill materials were substantially different with the alloy 152 SMAW having a deposition speed of 4-25 cm/min with a current of 95-145 A and the alloy 52 GTAW having a deposition speed of 4-10 cm/min with a current of 150-300 A. One prominent feature in these mockup welds is the presence of a crack starting at the 304SS butt joint at the bottom of the U-groove and extending up into the weld. It appears that the 304SS plate on either side of the butt joint acted as an anchor for the weld resulting in a stress rise across the slit that drove crack formation and extension up into the fill weld. As will be shown in the next section, the extent of the cracking around this stress riser was much greater in the MHI 52 weld mockup.« less

Environmentally Assisted Cracking of High Strength Beta Titanium Alloys

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-11-01

financially supported by the Virginia Center for Innovative Technology TDC on Electrochemical Science and Engineering (Grant CIT- TDC -88-01) and by the Office...Material Behayir, N.R. Moody and A.W. Thompson, eds., TMS -AIME, Warrendale, PA, p. 891(1990). 18. 0. Vosikovsky, J.Tt. EyaL, Vol. 6, p. 175 (1978). 19...acknowledged. 3 23 REFERENCES 1. Beta Titanium Alloys in the 80’s R.R. Boyer and H.W. Rosenberg, eds., TMS -AIME,3 Warrendale, PA. pp. 209-229, 1983. 2

Fatigue Crack Propagation from Notched Specimens of 304 SS in elevated Temperature Aqueous Environment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wire, G. L.; Mills, W. J.

2002-08-01

Fatigue crack propagation (FCP) rates for 304 stainless steel (304SS) were determined in 24 degree C and 288 degree C air and 288 degree C water using double-edged notch (DEN) specimens of 304 stainless steel (304 SS). Test performed at matched loading conditions in air and water at 288 degree C with 20-6- cc h[sub]2/kg h[sub]2O provided a direct comparison of the relative crack growth rates in air and water over a wide range of crack growth rates. The DEN crack extension ranged from short cracks (0.03-0.25 mm) to long cracks up to 4.06 mm, which are consistent with conventionalmore » deep crack tests. Crack growth rates of 304 SS in water were about 12 times the air rate. This 12X environmental enhancement persisted to crack extensions up to 4.06 mm, far outside the range associated with short crack effects. The large environmental degradation for 304 SS crack growth is consistent with the strong reduction of fatigue life in high hydrogen water. Further, very similar environmental effects w ere reported in fatigue crack growth tests in hydrogen water chemistry (HWC). Most literature data in high hydrogen water show only a mild environmental effect for 304 SS, of order 2.5 times air or less, but the tests were predominantly performed at high cyclic stress intensity or equivalently, high air rates. The environmental effect in low oxygen environments at low stress intensity depends strongly on both the stress ratio, R, and the load rise time, T[sub]r, as recently reported for austenitic stainless steel in BWR water. Fractography was performed for both tests in air and water. At 288 degree C in water, the fracture surfaces were crisply faceted with a crystallographic appearance, and showed striations under high magnification. The cleavage-like facets on the fracture surfaces suggest that hydrogen embrittlement is the primary cause of accelerated cracking.« less

Assessment Criteria for Environmental Cracking of High-Strength Steels in Seawater.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-03-18

OF HIGH-STRENGTH STEELS IN SEAWATER T. W. Crooker and J. A. Hauser II Material Science and Technology Division Naval Research Laboratory Washington, DC...AGSTPACT (Continued) environmental cracking. This report provides a summary of state-of-theart technology for assessing environmental cracking of high...This report will address this issue, both in terms of existing technology and needs for further

On Failure in Polycrystalline and Amorphous Brittle Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bourne, N. K.

2009-12-01

The performance of behaviour of brittle materials depends upon discrete deformation mechanisms operating during the loading process. The critical mechanisms determining the behaviour of armour ceramics have not been isolated using traditional ballistics. It has recently become possible to measure strength histories in materials under shock. The data gained for the failed strength of the armour are shown to relate directly to the penetration measured into tiles. Further the material can be loaded and recovered for post-mortem examination. Failure is by micro-fracture that is a function of the defects and then cracking activated by plasticity mechanisms within the grains and failure at grain boundaries in the amorphous intergranular phase. Thus it is the shock-induced plastic yielding of grains at the impact face that determines the later time penetration through the tile.

Micromechanisms of intergranular brittle ftacture in intermetallic compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vitek, V.

1991-06-01

Grain boundaries in intermetallic compounds such as Ni3A1 are inherently brittle. The reason is usually sought in grain boundary cohesion but in metals even brittle fracture is accompanied by some local plasticity and thus not only cohesion but also dislocation mobility in the boundary region need to be studied. We first discuss here the role of an irreversible shear deformation at the crack tip during microcrack propagation assuming that these two processes are concomitant. It is shown that a pre-existing crack cannot propagate in a brittle manner once the dislocation emission occurs. However, if a microcrack nucleates during loading it can propagate concurrently with the development of the irreversible shear deformation at the crack tip. The latter is then the major energy dissipating process. In the second part of this paper we present results of atomistic studies of grain boundaries in Ni3A1 and CU3Au which suggest that substantial structural differences exist between strongly and weakly ordered L12 alloys. We discuss then the consequence of these differences for intergranular brittleness in the framework of the above model for microcrack propagation. On this basis we propose an explanation for the intrinsic intergranular brittleness in some L12 alloys and relate it directly to the strength of ordering. Les joints de grains dans les composés intermétalliques de type Ni3AI sont de nature fragile. L'origine de cette fragilité est habituellement dans la cohésion des joints de grains. Dans les métaux, cependant, même la rupture fragile est accompagnée d'une certaine déformation plastique locale, de telle sorte que non seulement la cohésion mais aussi la mobilité des dislocations près des joints doit être étudiée. Nous discutons d'abord le rôle d'une déformation en cisaillement irréversible en tête de fissure pendant la propagation de cette fissure, en supposant que les deux processus sont concomitants. Nous montrons qu'une fissure préexistante ne peut pas se propager de manière fragile, une fois que l'émission de dislocations se produit. Cependant, si une microfissure apparaît pendant le changement, elle peut se développer en concurrence avec le développement d'un cisaillement irréversible en tête de fissure. Ce demier est alors le principal mécanisme dissipatif d'énergie. Dans la deuxième partie de cet article, nous présentons des résultats d'études atomiques de joints de grain dans Ni3AI et CU3Au, suggérant qu'il existe des différences de structure substancielles entre les alliages L12 fortement et faiblement ordonnés. Nous discutons ensuite la conséquence de ces différences pour la fragilité intergranulaire, à l'aide du modèle ci-dessus pour la propagation des microfissures. Sur cette base, nous proposons une explication pour la fragilité intergranulaire intrinsèque de quelques alliages L12, et nous la relions directement au degré d'ordre.

Isothermal Damage and Fatigue Behavior of SCS-6/Timetal 21S [0/90](Sub S) Composite at 650 Deg C

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Castelli, Michael G.

1994-01-01

The isothermal fatigue damage and life behaviors of SCS-6/Timetal 21S (0/90)s were investigated at 650 C. Strain ratcheting and degradation of the composite's static elastic modulus were carefully monitored as functions of cycles to indicate damage progression. Extensive fractographic and metallographic analyses were conducted to determine damage/failure mechanisms. Resulting fatigue lives show considerable reductions in comparison to (0) reinforced titanium matrix composites subjected to comparable conditions. Notable stiffness degradations were found to occur after the first cycle of loading, even at relatively low maximum stress levels, where cyclic lives are greater than 25,000 cycles. This was attributed to the extremely weak fiber/matrix bond which fails under relatively low transverse loads. Stiffness degradations incurred on first cycle loadings and degradations thereafter were found to increase with increasing maximum stress. Environmental effects associated with oxidation of the (90) fiber interfaces clearly played a role in the damage mechanisms as fracture surfaces revealed environment assisted matrix cracking along the (90) fibers. Metallographic analysis indicated that all observable matrix fatigue cracks initiated at the (90) fiber/matrix interfaces. Global de-bonding in the loading direction was found along the (90) fibers. No surface initiated cracks were evident and minimal if any (0) fiber cracking was visible.

Influence of Inherent Surface and Internal Defects on Mechanical Properties of Additively Manufactured Ti6Al4V Alloy: Comparison between Selective Laser Melting and Electron Beam Melting

PubMed Central

Fousová, Michaela; Vojtěch, Dalibor; Doubrava, Karel; Daniel, Matěj; Lin, Chiu-Feng

2018-01-01

Additive manufacture (AM) appears to be the most suitable technology to produce sophisticated, high quality, lightweight parts from Ti6Al4V alloy. However, the fatigue life of AM parts is of concern. In our study, we focused on a comparison of two techniques of additive manufacture—selective laser melting (SLM) and electron beam melting (EBM)—in terms of the mechanical properties during both static and dynamic loading. All of the samples were untreated to focus on the influence of surface condition inherent to SLM and EBM. The EBM samples were studied in the as-built state, while SLM was followed by heat treatment. The resulting similarity of microstructures led to comparable mechanical properties in tension, but, due to differences in surface roughness and specific internal defects, the fatigue strength of the EBM samples reached only half the value of the SLM samples. Higher surface roughness that is inherent to EBM contributed to multiple initiations of fatigue cracks, while only one crack initiated on the SLM surface. Also, facets that were formed by an intergranular cleavage fracture were observed in the EBM samples. PMID:29614712

Influence of Inherent Surface and Internal Defects on Mechanical Properties of Additively Manufactured Ti6Al4V Alloy: Comparison between Selective Laser Melting and Electron Beam Melting.

PubMed

Fousová, Michaela; Vojtěch, Dalibor; Doubrava, Karel; Daniel, Matěj; Lin, Chiu-Feng

2018-03-31

Additive manufacture (AM) appears to be the most suitable technology to produce sophisticated, high quality, lightweight parts from Ti6Al4V alloy. However, the fatigue life of AM parts is of concern. In our study, we focused on a comparison of two techniques of additive manufacture-selective laser melting (SLM) and electron beam melting (EBM)-in terms of the mechanical properties during both static and dynamic loading. All of the samples were untreated to focus on the influence of surface condition inherent to SLM and EBM. The EBM samples were studied in the as-built state, while SLM was followed by heat treatment. The resulting similarity of microstructures led to comparable mechanical properties in tension, but, due to differences in surface roughness and specific internal defects, the fatigue strength of the EBM samples reached only half the value of the SLM samples. Higher surface roughness that is inherent to EBM contributed to multiple initiations of fatigue cracks, while only one crack initiated on the SLM surface. Also, facets that were formed by an intergranular cleavage fracture were observed in the EBM samples.

Scanning electron microscope fractography in failure analysis of steels

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wouters, R.; Froyen, L.

1996-04-01

For many failure cases, macroscopic examination of the fracture surface permits discrimination of fatigue fractures from overload fractures. For clarifying fatigue fractures, the practical significance of microfractography is limited to an investigation of the crack initiation areas. Scanning electron microscopy is successfully used in tracing local material abnormalities that act as fatigue crack initiators. The task for the scanning electron microscope, however, is much more substantial in failure analysis of overload fractures, especially for steels. By revealing specific fractographic characteristics, complemented by information about the material and the loading conditions, scanning electron microscopy provides a strong indication of the probablemore » cause of failure. A complete dimple fracture is indicative of acceptable bulk material properties; overloading, by subdimensioning or excessive external loading, has to be verified. The presence of cleavage fracture makes the material properties questionable if external conditions causing embrittlement are absent. Intergranular brittle fracture requires verification of grain-boundary weakening conditions--a sensitized structure, whether or not combined with a local stress state or a specific environment. The role of scanning electron microscopy in failure analysis is illustrated by case histories of the aforementioned fracture types.« less

Stress Corrosion Cracking Behavior of Multipass TIG-Welded AA2219 Aluminum Alloy in 3.5 wt pct NaCl Solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venugopal, A.; Sreekumar, K.; Raja, V. S.

2012-09-01

The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of the AA2219 aluminum alloy in the single-pass (SP) and multipass (MP) welded conditions was examined and compared with that of the base metal (BM) in 3.5 wt pct NaCl solution using a slow-strain-rate technique (SSRT). The reduction in ductility was used as a parameter to evaluate the SCC susceptibility of both the BM and welded joints. The results showed that the ductility ratio ( ɛ NaCl/( ɛ air) was 0.97 and 0.96, respectively, for the BM and MP welded joint, and the same was marginally reduced to 0.9 for the SP welded joint. The fractographic examination of the failed samples revealed a typical ductile cracking morphology for all the base and welded joints, indicating the good environmental cracking resistance of this alloy under all welded conditions. To understand the decrease in the ductility of the SP welded joint, preexposure SSRT followed by microstructural observations were made, which showed that the decrease in ductility ratio of the SP welded joint was caused by the electrochemical pitting that assisted the nucleation of cracks in the form of corrosion induced mechanical cracking rather than true SCC failure of the alloy. The microstructural examination and polarization tests demonstrated a clear grain boundary (GB) sensitization of the PMZ, resulting in severe galvanic corrosion of the SP weld joint, which initiated the necessary conditions for the localized corrosion and cracking along the PMZ. The absence of PMZ and a refined fusion zone (FZ) structure because of the lesser heat input and postweld heating effect improved the galvanic corrosion resistance of the MP welded joint greatly, and thus, failure occurred along the FZ.

Effects of environment and frequency on the fatigue behavior of the spallation neutron source (SNS) target container material - 316 LN stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Hongbo

As the candidate target container material of the new Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) being designed and constructed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Type 316 low-carbon nitrogen-added (LN) stainless steel (SS) will operate in an aggressive environment, subjected to intense fluxes of high-energy protons and neutrons while exposed to liquid mercury. The current project is oriented toward materials studies regarding the effects of test environment and frequency on the fatigue behavior of 316 LN SS. In order to study the structural applications of this material and improve the fundamental understanding of the fatigue damage mechanisms, fatigue tests were performed in air and mercury environments at various frequencies and R ratios (R = sigma min/sigmamax, sigmamin and sigmamax are the applied minimum and maximum stresses, respectively). Fatigue data were developed for the structural design and engineering applications of this material. Specifically, high-cycle fatigue tests, fatigue crack-propagation tests, and ultrahigh cycle fatigue tests up to 10 9 cycles were conducted in air and mercury with test frequencies from 10 Hz to 700 Hz. Microstructure characterizations were performed using optical microscopy (OM), scanning-electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission-electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that mercury doesn't seem to have a large impact on the crack-initiation behavior of 316 LN SS. However, the crack-propagation mechanisms in air and mercury are different in some test conditions. Transgranular cracks seem to be the main mechanism in air, and intergranular in mercury. A significant specimen self-heating effect was found during high-cycle faituge. Theoretical calculation was performed to predict temperature responses of the material subjected to cyclic deformation. The predicted cyclic temperature evolution seems to be in good agreement with the experimental results.

Brittle to Semibrittle Transition in Quartz Sandstone: Energetics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanaya, Taka; Hirth, Greg

2018-01-01

Triaxial compression experiments were conducted on a quartz sandstone at effective pressures up to 175 MPa and temperatures up to 900°C. Our experiments show a transition from brittle faulting to semibrittle faulting with an increase in both pressure and temperature. The yield behavior of samples deformed in the semibrittle regime follows a compactant elliptical cap at low strain, but evolves to a dilatant Mohr-Coulomb relationship with continued compaction. Optical microscopy indicates that semibrittle deformation involves cataclastic flow through shear-enhanced compaction and grain crushing; however, transmission electron microscopy shows evidence for dislocation glide in limited portions of samples. To constrain the relative contribution of brittle and crystal plastic mechanisms, we estimate the partitioning of the inelastic work into the dissipation energy for microcracking, intergranular frictional slip, and dislocation glide. We conclude that semibrittle deformation is accommodated primarily by cataclastic mechanisms, with only a limited contribution from crystal plasticity. Mechanical data, acoustic emission records, and analysis of surface energy all indicate the activation of subcritical cracking at elevated temperature. Hence, we infer that the enhancement of subcritical cracking is responsible for the transition to semibrittle flow through promoting distributed grain-scale fractures and millimeter-scale shear bands. Subcritical cracking promotes the nucleation of microfractures at lower stresses, and the resulting decrease in flow stress retards the propagation of transgranular microfractures. Our study illuminates the important role of temperature on the micromechanics of the transition from brittle faulting to cataclastic flow in the Earth.

Effect of Aging Isothermal Time on the Microstructure and Room-Temperature Impact Toughness of Fe-24.8Mn-7.3Al-1.2C Austenitic Steel with κ-Carbides Precipitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Yifan; Song, Renbo; Pei, Zhongzheng; Song, Renfeng; Dou, Guoyu

2018-03-01

The microstructure and impact toughness of the as-cast Fe-24.8Mn-7.3Al-1.2C austenitic steel after solution treatment and subsequent aging treatment were investigated in the present work. Research on the κ-carbides precipitation behavior was carried out by transmission electron microscope. The results show that nano-sized coherent κ-carbides were obtained in the as-solutionized steel after aging treatment, which produced precipitation hardening. After being aging treated at 550 °C for 1 h, the steel with regular hexagonal grain structure exhibited a good combination of yield strength ( 574 MPa) and room-temperature impact toughness ( 168 J). In the present steel, the typical cube-on-cube orientation relationship between austenite and κ-carbides was observed. However, due to the long aging isothermal time and high C content, the coarse intergranular κ'-carbide was formed and grew along the austenite grain boundary, which caused this orientation relationship to be destroyed and a dramatical increase of the coherency strain energy at grain boundary. Furthermore, serious embrittlement of grain boundaries caused that cleavage cracks trend to propagate along the grain boundaries. Accordingly, the room-temperature impact toughness decreased sharply. After aging isothermal time prolonging to 13 h, the Charpy V-notch impact toughness was only 5 J and fracture mode turned to fully brittle fracture accompanied with flat facets, shear cracks and well-developed secondary crack.

Inspecting cracks in foam insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cambell, L. W.; Jung, G. K.

1979-01-01

Dye solution indicates extent of cracking by penetrating crack and showing original crack depth clearly. Solution comprised of methylene blue in denatured ethyl alcohol penetrates cracks completely and evaporates quickly and is suitable technique for usage in environmental or structural tests.

Corrosion Fatigue and Environmentally Assisted Cracking in Aging Military Vehicles (La fatigue-corrosion et la fissuration en milieu ambiant des vehicules militaires vieillissants)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-01

deposition temperature is above 260°C (500°F), CVD Al cannot be applied to many structural alloys used in aerospace [12]. 23.3.4 Spray Deposited Cadmium...Alternatives There are several different aluminum-based coatings that can be deposited by spraying : aluminum and Al alloys , metallic-ceramic coatings...and Al - and Zn-filled polymers [12]. Thermal spray (flame or arc) is a very flexible and cost-effective process for deposition of pure

Corrosion Fatigue and Environmentally Assisted Cracking in Aging Military Vehicles (le fatigue-corrosion et la fissuration en milieu ambiant des vehicules militaires vieillissants)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-01

deposition temperature is above 260°C (500°F), CVD Al cannot be applied to many structural alloys used in aerospace [12]. 23.3.4 Spray Deposited Cadmium...Alternatives There are several different aluminum-based coatings that can be deposited by spraying : aluminum and Al alloys , metallic-ceramic coatings...and Al - and Zn-filled polymers [12]. Thermal spray (flame or arc) is a very flexible and cost-effective process for deposition of pure

Separating the Influence of Environment from Stress Relaxation Effects on Dwell Fatigue Crack Growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Telesman, Jack; Gabb, Tim; Ghosn, Louis J.

2016-01-01

Seven different microstructural variations of LSHR were produced by controlling the cooling rate and the subsequent aging and thermal exposure heat treatments. Through cyclic fatigue crack growth testing performed both in air and vacuum, it was established that four out of the seven LSHR heat treatments evaluated, possessed similar intrinsic environmental resistance to cyclic crack growth. For these four heat treatments, it was further shown that the large differences in dwell crack growth behavior which still persisted, were related to their measured stress relaxation behavior. The apparent differences in their dwell crack growth resistance were attributed to the inability of the standard linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) stress intensity parameter to account for visco-plastic behavior. Crack tip stress relaxation controls the magnitude of the remaining local tensile stresses which are directly related to the measured dwell crack growth rates. It was hypothesized that the environmentally weakened grain boundary crack tip regions fail during the dwells when their strength is exceeded by the remaining local crack tip tensile stresses. It was shown that the classical creep crack growth mechanisms such as grain boundary sliding did not contribute to crack growth, but the local visco-plastic behavior still plays a very significant role by determining the crack tip tensile stress field which controls the dwell crack growth behavior. To account for the influence of the visco-plastic behavior on the crack tip stress field, an empirical modification to the LEFM stress intensity parameter, Kmax, was developed by incorporating into the formulation the remaining stress level concept as measured by simple stress relaxation tests. The newly proposed parameter, Ksrf, did an excellent job in correlating the dwell crack growth rates for the four heat treatments which were shown to have similar intrinsic environmental cyclic fatigue crack growth resistance.

The effect of low angle boundary misorientation on creep deformation in the superalloy CM 247 LC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kirsch, Mathew

The effect of low angle boundary misorientation on the creep properties of superalloy CM 247LC bicrystals has been investigated in the medium temperature - medium stress creep regime. Constant load tensile creep tests were performed on mixed Low Angle Boundary (LAB) samples with misorientations ranging from 3o-16o; the LABs where the boundaries were oriented approximately transverse to the tensile axis. Five repeats of each LAB sample were ruptured with an initial stress of 300 MPa and three repeats of each LAB sample were ruptured with an initial stress of 200 MPa, both at 950°C. A drastic decrease in creep rupture life and strain to failure was observed in bicrystals with misorientations greater than ˜10°. Fractography of the fracture surfaces indicated that a transition from ductile transgranular fracture to intergranular fracture coincided with the decrease in creep properties. The decrease in strain to failure was correlated to a decrease in the slip compatibility factor m'. Specimens of several misorientations were also interrupted prior to failure at strains of 2%, 5% and 10% and examined by electron microscopy techniques in an effort to better understand the sequences leading to failure. For samples that fractured intergranularly, voids formed adjacent to large MC carbides located at the LABs and propagated along the boundary, ultimately linking to cracks that initiated at the specimen edge. Electron Back Scattered Diffraction (EBSD) scans were performed and Crystal reference Orientation (CO) maps were generated from the partially crept specimens. An increase in misorientation from the crystal reference orientation was observed with increasing LAB misorientation for a given interrupted strain level indicative of the poorer slip compatibility at the higher misorientations Two bicrystals with nearly identical scalar misorientation, both ˜10°, exhibited surprisingly different behavior with one failing intergranularly at low strain to failure and the other failing transgranularly at high strain to failure; these differences were related to the different slip compatibilities as determined by an analysis of the nature of their misorientations. In addition, grain boundary migration was prevalent in the samples that fractured transgranularly, but was rarely observed on any specimen that fractured intergranularly. Based on the collective observations, it is concluded that (1) it is necessary to consider more than just the scalar misorientation when considering whether a single crystal containing LABs should be rejected and (2) characterization of the properties of superalloy bicrystals grown using traditional Bridgman methods is difficult due to the complex, non-planar nature of the resulting LABs that is associated with their dendritic growth.

Separating the Influence of Environment from Stress Relaxation Effects on Dwell Fatigue Crack Growth in a Nickel-Base Disk Alloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Telesman, J.; Gabb, T. P.; Ghosn, L. J.

2016-01-01

Both environmental embrittlement and crack tip visco-plastic stress relaxation play a significant role in determining the dwell fatigue crack growth (DFCG) resistance of nickel-based disk superalloys. In the current study performed on the Low Solvus High Refractory (LSHR) disk alloy, the influence of these two mechanisms were separated so that the effects of each could be quantified and modeled. Seven different microstructural variations of LSHR were produced by controlling the cooling rate and the subsequent aging and thermal exposure heat treatments. Through cyclic fatigue crack growth testing performed both in air and vacuum, it was established that four out of the seven LSHR heat treatments evaluated, possessed similar intrinsic environmental resistance to cyclic crack growth. For these four heat treatments, it was further shown that the large differences in dwell crack growth behavior which still persisted, were related to their measured stress relaxation behavior. The apparent differences in their dwell crack growth resistance were attributed to the inability of the standard linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) stress intensity parameter to account for visco-plastic behavior. Crack tip stress relaxation controls the magnitude of the remaining local tensile stresses which are directly related to the measured dwell crack growth rates. It was hypothesized that the environmentally weakened grain boundary crack tip regions fail during the dwells when their strength is exceeded by the remaining local crack tip tensile stresses. It was shown that the classical creep crack growth mechanisms such as grain boundary sliding did not contribute to crack growth, but the local visco-plastic behavior still plays a very significant role by determining the crack tip tensile stress field which controls the dwell crack growth behavior. To account for the influence of the visco-plastic behavior on the crack tip stress field, an empirical modification to the LEFM stress intensity parameter, Kmax, was developed by incorporating into the formulation the remaining stress level concept as measured by simple stress relaxation tests. The newly proposed parameter, Ksrf, did an excellent job in correlating the dwell crack growth rates for the four heat treatments which were shown to have similar intrinsic environmental cyclic fatigue crack growth resistance.

Hydrogen assisted cracking and CO2 corrosion behaviors of low-alloy steel with high strength used for armor layer of flexible pipe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhenguang; Gao, Xiuhua; Du, Linxiu; Li, Jianping; Zhou, Xiaowei; Wang, Xiaonan; Wang, Yuxin; Liu, Chuan; Xu, Guoxiang; Misra, R. D. K.

2018-05-01

In this study, hydrogen induced cracking (HIC), sulfide stress corrosion cracking (SSCC) and hydrogen embrittlement (HE) were carried out to study hydrogen assisted cracking behavior (HIC, SSCC and HE) of high strength pipeline steel used for armor layer of flexible pipe in ocean. The CO2 corrosion behavior of designed steel with high strength was studied by using immersion experiment. The experimental results demonstrate that the corrosion resistance of designed steel with tempered martensite to HIC, SSCC and HE is excellent according to specific standards, which contributes to the low concentration of dislocation and vacancies previously formed in cold rolling process. The corrosion mechanism of hydrogen induced cracking of designed steel, which involves in producing process, microstructure and cracking behavior, is proposed. The designed steel with tempered martensite shows excellent corrosion resistance to CO2 corrosion. Cr-rich compound was first formed on the coupon surface exposed to CO2-saturated brine condition and chlorine, one of the corrosion ions in solution, was rich in the inner layer of corrosion products.

Alloy 690 qualification: Corrosion under prototypic heat flux and temperature conditions. Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Baum, A.J.

1995-05-01

The objective of this program was to perform qualification tests of industrial heats of thermally treated alloy 690 steam generator tubing under heat transfer conditions. Primary emphasis was focused on testing of alternate tube to tubesheet expansion processes. In addition, a background report was written to document the evolution of the alloy 690 process specification and the supporting qualification testing. While the testing was able to produce some localized corrosion of alloy 690 in the tube to tubesheet joint transition regions under highly alkaline conditions, the corrosion rates were between two and three orders of magnitude lower than the comparablemore » rates in mill annealed alloy 600 tubing. The corrosion morphology was a combination of intergranular and general corrosion, rather than the stress corrosion cracking typically found in mill annealed alloy 600 tubing.« less

The relative stress-corrosion-cracking susceptibility of candidate aluminum-lithium alloys for aerospace structural applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pizzo, P. P.

1980-01-01

The microstructure and tensile properties of two powder metallurgy processed aluminum-lithium alloys were determined. Strength properties of 480 MPa yield and 550 MPa ultimate tensile strength with 5% strain to fracture were attained. Very little reduction in area was observed and fracture characteristics were brittle. The magnesium bearing alloy exhibited the highest strength and ductility, but fracture was intergranular. Recrystallization and grain growth, as well as coarse grain boundary precipitation, occurred in Alloy 2. The fracture morphology of the two alloys differed. Alloy 1 fractured along a plane of maximum shear stress, while Alloy 2 fractured along a plane of maximum tensile stress. It is found that a fixed orientation relationship exists between the shear fracture plane and the rolling direction which suggests that the PM alloys are strongly textured.

Influence of localized plasticity on oxidation behaviour of austenitic stainless steels under primary water reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cissé, Sarata; Laffont, Lydia; Lafont, Marie-Christine; Tanguy, Benoit; Andrieu, Eric

2013-02-01

The sensitivity of precipitation-strengthened A286 austenitic stainless steel to stress corrosion cracking was studied by means of slow-strain-rate tests. First, alloy cold working by low cycle fatigue (LCF) was investigated. Fatigue tests under plastic strain control were performed at different strain levels (Δɛp/2 = 0.2%, 0.5%, 0.8% and 2%) to establish correlations between stress softening and the deformation microstructure resulting from the LCF tests. Deformed microstructures were identified through TEM investigations. The interaction between oxidation and localized deformation bands was also studied and it resulted that localized deformation bands are not preferential oxide growth channels. The pre-cycling of the alloy did not modify its oxidation behaviour. However, intergranular oxidation in the subsurface under the oxide layer formed after exposure to PWR primary water was shown.

Diffraction-based study of fatigue crack initiation and propagation in aerospace aluminum alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Vipul K.

The crack initiation sites and microstructure-sensitive growth of small fatigue cracks are experimentally characterized in two precipitation-hardened aluminum alloys, 7075-T651 and 7050-T7451, stressed in ambient temperature moist-air (warm-humid) and -50°C dry N2 (cold-dry) environmental conditions. Backscattered electron imaging (BSE) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) of the fracture surfaces showed that Fe-Cu rich constituent particle clusters are the most common initiation sites within both alloys stressed in either environment. The crack growth within each alloy, on average, was observed to be slowed in the cold-dry environment than in the warm-humid environment, but only at longer crack lengths. Although no overwhelming effects of grain boundaries and grain orientations on small-crack growth were observed, crack growth data showed local fluctuations within individual grains. These observations are understood as crack propagation through the underlying substructure at the crack surface and frequent interaction with low/high-angle grain and subgrain boundaries, during cyclic loading, and, are further attributed to periodic changes in crack propagation path and multiple occurrences of crack-branching observed in the current study. SEM-based stereology in combination with electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) established fatigue crack surface crystallography within the region from ˜1 to 50 mum of crack initiating particle clusters. Fatigue crack facets were parallel to a wide variety of crystallographic planes, with pole orientations distributed broadly across the irreducible stereographic triangle between the {001} and {101}-poles within both warm-humid and cold-dry environments. The results indicate environmentally affected fatigue cracking in both cases, given the similarity between the observed morphology and crystallography with that of a variety of aerospace aluminum alloys cracked in the presence of moist-air. There was no evidence of crystallographic {111} slip-plane cracking typical of the Stage I crack growth mode observed in single crystals and high purity polycrystals of face centered cubic metals, and which has presently been assumed for the present materials within fatigue crack initiation models. Rather, the facets tend to have near-Mode I spatial orientation, which is another indicator of the importance of environmentally affected fatigue damage. The results provide a physical basis to develop microstructurally-based next generation multi-stage fatigue (MSF) models that should include a new crack decohesion criteria based upon environmental fatigue cracking mechanisms. EBSD study of small-cracks in alloy 7050-T7451, stressed in warm-humid environment, showed that crack-path orientation changes and crack-branching occurred at both low/high-angle grain and subgrain boundaries. Single surface trace analysis suggests that the crack-path differs substantially from crystallographic slip-planes. EBSD-based observations of small-crack propagation through subgrain structure, either formed by cyclic plastic strain accumulation or pre-existing (typical of unrecrystallized grain structure in the present materials), suggest that subgrain structure plays a crucial role in small fatigue crack propagation. As mentioned earlier, local fluctuations in small-crack growth rates appear to be caused by frequent interaction with subgrain boundaries, and multiple occurrences of crack-branching and crack-path orientation changes at low/high-angle grain and subgrain boundaries. The aforementioned deviation from low-index {001}/{101}-planes and the occurrence of high-index cracking planes observed by EBSD/Stereology, in this study and others, are interpreted as trans-subgranular decohesion or inter-subgranular cracking, due to trapped hydrogen. In summary, the results provide a firmer experimental foundation for, and clearer understanding of, the mechanisms of environmental fatigue cracking of aluminum alloys, especially the role of inter-subgranular cracking, which had previously been advanced based upon fracture surface observations alone.

Fatigue Resistance of Liquid-assisted Self-repairing Aluminum Alloys Reinforced with Shape Memory Alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wright, M. Clara; Manuel, Michele; Wallace, Terryl

2013-01-01

A self-repairing aluminum-based composite system has been developed using a liquid-assisted healing theory in conjunction with the shape memory effect of wire reinforcements. The metal-metal composite was thermodynamically designed to have a matrix with a relatively even dispersion of a low-melting eutectic phase, allowing for repair of cracks at a predetermined temperature. Additionally, shape memory alloy (SMA) wire reinforcements were used within the composite to provide crack closure. Investigators focused the research on fatigue cracks propagating through the matrix in order to show a proof-of-concept Shape Memory Alloy Self-Healing (SMASH) technology for aeronautical applications.

Cracking characteristics of alloy 690 in thiosulfate containing chloride solution

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huang, H.H.; Tsai, W.T.

1999-07-01

The cracking characteristics of Alloy 690 in deaerated 1wt% NaCl solution with different Na{sub 2}S{sub 2}O{sub 2} concentrations, namely 0.01, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 M, at controlled anodic potentials was investigated by using slow strain rate testing (SSRT) with a strain rate of 1 x 10{sup {minus}6} s{sup {minus}1}. The results showed that the ultimate tensile strength and the ductility increased with increasing the concentration of Na{sub 2}S{sub 2}O{sub 3} at the same anodic potential, but decreased with increasing potential at a fixed concentration of Na{sub 2}S{sub 2}O{sub 3}. Pitting corrosion could occur on Alloy 690 in 1wt% NaCl solutionmore » with the concentration of Na{sub 2}S{sub 2}O{sub 3} {le} 0.1 M, depending on the potential. The susceptibilities of Alloy 690 to pitting corrosion and environmentally-assisted cracking in 1wt% NaCl solution were inhibited with the concentration of Na{sub 2}S{sub 2}O{sub 3} {ge} 0.2M, regardless of the potential.« less

Matrix Fatigue Cracking Mechanisms of Alpha(2) TMC for Hypersonic Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gabb, Timothy P.; Gayda, John

1994-01-01

The objective of this work was to understand matrix cracking mechanisms in a unidirectional alpha(sub 2) TMC in possible hypersonic applications. A (0)(sub 8) SCS-6/Ti-24Al-11Nb (at. percent) TMC was first subjected to a variety of simple isothermal and nonisothermal fatigue cycles to evaluate the damage mechanisms in simple conditions. A modified ascent mission cycle test was then performed to evaluate the combined effects of loading modes. This cycle mixes mechanical cycling at 150 and 483 C, sustained loads, and a slow thermal cycle to 815 C. At low cyclic stresses and strains more common in hypersonic applications, environment-assisted surface cracking limited fatigue resistance. This damage mechanism was most acute for out-of-phase nonisothermal cycles having extended cycle periods and the ascent mission cycle. A simple linear fraction damage model was employed to help understand this damage mechanism. Time-dependent environmental damage was found to strongly influence out-of-phase and mission life, with mechanical cycling damage due to the combination of external loading and CTE mismatch stresses playing a smaller role. The mechanical cycling and sustained loads in the mission cycle also had a smaller role.

Intergranular tellurium cracking of nickel-based alloys in molten Li, Be, Th, U/F salt mixture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ignatiev, Victor; Surenkov, Alexander; Gnidoy, Ivan; Kulakov, Alexander; Uglov, Vadim; Vasiliev, Alexander; Presniakov, Mikhail

2013-09-01

In Russia, R&D on Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) are concentrated now on fast/intermediate spectrum concepts which were recognized as long term alternative to solid fueled fast reactors due to their attractive features: strong negative feedback coefficients, easy in-service inspection, and simplified fuel cycle. For high-temperature MSR corrosion of the metallic container alloy in primary circuit is the primary concern. Key problem receiving current attention include surface fissures in Ni-based alloys probably arising from fission product tellurium attack. This paper summarizes results of corrosion tests conducted recently to study effect of oxidation state in selected fuel salt on tellurium attack and to develop means of controlling tellurium cracking in the special Ni-based alloys recently developed for molten salt actinide recycler and tranforming (MOSART) system. Tellurium corrosion of Ni-based alloys was tested at temperatures up to 750 °C in stressed and unloaded conditions in molten LiF-BeF2 salt mixture fueled by about 20 mol% of ThF4 and 2 mol% of UF4 at different [U(IV)]/[U(III)] ratios: 0.7, 4, 20, 100 and 500. Following Ni-based alloys (in mass%): HN80М-VI (Mo—12, Cr—7.6, Nb—1.5), HN80МТY (Mo—13, Cr—6.8, Al—1.1, Ti—0.9), HN80МТW (Mo—9.4, Cr—7.0, Ti—1.7, W—5.5) and ЕМ-721 (W—25.2, Cr—5.7, Ti—0.17) were used for the study in the corrosion facility. If the redox state the fuel salt is characterized by uranium ratio [U(IV)]/[U(III)] < 1 the alloys' specimens get a more negative stationary electrode potential than equilibrium electrode potentials of some uranium intermetallic compounds and alloys with nickel and molybdenum. This leads to spontaneous behavior of alloy formation processes on the specimens' surface and further diffusion of uranium deep into the metallic phase. As consequence of this films of intermetallic compounds and alloys of nickel, molybdenum, tungsten with uranium are formed on the alloys specimens' surface, and intergranular corrosion does not take place. In the fuel salt with [U(IV)]/[U(III)] = 4-20 the potentials of uranium alloy formation with the main components of the tested alloys are not reached, that's why alloys and intermetallic compounds are not formed on the surface of the investigated chromium-nickel alloys. Under such conditions any intergranular tellurium corrosion of the selected alloys does not occur. In the fuel salt with [U(IV)/]/[U(III)] = 100 the potentials of uranium alloy formation with the main components of the tested alloys are not also reached. Under such redox conditions any traces intergranular tellurium IGC on the HN80MTY and H80M-VI alloys specimens are not found. Certain signs of incipient IGC in the form of tellurium presence on the grain boundaries in the HN80MTB and EM-721 alloys surface layer and formation of not too deep cracks on HN80MTB alloy surface were revealed at [U(IV)/]/[U(III)] = 100. With this uranium ratio in the presence of corrosion products on the surface of all of the alloys films, containing tellurium, metals of the construction alloys and carbon, are formed. In the melt with [U(IV)]/[U(III)] = 500 in all of the alloys tested the tellurium IGC took place. The HN80MTY alloy shows the maximum resistance to tellurium IGC. The intensity of tellurium IGC of the alloy (the K parameter) is by 3-5 times lower as compared to other alloys. The EM-721 alloy has the minimal resistance to tellurium IGC (K = 9200 pc m/cm, the depth of cracks is up to 434 μm). The studies have shown, that the intensity of the nickel alloys IGC is controlled by the [U(IV)]/[U(III)] ratio, and its dependence on this parameter is of threshold character. Providing the uranium ratio value's monitoring and regulation, it is possible to control the tellurium corrosion and in such a way to eliminate IGC completely or to minimize its value. The alloys strength characteristics and their structure were changed insignificantly after testing within the [U(IV)]/[U(III)] range from 0.7 tо 100. The changes are not linked with the influence of fuel salt, containing tellurium additions, but are stipulated by alloys structure, temperature factor, exposure time and mechanical loads. Significant effect of tellurium cracking on the alloys (excepting HN80MTY) strength characteristics was established after corrosion testing with [U(IV)]/[U(III)] = 500. In the absence of IGC all of the alloys investigated have a good ductility at high strength characteristics. The disrupture of specimens under mechanical tests both before and after corrosion tests of all alloys except for ЕМ-721 proceeds on a ductile mechanism. On the EM-721 alloy specimens, both in their initial state and after corrosion testing, clear signs of brittle destruction, caused by heterogeneity of its structure due to the presence of tungsten phase, are very clearly observed. The presence of such phases increases the alloy IGC and leads to reduction of the alloy resistance tellurium damage. The HN80MTY alloy has the best corrosion and mechanical properties. It does not undergo tellurium IGC in the molten 75LiF-5BeF2-20ThF4 salt mixture fueled by about 2 mol% of UF4 with [U(IV)]/[U(III)] ratio ⩽ 100. The alloy has high resistance to tellurium cracking at [U(IV)]/[U(III)] = 500. The alloy can be recommended as the main construction material for the fuel circuit with selected salt composition up to temperature 750 °С.

Environmental fatigue of an Al-Li-Cu alloy. Part 1: Intrinsic crack propagation kinetics in hydrogenous environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Piascik, Robert S.; Gangloff, Richard P.

1991-01-01

Deleterious environmental effects on steady-state, intrinsic fatigue crack propagation (FCP) rates (da/dN) in peak aged Al-Li-Cu alloy 2090 are established by electrical potential monitoring of short cracks with programmed constant delta K and K(sub max) loading. The da/dN are equally unaffected by vacuum, purified helium, and oxygen but are accelerated in order of decreasing effectiveness by aqueous 1 percent NaCl with anodic polarization, pure water vapor, moist air, and NaCl with cathodic polarization. While da/dN depends on delta K(sup 4.0) for the inert gases, water vapor and chloride induced multiple power-laws, and a transition growth rate 'plateau'. Environmental effects are strongest at low delta K. Crack tip damage is ascribed to hydrogen embrittlement because of the following: (1) accelerated da/dN due to part-per-million levels of H2O without condensation; (2) impeded molecular flow model predictions of the measured water vapor pressure dependence of da/dN as affected by mean crack opening; (3) the lack of an effect of film-forming O2; (4) the likelihood for crack tip hydrogen production in NaCl, and (5) the environmental and delta K-process zone volume dependencies of the microscopic cracking modes. For NaCl, growth rates decrease with decreasing loading frequency, with the addition of passivating Li2CO3, and upon cathodic polarization. These variables increase crack surface film stability to reduce hydrogen entry efficiency. The hydrogen environmental FCP resistance of 2090 is similar to other 2000 series alloys and is better than 7075.

Use of lightweight concrete for reducing cracks in bridge decks.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-04-01

Cracks in bridge decks can be due to many factors related to environmental effects, chemical reactions, and structural : loads. Careful selection of materials and mixture proportions can minimize cracking to some degree. To reduce cracking, : shrinka...

F-16 Microbially Influenced Corrosion (MIC) Characterization & Prevention Study

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-12

Staphylococcus epidermidis Fungal Consortium Aspergillus fumigatus Fusarium oxysporum Penicillium oxalicum Rhodoturula sp. Trichoderma sp. Control...Growth, or Soil and Dirt Accumulation • Fungal Consortium – Aspergillus sp (FI-19) Aureobasidium pullulans (FI-16) – Fusarium oxysporum (FI-6) Fusarium...species (common environmental isolates) – Minimal impact to health & safety • Fungal species promote MIC of Al2024-T3 alloy • Intergranular attack with

A Predictive Model for Chemically-Induced Fracture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carter, Emily

2004-03-01

Mechanical properties of bulk solids are affected not only by macroscopic external loads, but also by chemical reactions, typically at surfaces and interfaces. For example, impurities in metals often coalesce at grain boundaries, leading to weakening of the sample under stress. Atmospheric corrosion is another example that, when combined with external loads, leads to stress-corrosion cracking. These are inherently multiscale phenomena, where the chemistry occurring at the atomic scale profoundly affects the mechanical properties at the micron to millimeter scale. Here we discuss a multiscale model of environmentally-assisted fracture. This involves coupling periodic density functional theory (DFT) at the atomic scale to a finite element continuum mechanics description of the coarser scale. A key component is the cohesive law, which we have shown takes on a universal form distinct from the generally used UBER model. Further, we propose a scheme to calculate physically realistic cohesive laws in the presence of mobile impurities. This cohesive law is then used to in a continuum model that couples stress-assisted diffusion with cohesive zone models of fracture to describe hydrogen embrittlement in metals. We show that this model, with a first principles-based cohesive law, provides insight into the observed intermittent cracking in steel, as well as good quantitative agreement with experiment.

Effect of mechanical treatment on intergranular corrosion of 6064 alloy bars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sláma, P.; Nacházel, J.

2017-02-01

Aluminium Al-Mg-Si-type alloys (6xxx-series) exhibit good mechanical properties, formability, weldability and good corrosion resistance in various environments. They often find use in automotive industry and other applications. Some alloys, however, particularly those with higher copper levels, show increased susceptibility to intergranular corrosion. Intergranular corrosion (IGC) is typically related to the formation of microgalvanic cells between cathodic, more noble phases and depleted (precipitate-free) zones along grain boundaries. It is encountered mainly in AlMgSi alloys containing Cu, where it is thought to be related to the formation Q-phase precipitates (Al4Mg8Si7Cu2) along grain boundaries. The present paper describes the effects of mechanical working (extrusion, drawing and straightening) and artificial aging on intergranular corrosion in rods of the 6064 alloy. The resistance to intergranular corrosion was mapped using corrosion tests according to EN ISO 11846, method B. Corrosion tests showed dependence of corrosion type on mechanical processing of the material. Intergranular, pitting and transgranular corrosion was observed. Artificial ageing influenced mainly the depth of the corrosion.

Evaluation of the Susceptibility to SCC Initiation of Alloy 690 in Simulated PWR Primary Water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsutsumi, Kazuya; Couvant, Thierry

Alloy 690 has been widely used in fabricating components of LWR plants as an alternative material to Alloy 600 which has exhibited a significant susceptibility to PWSCC. However, some authors have reported that Alloy 690 can suffer a significant susceptibility to SCC crack growth when highly cold worked. While most of the recent studies emphasize SCC propagation phase, EDF and its partners are focusing on the material's resistance to SCC initiation. This paper summarizes the current work carried out at EDF MAI on the SCC initiation. By means of constant elongation rate tests (CERTs) and constant displacement tests, experimental investigation of the susceptibility to PWSCC were performed. No SCC was observed on either an extruded bar or on two plates, even after 24%-1D cold rolling, confirming the superior PWSCC resistance of Alloy 690 independent of a amount of intergranular precipitation of carbides, and also revealing that such cold rolling does not necessarily decrease the resistance to SCC. On the other hand, a experimental steam generator tube that has a degraded microstructure due to specific heat-treatment revealed its susceptibility to SCC, probably because of the interactive effect of microstructure with heavy intragranular carbide precipitations and the cold worked superficial layer. This phenomenon is in good agreement with results previously published. In this study, the maximal crack depth slightly increased when DH increased from 5 to 60 cc.kg-1H2O. No significant prior ageing effect on the crack depth was observed, even when ageing was combined with high DH.

Use of pure nickel and LiOH for thermal energy storage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whittenberger, J. D.

1988-01-01

The solid to liquid phase transformation of LiOH has been proposed as an ideal candidate thermal energy storage media for a Rankine Cycle powered electrical generation unit envisioned in Space Station based solar dynamic systems. Due to the corrosive nature of molten hydroxides, long term containment of LiOH is of concern. Pure nickel is thought to be a suitably resistant material, and a program has been instituted to measure the effects of prolonged exposure of liquid and gaseous LiOH on the mechanical properties of pure nickel alloys. Results to date indicate that negligible weight and thickness changes occurred in Ni alloys exposed to LiOH for as long as 2500 hr at 775 K, and essentially no difference in 77-900 K tensile properties could be detected between LiOH exposed and vacuum annealed Ni specimens. Although there was little sign of outward damage, microstructural examination revealed that all hydroxide contaminated tensile test specimens had surface connected intergranular cracks along the gage lengths. Two other potential problems, which have strong implications with respect to a LiOH/Ni energy storage system, were also noted during the corrosion experiments. In particular stress corrosion cracking of weld joints in pressurized vessel and permeation of hydrogen through nickel were observed.

Spanish approach to research and development applied to steam generator tubes structural integrity and life management

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lozano, J.; Bollini, G.J.

1997-02-01

The operating experience acquired from certain Spanish Nuclear Power Plant steam generators shows that the tubes, which constitute the second barrier to release of fission products, are susceptible to mechanical damage and corrosion as a result of a variety of mechanisms, among them wastage, pitting, intergranular attack (IGA), stress-corrosion cracking (SCC), fatigue-induced cracking, fretting, erosion/corrosion, support plate denting, etc. These problems, which are common in many plants throughout the world, have required numerous investments by the plants (water treatment plants, replacement of secondary side materials such as condensers and heaters, etc.), have meant costs (operation, inspection and maintenance) and havemore » led to the unavailability of the affected units. In identifying and implementing all these preventive and corrective measures, the Spanish utilities have moved through three successive stages: in the initial stage, the main source of information and of proposals for solutions was the Plant Vendor, whose participation in this respect was based on his own Research and Development programs; subsequently, the Spanish utilities participated jointly in the EPRI Steam Generator Owners Group, collaborating in financing; finally, the Spanish utilities set up their own Steam Generator Research and Development program, while maintaining relations with EPRI programs and those of other countries through information interchange.« less

Influence of Localized Plasticity on IASCC Sensitivity of Austenitic Stainless Steels under PWR Primary Water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cissé, Sarata; Tanguy, Benoit; Laffont, Lydia; Lafont, Marie-Christine; Guerre, Catherine; Andrieu, Eric

The sensibility of precipitation-strengthened A286 austenitic stainless steel to Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) is studied by means of Slow Strain Rate Tests (SSRT). First, alloy cold working by Low Cycle Fatigue (LCF) is investigated. Fatigue tests under plastic strain control are performed at different strain levels (Δ ɛp/2=0.2%, 0.5% and 0.8%) in order to establish correlation between stress softening and deformation microstructure resulting from LCF tests. Deformed microstructures have been identified through TEM investigations. Three states of cyclic behaviour for precipitation-strengthened A286 have been identified: hardening, cyclic softening and finally saturation of softening. It is shown that the A286 alloy cyclic softening is due to microstructural features such as defects — free deformation bands resulting from dislocations motion along family plans <111>, that swept defects or γ' precipitates and lead to deformation localization. In order to quantify effects of plastic localized deformation on intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) of the A286 alloy in PWR primary water, slow strain rate tests are conducted. For each cycling conditions, two specimens at a similar stress level are tested: the first containing free precipitate deformation bands, the other not significant of a localized deformation state. SSRT tests are still in progress.

Hydrogen Cracking in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding of an AISI Type 321 Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rozenak, P.; Unigovski, Ya.; Shneck, R.

The effects of in situ cathodic charging on the tensile properties and susceptibility to cracking of an AISI type 321 stainless steel, welded by the gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process, was studied by various treatments. Appearance of delta-ferrite phase in the as-welded steels in our tested conditions was observed with discontinuous grain boundaries (M23C6) and a dense distribution of metal carbides MC ((Ti, Nb)C), which precipitated in the matrix. Shielding gas rates changes the mechanical properties of the welds. Ultimate tensile strength and ductility are increases with the resistance to the environments related the increase of the supplied shielding inert gas rates. Charged specimens, caused mainly in decreases in the ductility of welded specimens. However, more severe decrease in ductility was obtained after post weld heat treatment (PWHT). The fracture of sensitized specimens was predominantly intergranular, whereas the as-welded specimens exhibited massive transgranular regions. Both types of specimen demonstrated narrow brittle zones at the sides of the fracture surface and ductile micro-void coalescences in the middle. Ferrite δ was form after welding with high density of dislocation structures and stacking faults formation and the thin stacking fault plates with e-martensite phase were typically found in the austenitic matrix after the cathodical charging process.

Quantification of the Service Life Extension and Environmental Benefit of Chloride Exposed Self-Healing Concrete.

PubMed

Van Belleghem, Bjorn; Van den Heede, Philip; Van Tittelboom, Kim; De Belie, Nele

2016-12-23

Formation of cracks impairs the durability of concrete elements. Corrosion inducing substances, such as chlorides, can enter the matrix through these cracks and cause steel reinforcement corrosion and concrete degradation. Self-repair of concrete cracks is an innovative technique which has been studied extensively during the past decade and which may help to increase the sustainability of concrete. However, the experiments conducted until now did not allow for an assessment of the service life extension possible with self-healing concrete in comparison with traditional (cracked) concrete. In this research, a service life prediction of self-healing concrete was done based on input from chloride diffusion tests. Self-healing of cracks with encapsulated polyurethane precursor formed a partial barrier against immediate ingress of chlorides through the cracks. Application of self-healing concrete was able to reduce the chloride concentration in a cracked zone by 75% or more. As a result, service life of steel reinforced self-healing concrete slabs in marine environments could amount to 60-94 years as opposed to only seven years for ordinary (cracked) concrete. Subsequent life cycle assessment calculations indicated important environmental benefits (56%-75%) for the ten CML-IA (Center of Environmental Science of Leiden University-Impact Assessment) baseline impact indicators which are mainly induced by the achievable service life extension.

Fault feature analysis of cracked gear based on LOD and analytical-FE method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Jiateng; Yang, Yu; Yang, Xingkai; Cheng, Junsheng

2018-01-01

At present, there are two main ideas for gear fault diagnosis. One is the model-based gear dynamic analysis; the other is signal-based gear vibration diagnosis. In this paper, a method for fault feature analysis of gear crack is presented, which combines the advantages of dynamic modeling and signal processing. Firstly, a new time-frequency analysis method called local oscillatory-characteristic decomposition (LOD) is proposed, which has the attractive feature of extracting fault characteristic efficiently and accurately. Secondly, an analytical-finite element (analytical-FE) method which is called assist-stress intensity factor (assist-SIF) gear contact model, is put forward to calculate the time-varying mesh stiffness (TVMS) under different crack states. Based on the dynamic model of the gear system with 6 degrees of freedom, the dynamic simulation response was obtained for different tooth crack depths. For the dynamic model, the corresponding relation between the characteristic parameters and the degree of the tooth crack is established under a specific condition. On the basis of the methods mentioned above, a novel gear tooth root crack diagnosis method which combines the LOD with the analytical-FE is proposed. Furthermore, empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) are contrasted with the LOD by gear crack fault vibration signals. The analysis results indicate that the proposed method performs effectively and feasibility for the tooth crack stiffness calculation and the gear tooth crack fault diagnosis.

40 CFR 419.20 - Applicability; description of the cracking subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... cracking subcategory. 419.20 Section 419.20 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS PETROLEUM REFINING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Cracking Subcategory § 419.20 Applicability; description of the cracking subcategory. The provisions of this subpart are...

40 CFR 419.20 - Applicability; description of the cracking subcategory.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... cracking subcategory. 419.20 Section 419.20 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS PETROLEUM REFINING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Cracking Subcategory § 419.20 Applicability; description of the cracking subcategory. The provisions of this subpart are...

Time-Dependent Fatigue Crack Propagation Behavior of Two Solid-Solution-Strengthened Ni-Based Superalloys—INCONEL 617 and HAYNES 230

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Longzhou; Roy, Shawoon K.; Hasan, Muhammad H.; Pal, Joydeep; Chatterjee, Sudin

2012-02-01

The fatigue crack propagation (FCP) as well as the sustained loading crack growth (SLCG) behavior of two solid-solution-strengthened Ni-based superalloys, INCONEL 617 (Special Metals Corporation Family of Companies) and HAYNES 230 (Haynes International, Inc., Kokomo, IN), were studied at increased temperatures in laboratory air under a constant stress-intensity-factor ( K) condition. The crack propagation tests were conducted using a baseline cyclic triangular waveform with a frequency of 1/3 Hz. Various hold times were imposed at the maximum load of a fatigue cycle to study the hold time effect. The results show that a linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) parameter, stress intensity factor ( K), is sufficient to describe the FCP and SLCG behavior at the testing temperatures ranging from 873 K to 1073 K (600 °C to 800 °C). As observed in the precipitation-strengthened superalloys, both INCONEL 617 and HAYNES 230 exhibited the time-dependent FCP, steady SLCG behavior, and existence of a damage zone ahead of crack tip. A thermodynamic equation was adapted to correlate the SLCG rates to determine thermal activation energy. The fracture modes associated with crack propagation behavior were discussed, and the mechanism of time-dependent FCP as well as SLCG was identified. Compared with INCONEL 617, the lower crack propagation rates of HAYNES 230 under the time-dependent condition were ascribed to the different fracture mode and the presence of numerous W-rich M6C-type and Cr-rich M23C6-type carbides. Toward the end, a phenomenological model was employed to correlate the FCP rates at cycle/time-dependent FCP domain. All the results suggest that an environmental factor, the stress assisted grain boundary oxygen embrittlement (SAGBOE) mechanism, is mainly responsible for the accelerated time-dependent FCP rates of INCONEL 617 and HAYNES 230.

Oxidation-Assisted Crack Growth in Single-Crystal Superalloys during Fatigue with Compressive Holds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lafata, M. A.; Rettberg, L. H.; He, M. Y.; Pollock, T. M.

2018-01-01

The mechanism of oxidation-assisted growth of surface cracks during fatigue with compressive holds has been studied experimentally and via a model that describes the role of oxide and substrate properties. The creep-based finite element model has been employed to examine the role of material parameters in the damage evolution in a Ni-base single-crystal superalloy René N5. Low-cycle fatigue experiments with compressive holds were conducted at 1255 K and 1366 K (982 °C and 1093 °C). Interrupted and failed specimens were characterized for crack depth and spacing, oxide thickness, and microstructural evolution. Comparison of experimental to modeled hysteresis loops indicates that transient creep drives the macroscopic stress-strain response. Crack penetration rates are strongly influenced by growth stresses in the oxide, structural evolution in the substrate, and the development of γ ^' } denuded zones. Implications for design of alloys resistant to this mode of degradation are discussed.

Intergranular stress study of TC11 titanium alloy after laser shock peening by synchrotron-based high-energy X-ray diffraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, R.; Li, L.; Wang, Y. D.; Nie, Z. H.; Ren, Y.; Zhou, X.; Wang, J.

2018-05-01

The distribution of residual lattice strain as a function of depth were carefully investigated by synchrotron-based high energy X-ray diffraction (HEXRD) in TC11 titanium alloy after laser shock peening (LSP). The results presented big compressive residual lattice strains at surface and subsurface, then tensile residual lattice strains in deeper region, and finally close to zero lattice strains in further deep interior with no plastic deformation thereafter. These evolutions in residual lattice strains were attributed to the balance of direct load effect from laser shock wave and the derivative restriction force effect from surrounding material. Significant intergranular stress was evidenced in the processed sample. The intergranular stress exhibited the largest value at surface, and rapidly decreased with depth increase. The magnitude of intergranular stress was proportional to the severity of the plastic deformation caused by LSP. Two shocks generated larger intergranular stress than one shock.

Hydrogen effects on materials for CNG/H2 blends.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Farese, David; Keller, Jay O.; Somerday, Brian P.

2010-09-01

No concerns for Hydrogen-Enriched Compressed Natural gas (HCNG) in steel storage tanks if material strength is < 950 MPa. Recommend evaluating H{sub 2}-assisted fatigue cracking in higher strength steels at H{sub 2} partial pressure in blend. Limited fatigue testing on higher strength steel cylinders in H{sub 2} shows promising results. Impurities in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) (e.g., CO) may provide extrinsic mechanism for mitigating H{sub 2}-assisted fatigue cracking in steel tanks.

Bioconcrete: next generation of self-healing concrete.

PubMed

Seifan, Mostafa; Samani, Ali Khajeh; Berenjian, Aydin

2016-03-01

Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials and has a high tendency to form cracks. These cracks lead to significant reduction in concrete service life and high replacement costs. Although it is not possible to prevent crack formation, various types of techniques are in place to heal the cracks. It has been shown that some of the current concrete treatment methods such as the application of chemicals and polymers are a source of health and environmental risks, and more importantly, they are effective only in the short term. Thus, treatment methods that are environmentally friendly and long-lasting are in high demand. A microbial self-healing approach is distinguished by its potential for long-lasting, rapid and active crack repair, while also being environmentally friendly. Furthermore, the microbial self-healing approach prevails the other treatment techniques due to the efficient bonding capacity and compatibility with concrete compositions. This study provides an overview of the microbial approaches to produce calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Prospective challenges in microbial crack treatment are discussed, and recommendations are also given for areas of future research.

Transient Reliability Analysis Capability Developed for CARES/Life

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nemeth, Noel N.

2001-01-01

The CARES/Life software developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center provides a general-purpose design tool that predicts the probability of the failure of a ceramic component as a function of its time in service. This award-winning software has been widely used by U.S. industry to establish the reliability and life of a brittle material (e.g., ceramic, intermetallic, and graphite) structures in a wide variety of 21st century applications.Present capabilities of the NASA CARES/Life code include probabilistic life prediction of ceramic components subjected to fast fracture, slow crack growth (stress corrosion), and cyclic fatigue failure modes. Currently, this code can compute the time-dependent reliability of ceramic structures subjected to simple time-dependent loading. For example, in slow crack growth failure conditions CARES/Life can handle sustained and linearly increasing time-dependent loads, whereas in cyclic fatigue applications various types of repetitive constant-amplitude loads can be accounted for. However, in real applications applied loads are rarely that simple but vary with time in more complex ways such as engine startup, shutdown, and dynamic and vibrational loads. In addition, when a given component is subjected to transient environmental and or thermal conditions, the material properties also vary with time. A methodology has now been developed to allow the CARES/Life computer code to perform reliability analysis of ceramic components undergoing transient thermal and mechanical loading. This means that CARES/Life will be able to analyze finite element models of ceramic components that simulate dynamic engine operating conditions. The methodology developed is generalized to account for material property variation (on strength distribution and fatigue) as a function of temperature. This allows CARES/Life to analyze components undergoing rapid temperature change in other words, components undergoing thermal shock. In addition, the capability has been developed to perform reliability analysis for components that undergo proof testing involving transient loads. This methodology was developed for environmentally assisted crack growth (crack growth as a function of time and loading), but it will be extended to account for cyclic fatigue (crack growth as a function of load cycles) as well.

Slow plastic strain rate compressive flow in binary CoAl intermetallics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whittenberger, J. D.

1985-01-01

Constant-velocity elevated temperature compression tests have been conducted on a series of binary CoAl intermetallics produced by hot extrusion of blended prealloyed powders. The as-extruded materials were polycrystalline, and they retained their nominal 10-micron grain size after being tested between 1100 and 1400 K at strain rates ranging from 2 x 10 to the -4th to 2 x 10 to the -7th per sec. Significant plastic flow was obtained in all cases; while cracking was observed, much of this could be due to failure at matrix-oxide interfaces along extrusion stringers rather than to solely intergranular fracture. A maximum in flow strength occurs at an aluminum-to-cobalt ratio of 0.975, and the stress exponent appears to be constant for aluminum-to-cobalt ratios of 0.85 or more. It is likely that very aluminum-deficient materials deform by a different mechanism than do other compositions.

Alloys compatibility in molten salt fluorides: Kurchatov Institute related experience

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ignatiev, Victor; Surenkov, Alexandr

2013-10-01

In the last several years, there has been an increased interest in the use of high-temperature molten salt fluorides in nuclear power systems. For all molten salt reactor designs, materials selection is a very important issue. This paper summarizes results, which led to selection of materials for molten salt reactors in Russia. Operating experience with corrosion thermal convection loops has demonstrated good capability of the “nickel-molybdenum alloys + fluoride salt fueled by UF4 and PuF3 + cover gas” system up to 750 °C. A brief description is given of the container material work in progress. Tellurium corrosion of Ni-based alloys in stressed and unloaded conditions studies was also tested in different molten salt mixtures at temperatures up to 700-750 °C, also with measurement of the redox potential. HN80MTY alloy with 1% added Al is the most resistant to tellurium intergranular cracking of Ni-base alloys under study.

Tensile properties of V-5Cr-5Ti alloy after exposure in air environment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Natesan, K.; Soppet, W.K.

1997-04-01

Oxidation studies were conducted on V-5Cr-5Ti alloy specimens in an air environment to evaluate the oxygen uptake behavior of the alloy as a function of temperature and exposure time. The oxidation rates, calculated from parabolic kinetic measurements of thermogravimetric testing and confirmed by microscopic analysis of cross sections of exposed specimens, were 5, 17, and 27 {mu}m per year after exposure at 300, 400, and 500{degrees}C, respectively. Uniaxial tensile tests were conducted at room temperature and at 500{degrees}C on preoxidized specimens of the alloy to examine the effects of oxidation and oxygen migration on tensile strength and ductility. Correlations weremore » developed between tensile strength and ductility of the oxidized alloy and microstructural characteristics such as oxide thickness, depth of hardened layer, depth of intergranular fracture zone, and transverse crack length.« less

Technical Basis for Water Chemistry Control of IGSCC in Boiling Water Reactors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gordon, Barry; Garcia, Susan

Boiling water reactors (BWRs) operate with very high purity water. However, even the utilization of near theoretical conductivity water cannot prevent intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) of sensitized stainless steel, wrought nickel alloys and nickel weld metals under oxygenated conditions. IGSCC can be further accelerated by the presence of certain impurities dissolved in the coolant. The goal of this paper is to present the technical basis for controlling various impurities under both oxygenated, i.e., normal water chemistry (NWC) and deoxygenated, i.e., hydrogen water chemistry (HWC) conditions for mitigation of IGSCC. More specifically, the effects of typical BWR ionic impurities (e.g., sulfate, chloride, nitrate, borate, phosphate, etc.) on IGSCC propensities in both NWC and HWC environments will be discussed. The technical basis for zinc addition to the BWR coolant will also provided along with an in-plant example of the most severe water chemistry transient to date.

Effect of Annealing Treatment on Mechanical Properties of Nanocrystalline α-iron: an Atomistic Study

PubMed Central

Tong, Xuhang; Zhang, Hao; Li, D. Y.

2015-01-01

Claims are often found in the literature that metallic materials can be nanocrystallized by severe plastic deformation (SPD). However, SPD does not generate a well-defined nanocrystalline (NC) material, which can be achieved by subsequent annealing/recovery treatment. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is employed to study the effect of annealing on structure and mechanical properties of cyclic deformed NC α-iron, which simulates SPD-processed α-iron. It is demonstrated that grain boundaries in the deformed NC α-iron evolve to a more equilibrium state during annealing, eliminating or minimizing the residual stress. The annealing treatment increases the system's strength by reducing dislocation emission sources, and improves material ductility through strengthening grain boundaries' resistance to intergranular cracks. The results indicate that the annealing treatment is an essential process for obtaining a well-defined NC structure with superior mechanical properties. PMID:25675978

Plastic flow and microstructure of cast nickel aluminides at 1273 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneibel, J. H.; Porter, W. D.; Horton, J. A.

1987-12-01

Chill-cast nickel aluminides based on Ni3Al were compression-tested in vacuum at 1273 K at strain rates ranging from 10-5 s-1 to 10-1 s-1. As the strain rate increases, the propensity for intergranular cracking increases. The ductile-to-brittle transition strain rate (DBTS) of as-cast Ni-22.5Al-0.5Hf-0.1B (at. pct) is approximately 10-1 s-1. Homogenization lowers this value by three orders of magnitude, to 10-4 s-1 (a homogenized specimen disintegrated completely at a rate of 10-3 s-1). The fine-grained structure of the as-cast alloy plays an important role in its relatively high DBTS. A hafnium-free alloy, Ni-24A1-0.1B, on the other hand, shows only a weak dependence of the DBTS on prior homogenization, and possible reasons for this finding are discussed.

Suction and cohesion demise in desaturating granular medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hueckel, T.; Mielniczuk, B.; El-Youssoufi, S. M.

2017-12-01

Continuum mechanics for unsaturated soils is based on the assumption of a one-to-one relationship betwee saturation degree and suction represented by the characteristic curve. Such curve commonly shows exceedingly high values of suction at saturation decreasing below 10%. We have performed a series of experiments on physical micro-structural models of 8-, 5, 4, 3, and 2-grain assemblies filled with water forming capillary, funicular and pendular bridges. Dynamic variables characterizing the evolution include: Laplace pressure, surface tension force, total intergralular force, contact angle and contact perimeter length. The Laplace pressure was calculated from the directly measured curvatures of interface surface for 2-grain bridges, and estimated from tomography stills for 3 grain bridges. The initial negative Laplace pressure (suction) as well as total intergranular force increase modestly at the begining of evaporation, but undergo an unstable decrease at the advanced stage, often with a jump in the force known as a Haines jumps since 1925. Laplace pressure turns into positive values prior to rupture for 2-grain bodies. For 3-grain bridges there is never an exceedingly high intergranular force of suction, reported in macro-scale experiments. For multiple-grain bodies there are two types of instabilities, depending on densitiy of the assembly and the Gaussian curvature (GC): at positive GC points it is thin-sheet instability, while at negative GC points instability is linked with air entry fingers, all associated with the split of assemblies into smaller isolated funicular, and eventually pendular bodies. The multi-grain bridges instabilities are linked to material drying cracking, the instabilities in 2 grain systems mean eventual loss of cohesion.

Evaluation of wrought Zn-Al alloys (1, 3, and 5 wt % Al) through mechanical and in vivo testing for stent applications.

PubMed

Bowen, Patrick K; Seitz, Jan-Marten; Guillory, Roger J; Braykovich, Jacob P; Zhao, Shan; Goldman, Jeremy; Drelich, Jaroslaw W

2018-01-01

Special high grade zinc and wrought zinc-aluminum (Zn-Al) alloys containing up to 5.5 wt % Al were processed, characterized, and implanted in rats in search of a new family of alloys with possible applications as bioabsorbable endovascular stents. These materials retained roll-induced texture with an anisotropic distribution of the second-phase Al precipitates following hot-rolling, and changes in lattice parameters were observed with respect to Al content. Mechanical properties for the alloys fell roughly in line with strength (190-240 MPa yield strength; 220-300 MPa ultimate tensile strength) and elongation (15-30%) benchmarks, and favorable elastic ranges (0.19-0.27%) were observed. Intergranular corrosion was observed during residence of Zn-Al alloys in the murine aorta, suggesting a different corrosion mechanism than that of pure zinc. This mode of failure needs to be avoided for stent applications because the intergranular corrosion caused cracking and fragmentation of the implants, although the composition of corrosion products was roughly identical between non- and Al-containing materials. In spite of differences in corrosion mechanisms, the cross-sectional reduction of metals in murine aorta was nearly identical at 30-40% and 40-50% after 4.5 and 6 months, respectively, for pure Zn and Zn-Al alloys. Histopathological analysis and evaluation of arterial tissue compatibility around Zn-Al alloys failed to identify areas of necrosis, though both chronic and acute inflammatory indications were present. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 245-258, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Metallurgical Design and Development of NASA Crawler/Transporter Tread Belt Shoe Castings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parker, Donald S.

2006-01-01

The NASA Crawler/Transporters (CT-1 and CT-2) used to transport the Space Shuffles are one of the largest tracked vehicles in existence today. Two of these machines have been used to move space flight vehicles at Kennedy Space Center since the Apollo missions of the 1960's and relatively few modifications have been made to keep them operational. In September of 2003 during normal Crawler/Transporter operations cracks were observed along the roller pad surfaces of several tread belt shoes. Further examination showed 20 cracked shoes on CT-1 and 40 cracked shoes on CT-2 and a formal failure analysis investigation was undertaken while the cracked shoes were replaced. Six shoes were cross-sectioned with the fracture surfaces exposed and it was determined that the cracks were due to fatigue that initiated on the internal casting web channels at pre-existing casting defects and propagated through thickness both transgranularly and intergranularly between internal shrinkage cavities, porosity, and along austenitic and ferritic grain boundaries. The original shoes were cast during the 1960's using a modified 861330 steel with slightly higher levels of chromium, nickel and molybdenum followed by heat treatment to achieve a minimum tensile strength of 11 Oksi. Subsequent metallurgical analysis of the tread belt shoes after multiple failures showed excessive internal defects, alloy segregation, a nonuniform ferritic/ bainitic/martensitic microstructure, and low average tensile properties indicative of poor casting and poor heat-treatment. As a result, NASA funded an initiative to replace all of the tread belt shoes on both crawler/transporters along with a redesign of the alloy, manufacturing, and heat-treatment to create a homogeneous cast structure with uniform mechanical and metallurgical properties. ME Global, a wholly owned subsidiary of ME Elecmetal based in Minneapolis, MN was selected as manufacturing and design partner to develop the new shoes and this paper describes the research, development, and manufacturing that resulted in the successful delivery of 1044 new Crawler/Transporter tread belt shoes all meeting rigid metallurgical and mechanical design criteria derived from finite element modeling of the stress loads required for safe space shuttle transport.

Fracture Kinetics of Hydrogen Embrittled Niobium.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-03-01

Effects on Hydride Solvus 4...........4 2.3 Subcritical Crack Growth Behavior and Mechanism . . 6 2.4 Crack Propagation Measurements and Techniques... maraging steels in gaseous hydrogen, Hudak and Wei (18) ei has suggested that the KI independence of Stage II velocities is due to a rate limited...lattice decohesion model for hydrogen assisted cracking in steels . The occurrence of three stage behavior in hydrogen embrittled refractory alloys has

Quantification of the Service Life Extension and Environmental Benefit of Chloride Exposed Self-Healing Concrete

PubMed Central

Van Belleghem, Bjorn; Van den Heede, Philip; Van Tittelboom, Kim; De Belie, Nele

2016-01-01

Formation of cracks impairs the durability of concrete elements. Corrosion inducing substances, such as chlorides, can enter the matrix through these cracks and cause steel reinforcement corrosion and concrete degradation. Self-repair of concrete cracks is an innovative technique which has been studied extensively during the past decade and which may help to increase the sustainability of concrete. However, the experiments conducted until now did not allow for an assessment of the service life extension possible with self-healing concrete in comparison with traditional (cracked) concrete. In this research, a service life prediction of self-healing concrete was done based on input from chloride diffusion tests. Self-healing of cracks with encapsulated polyurethane precursor formed a partial barrier against immediate ingress of chlorides through the cracks. Application of self-healing concrete was able to reduce the chloride concentration in a cracked zone by 75% or more. As a result, service life of steel reinforced self-healing concrete slabs in marine environments could amount to 60–94 years as opposed to only seven years for ordinary (cracked) concrete. Subsequent life cycle assessment calculations indicated important environmental benefits (56%–75%) for the ten CML-IA (Center of Environmental Science of Leiden University–Impact Assessment) baseline impact indicators which are mainly induced by the achievable service life extension. PMID:28772363

International Conference/Workshop on Small Fatigue Cracks (2nd) Held in Santa Barbara, California on 5-10 January 1986.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-03-31

critical issues thus pertain to the determination of crack tip conditions, as a function of crack length, in terms of the coupled processes of fluid...transport and chemical/electrochemical reactions within the crack, and the determination of the origin of the environmentally-enhanced cracking rates in...Depth in Determining Crack Electrochemistry and Crack Growth" A. Turnbull, National Physical Laboratory, U.K., and R. C. Newmann, UMIST, U.K. 7:30 p.m.-7

Survey of degradation modes of candidate materials for high-level radioactive-waste disposal containers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Farmer, J.C.; Van Konynenburg, R.A.; McCright, R.D.

1988-04-01

Three iron- to nickel-based austenitic alloys (Types 304L and 316L stainless steels and Alloy 825) are being considered as candidate materials for the fabrication of high-level radioactive-waste containers. Waste will include fuel assemblies from reactors as well as high-level waste in borosilicate glass forms, and will be sent to the prospective repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. The decay of radionuclides in the repository will result in the generation of substantial heat and in fluences of gamma radiation. Container materials may undergo any of several modes of degradation in this environment, including atmospheric oxidation; uniform aqueous phase corrosion; pitting; crevice corrosion;more » sensitization and intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC); and transgranular stress corrosion cracking (TGSCC). This report is an analysis of data relevant to the pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of the three austenitic candidate alloys. The candidates are compared in terms of their susceptibilities to these forms of corrosion. Although all three candidates have demonstrated pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-containing environments, Alloy 825 has the greatest resistance to these types of localized corrosion (LC); such resistance is important because pits can penetrate the metal and serve as crack initiation sites. Both Types 304L and 316L stainless steels are susceptible to SCC in acidic chloride media. In contrast, SCC has not been documented in Alloy 825 under comparable conditions. Gamma radiation has been found to enhance SCC in Types 304 and 304L stainless steels, but it has no detectable effect on the resistance of Alloy 825 to SCC. Furthermore, while the effects of microbiologically induced corrosion have been observed for 300-series stainless steels, nickel-based alloys such as Alloy 825 seem to be immune to such problems. 211 refs., 49 figs., 10 tabs.« less

Fracture Mechanics Testing of Titanium 6AL-4V in AF-M315E

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sampson, J. W.; Martinez, J.; McLean, C.

2016-01-01

The Green Propellant Infusion Mission (GPIM) will demonstrate the performance of AF-M315E monopropellant on orbit. Flight certification requires a safe-life analysis of the titanium alloy fuel tank to ensure inherent processing flaws will not cause failure during the design life of the tank. Material property inputs for this analysis require testing to determine the stress intensity factor for environment-assisted cracking (KEAC) of Ti 6Al-4V in combination with the AF-M315E monopropellant. Testing of single-edge notched, or SE(B), specimens representing the bulk tank membrane and weld material were performed in accordance with ASTM E1681. Specimens with fatigue pre-cracks were loaded into test fixtures so that the crack tips were exposed to AF-M315E at 50 C for a duration of 1,000 hours. Specimens that did not fail during exposure were opened to inspect the crack surfaces for evidence of crack growth. The threshold stress intensity value, KEAC, is the highest applied stress intensity that produced neither a failure of the specimen during the exposure nor showed evidence of crack growth. The threshold stress intensity factor for environment-assisted cracking of the Ti 6Al-4V forged tank material was found to be at least 22 ksivin and at least 31 ksivin for the weld material when exposed to AF-M315E monopropellant.

Characterization of beta phase growth and experimental validation of long term thermal exposure sensitization of AA5XXX alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Yakun

The United States Navy has a need for fast, light-weight ships to provide rapid deployment in its operations. Strong and corrosion-resistant aluminum alloys, such as AA5083 (UNS A95083) as well as other AA5XXX alloys, have properties that are well-suited for such applications. However, AA5XXX alloys are susceptible to intergranular corrosion (IGC) and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) because of sensitization which is a consequence of the formation of the grain boundary beta-phase, Al3Mg2, and the anodic dissolution of the beta-phase. Significant research has been performed to measure and understand the effects of time, temperature, stress, and sea water on sensitization and associated intergranular corrosion and stress corrosion cracking under steady-state conditions. In the present work, the behaviors of beta-phase nucleation and growth were characterized using optical and electron microscopy, the relationship between preexisting particles and beta-phase, as well as the effect of different heat treatment times and temperatures on IGC and SCC susceptibility of 5XXX alloys were investigated. Grain boundary beta-phase thickness was measured with high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The corrosion sensitization susceptibility was evaluated according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard G67 tests, that is, nitric acid mass-loss testing (NAMLT). Diffusion of Mg is manifested by the thickening of beta-phase along the grainboundary because the grain boundary is considered as the preferential site for beta-phase nucleation. The beta-phase growth rate was monitored using high resolution TEM. The variety of precipitates and their subsequent effects on beta-phase nucleation and growth kinetics was investigated. The existence of various intermetallic particles was observed in both baseline and thermally exposed (70°C and 175°C) samples. These particles are usually either rod-shaped or equiaxed, and rich in Mn, Fe, and Cr. Indexing of lattice planes observed in a few of these particles suggested the composition is Al6Mn or Al6(Mn, Fe, Cr). This research also shows that the beta-phase precipitation occurs between the preexisting Mn rich particles. The basic model for the determination of diffusivity values, the prediction of beta-phase thickness growth, and corrosion sensitization prediction have been improved by new data from this research.

Gaseous hydrogen embrittlement of high strength steels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gangloff, R. P.; Wei, R. P.

1977-01-01

The effects of temperature, hydrogen pressure, stress intensity, and yield strength on the kinetics of gaseous hydrogen assisted crack propagation in 18Ni maraging steels were investigated experimentally. It was found that crack growth rate as a function of stress intensity was characterized by an apparent threshold for crack growth, a stage where the growth rate increased sharply, and a stage where the growth rate was unchanged over a significant range of stress intensity. Cracking proceeded on load application with little or no detectable incubation period. Gaseous hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility increased with increasing yield strength.

Material Issues of Blanket Systems for Fusion Reactors - Compatibility with Cooling Water -

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miwa, Yukio; Tsukada, Takashi; Jitsukawa, Shiro

Environmental assisted cracking (EAC) is one of the material issues for the reactor core components of light water power reactors(LWRs). Much experience and knowledge have been obtained about the EAC in the LWR field. They will be useful to prevent the EAC of water-cooled blanket systems of fusion reactors. For the austenitic stainless steels and the reduced-activation ferritic/martensitic steels, they clarifies that the EAC in a water-cooled blanket does not seem to be acritical issue. However, some uncertainties about influences on water temperatures, water chemistries and stress conditions may affect on the EAC. Considerations and further investigations elucidating the uncertainties are discussed.

Application of computer assisted moire to the study of a crack tip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sciammarella, C. A.; Albertazzi, A., Jr.; Mourikes, J.

The basic principles of computer assisted moire are discussed. The influence of the image sensor and its finite dimensions on the sampling theorem requirements is discussed. Criteria for the selection of grating pitch on the basis of the spatial bandwidth of the pattern to be observed and the requirements arising from sensitivity considerations are given. The method is used to analyze the strain field in the neighborhood of the crack tip of a standard ASTM compact tension specimen. From the displacements the strains are computed, and from the strains the stresses are obtained using the generalized Ramberg-Osgood stress strain relationship. The stresses are used to compute the values for the J-integral in several circuits surrounding the crack. Good agreement is obtained between the values of the stress intensity factors obtained by different methods. The plastic region surrounding the crack does not show a HRR field and thus the usual rationale to justify the J-integral methods must be re-evaluated.

Comparison of the microstructure, deformation and crack initiation behavior of austenitic stainless steel irradiated in-reactor or with protons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stephenson, Kale J.; Was, Gary S.

2015-01-01

The objective of this study was to compare the microstructures, microchemistry, hardening, susceptibility to IASCC initiation, and deformation behavior resulting from proton or reactor irradiation. Two commercial purity and six high purity austenitic stainless steels with various solute element additions were compared. Samples of each alloy were irradiated in the BOR-60 fast reactor at 320 °C to doses between approximately 4 and 12 dpa or by a 3.2 MeV proton beam at 360 °C to a dose of 5.5 dpa. Irradiated microstructures consisted mainly of dislocation loops, which were similar in size but lower in density after proton irradiation. Both irradiation types resulted in the formation of Ni-Si rich precipitates in a high purity alloy with added Si, but several other high purity neutron irradiated alloys showed precipitation that was not observed after proton irradiation, likely due to their higher irradiation dose. Low densities of small voids were observed in several high purity proton irradiated alloys, and even lower densities in neutron irradiated alloys, implying void nucleation was in process. Elemental segregation at grain boundaries was very similar after each irradiation type. Constant extension rate tensile experiments on the alloys in simulated light water reactor environments showed excellent agreement in terms of the relative amounts of intergranular cracking, and an analysis of localized deformation after straining showed a similar response of cracking to surface step height after both irradiation types. Overall, excellent agreement was observed after proton and reactor irradiation, providing additional evidence that proton irradiation is a useful tool for accelerated testing of irradiation effects in austenitic stainless steel.

Laser cladding assisted by friction stir processing for preparation of deformed crack-free Ni-Cr-Fe coating with nanostructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Siyao; Li, Ruidi; Yuan, Tiechui; Chen, Chao; Zhou, Kechao; Song, Bo; Shi, Yusheng

2018-02-01

Although laser cladding has find its widespread application in surface hardening, this technology has been significantly limited by the solidification crack, which usually initiates along grain boundary due to the brittle precipitation in grain boundary and networks formation during the laser rapid melting/solidification process. This paper proposed a novel laser cladding technology assisted by friction stir processing (FSP) to eliminate the usual metallurgical defects by the thermomechanical coupling effect of FSP with the Ni-Cr-Fe as representative coating material. By the FSP assisted laser cladding, the crack in laser cladding Ni-Cr-Fe coating was eliminated and the coarse networks of laser cladding coating was transformed into dispersed nanoparticles. Moreover, the plastic layers with thicknesses 47-140 μm can be observed, with gradient grain refinement from substrate to the top surface in which grain size reached 300 nm and laser photocoagulation net second phase crushed in the layer. In addition, cracks closed in the plastic zone. The refinement of grain resulted the hardness increased to over 400 HV, much higher than the 300 HV of the laser cladding structure. After FSP, the friction coefficient decreased from 0.6167 to 0.5645 which promoted the wear resistance.

40 CFR Table 8 to Subpart Uuu of... - Organic HAP Emission Limits for Catalytic Cracking Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Catalytic Cracking Units 8 Table 8 to Subpart UUU of Part 63 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Refineries: Catalytic Cracking Units, Catalytic Reforming Units, and Sulfur Recovery Units Pt. 63, Subpt. UUU, Table 8 Table 8 to Subpart UUU of Part 63—Organic HAP Emission Limits for Catalytic Cracking Units As...

40 CFR Table 8 to Subpart Uuu of... - Organic HAP Emission Limits for Catalytic Cracking Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Catalytic Cracking Units 8 Table 8 to Subpart UUU of Part 63 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Refineries: Catalytic Cracking Units, Catalytic Reforming Units, and Sulfur Recovery Units Pt. 63, Subpt. UUU, Table 8 Table 8 to Subpart UUU of Part 63—Organic HAP Emission Limits for Catalytic Cracking Units As...

Environmental fatigue of an Al-Li-Cu alloy. Part 3: Modeling of crack tip hydrogen damage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Piascik, Robert S.; Gangloff, Richard P.

1992-01-01

Environmental fatigue crack propagation rates and microscopic damage modes in Al-Li-Cu alloy 2090 (Parts 1 and 2) are described by a crack tip process zone model based on hydrogen embrittlement. Da/dN sub ENV equates to discontinuous crack advance over a distance, delta a, determined by dislocation transport of dissolved hydrogen at plastic strains above a critical value; and to the number of load cycles, delta N, required to hydrogenate process zone trap sites that fracture according to a local hydrogen concentration-tensile stress criterion. Transgranular (100) cracking occurs for process zones smaller than the subgrain size, and due to lattice decohesion or hydride formation. Intersubgranular cracking dominates when the process zone encompasses one or more subgrains so that dislocation transport provides hydrogen to strong boundary trapping sites. Multi-sloped log da/dN-log delta K behavior is produced by process zone plastic strain-hydrogen-microstructure interactions, and is determined by the DK dependent rates and proportions of each parallel cracking mode. Absolute values of the exponents and the preexponential coefficients are not predictable; however, fractographic measurements theta sub i coupled with fatigue crack propagation data for alloy 2090 established that the process zone model correctly describes fatigue crack propagation kinetics. Crack surface films hinder hydrogen uptake and reduce da/dN and alter the proportions of each fatigue crack propagation mode.

Modeling of stress distributions on the microstructural level in Alloy 600

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kozaczek, K.J.; Petrovic, B.G.; Ruud, C.O.

1995-04-01

Stress distribution in a random polycrystalline material (Alloy 600) was studied using a topologically correct microstructural model. Distributions of von Mises and hydrostatic stresses at the grain vertices, which could be important in intergranular stress corrosion cracking, were analyzed as functions of microstructure, grain orientations and loading conditions. Grain size, shape, and orientation had a more pronounced effect on stress distribution than loading conditions. At grain vertices the stress concentration factor was higher for hydrostatic stress (1.7) than for von Mises stress (1.5). The stress/strain distribution in the volume (grain interiors) is a normal distribution and does not depend onmore » the location of the studied material volume i.e., surface vs/bulk. The analysis of stress distribution in the volume showed the von Mises stress concentration of 1.75 and stress concentration of 2.2 for the hydrostatic pressure. The observed stress concentration is high enough to cause localized plastic microdeformation, even when the polycrystalline aggregate is in the macroscopic elastic regime. Modeling of stresses and strains in polycrystalline materials can identify the microstructures (grain size distributions, texture) intrinsically susceptible to stress/strain concentrations and justify the correctness of applied stress state during the stress corrosion cracking tests. Also, it supplies the information necessary to formulate the local failure criteria and interpret of nondestructive stress measurements.« less

NDI method to locate intergranular corrosion around fastener holes in aluminum wing skins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rutherford, Paul S.

1998-03-01

Contact between galvanically dissimilar metals, such as cadmium plated steel fasteners and aluminum wing skins are known to be a source of corrosion. There is a design requirement to fill the void between the contacting surfaces of steel fasteners with a wet sealant. However, if the contacting surface is damaged or a void exists between the fastener head and the aluminum skin, moisture can collect and intergranular corrosion may occur along aluminum grain boundaries, which run parallel to the surface of the wing skin. If intergranular corrosion is allowed to propagate, delamination of the thin layers of aluminum, known as exfoliation corrosion will occur. When this intergranular corrosion reaches an exfoliated state, extensive rework is involved in removing the corrosion. This paper discusses the results of a USAF E-3A Engineering Service Task 89-E3B3-16 to develop a nondestructive inspection procedure to detect intergranular corrosion in an incipient state before it reaches exfoliation. Eddy current and ultrasonic inspection techniques were evaluated. A novel ultrasonic pulse echo technique was developed which utilizes a focus transducer with a hand held fixture. Inspections were performed on test parts which were removed from the upper wing skin of a retired 707 which had varying degrees of intergranular and exfoliation corrosion. Inspection results are compared to the results from the mechanical rework of the wing skin and dissection of a wing skin fastener hole.

Three-dimensional studies of intergranular carbides in austenitic stainless steel.

PubMed

Ochi, Minoru; Kawano, Rika; Maeda, Takuya; Sato, Yukio; Teranishi, Ryo; Hara, Toru; Kikuchi, Masao; Kaneko, Kenji

2017-04-01

A large number of morphological studies of intergranular carbides in steels have always been carried out in two dimensions without considering their dispersion manners. In this article, focused ion beam serial-sectioning tomography was carried out to study the correlation among the grain boundary characteristics, the morphologies and the dispersions of intergranular carbides in 347 austenitic stainless steel. More than hundred intergranular carbides were characterized in three dimensions and finally classified into three different types, two types of carbides probably semi-coherent to one of the neighboring grains with plate-type morphology, and one type of carbides incoherent to both grains with rod-type morphology. In addition, the rod-type carbide was found as the largest number of carbides among three types. Since large numbers of defects, such as misfit dislocations, may be present at the grain boundaries, which can be ideal nucleation sites for intergranular rod-type carbide precipitation. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Japanese Society of Microscopy. All rights reserved.For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Double coating protection of Nd-Fe-B magnets: Intergranular phosphating treatment and copper plating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Jingwu; Chen, Haibo; Qiao, Liang; Lin, Min; Jiang, Liqiang; Che, Shenglei; Hu, Yangwu

2014-12-01

In this work, a double coating protection technique of phosphating treatment and copper plating was made to improve the corrosion resistance of sintered Nd-Fe-B magnets. In other words, the intergranular region of sintered Nd-Fe-B is allowed to generate passive phosphate conversion coating through phosphating treatment, followed by the copper coating on the surface of sintered Nd-Fe-B. The morphology and corrosion resistance of the phosphated sintered Nd-Fe-B were observed using SEM and electrochemical method respectively. The phosphate conversion coating was formed more preferably on the intergranular region of sintered Nd-Fe-B than on the main crystal region; just after a short time of phosphating treatment, the intergranular region of sintered Nd-Fe-B has been covered by the phosphate conversion coating and the corrosion resistance is significantly improved. With the synergistic protection of the intergranular phosphorization and the followed copper electrodeposition, the corrosion resistance of the sintered Nd-Fe-B is significantly better than that with a single phosphate film or single plating protection.

Stress intensity factors for surface and corner cracks emanating from a wedge-loaded hole

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhao, W.; Sutton, M. A.; Shivakumar, K. N.; Newman, J. C., Jr.

1994-01-01

To assist analysis of riveted lap joints, stress intensity factors are determined for surface and corner cracks emanating from a wedge-loaded hole by using a 3-D weight function method in conjunction with a 3-D finite element method. A stress intensity factor equation for surface cracks is also developed to provide a closed-form solution. The equation covers commonly-encountered geometrical ranges and retains high accuracy over the entire range.

Effects of Residual Impurities on Hydrogen Assisted Cracking in High Strength Steels. Part II.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-06-01

source of hydrogen is the corrosion reaction of steel with aqueous hydrogen sulfide solutions encountered either in the production of crude oil and...autoradiography technique, it has been shown that in Armco iron and in maraging steel of hydrogen is trapped at prior austenite grain boundaries. Tritium...also play a deleterious role in hydrogen-induced cracking. In these ultra-high strength steels , the crack-tip stress level and the concomitant stress

Measurements of degree of sensitization (DoS) in aluminum alloys using EMAT ultrasound.

PubMed

Li, Fang; Xiang, Dan; Qin, Yexian; Pond, Robert B; Slusarski, Kyle

2011-07-01

Sensitization in 5XXX aluminum alloys is an insidious problem characterized by the gradual formation and growth of beta phase (Mg(2)Al(3)) at grain boundaries, which increases the susceptibility of alloys to intergranular corrosion (IGC) and intergranular stress-corrosion cracking (IGSCC). The degree of sensitization (DoS) is currently quantified by the ASTM G67 Nitric Acid Mass Loss Test, which is destructive and time consuming. A fast, reliable, and non-destructive method for rapid detection and the assessment of the condition of DoS in AA5XXX aluminum alloys in the field is highly desirable. In this paper, we describe a non-destructive method for measurements of DoS in aluminum alloys with an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT). AA5083 aluminum alloy samples were sensitized at 100°C with processing times varying from 7days to 30days. The DoS of sensitized samples was first quantified with the ASTM 67 test in the laboratory. Both ultrasonic velocity and attenuation in sensitized specimens were then measured using EMAT and the results were correlated with the DoS data. We found that the longitudinal wave velocity was almost a constant, independent of the sensitization, which suggests that the longitudinal wave can be used to determine the sample thickness. The shear wave velocity and especially the shear wave attenuation are sensitive to DoS. Relationships between DoS and the shear velocity, as well as the shear attenuation have been established. Finally, we performed the data mining to evaluate and improve the accuracy in the measurements of DoS in aluminum alloys with EMAT. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Current-Assisted Diffusion Bonding of Extruded Ti-22Al-25Nb Alloy by Spark Plasma Sintering: Interfacial Microstructure and Mechanical Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jianlei; Wang, Guofeng; Jiao, Xueyan; Gu, Yibin; Liu, Qing; Li, You

2018-05-01

Spark plasma sintering (SPS) technology was used to current-assisted bond extruded Ti-22Al-25Nb alloy. The effects of bonding temperature (920-980 °C) and bonding time (10-30 min) on the microstructure evolution and shear strength of this alloy were investigated systematically. The temperature distribution in the specimen during the current-assisted bonding process was also analyzed by numerical simulation. It is noted that the highest temperature was obtained at the bonding interface. As the bonding temperature and bonding time increased, the voids in the interface shrank increasingly until they vanished. A complete metallurgical bonding interface could be produced at 960 °C/20 min/10 MPa, exhibiting the highest shear strength of 269.3 MPa. In addition, the shear strength of the bonded specimen depended on its interfacial microstructure. With increased bonding temperature, the fracture mode transformed from the intergranular fracture at the bonding interface to the cleavage fracture in the substrate.

On the Preservation of Intergranular Coesite in UHP Eclogite at Yangkou Bay, Sulu belt of eastern China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, L.; Wang, S.; Brown, M.

2016-12-01

In contrast to coesite that occurs as inclusions in zircon and rock-forming minerals, intergranular coesite is preserved in UHP eclogite at Yangkou in the Sulu belt. The survival of intergranular coesite is intriguing because the eclogite experienced phengite growth and partial melting during exhumation. The coesite eclogite occurs as rootless isoclinal fold noses within quartz-rich schist which contains 10-20 vol% phengite, whereas phengite is absent from coesite eclogite in the fold noses. To evaluate the factors that control preservation of intergranular coesite, four samples representative of different stages along the retrograde P-T path were selected for study. For each sample we determined the number of intergranular coesite grains per cm2 and the OH content of garnet and omphacite. As the number of coesite grains decreases, the bulk rock OH content increases from <200 ppm in phengite-free coesite eclogite to 200-260 ppm in phengite-bearing (<5 vol%) coesite eclogite and up to a maximum of 430-438 ppm in quartz eclogite ( 10 vol% phengite). However, the OH content drops to a minimum of 59 ppm in residual eclogite resulting from melt drainage. This trend implies that the volume of fluid increased sufficiently during exhumation to facilitate the growth of phengite and the transformation to quartz of intergranular coesite outside of the fold noses. The fluid is inferred to have been a supercritical fluid probably residual from prograde dehydration but also derived by dissolution of nominally anhydrous minerals. Post-metamorphic-peak deformation combined with fluid percolation along sheared fold limbs induced phengite growth during initial exhumation and then facilitated partial melting. In contrast, fold hinges in competent layers are unfavourable sites for fluid penetration. At Yangkou, the intergranular coesite is preserved in the fold noses where it was protected from both penetrative deformation and fluid ingress. Therefore, the fold noses maintained a relatively dry environment that allowed preservation of the intergranular coesite. Thus, deformation partitioning and strain localization impose local controls on fluid distribution and migration in UHP eclogite. This study informs our understanding of variations in fluid regime during exhumation of deeply subducted continental crust.

Experimental Study of Oxygen-Assisted Crack Growth in Alloy 718 and Alloy TI-1100

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-02-01

Ghonem et al [21 proposed that the crack growth rate increases as the grain boundary area exposed to oxygen penetration increases Consequently, the grain...recent work by Chang and al is worthwhile to be mentioned to this respect [3]. These authors used a modified heat treatment to produce a coarser grain...interesting experiment was carried out in the work of Ghonem et al [8] on a fine grain size (20-50jurm) Alloy 718. They carried out crack growth

A ’Hydrogen Partitioning’ Model for Hydrogen Assisted Crack Growth.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-09-01

the change in Stage II crack growth rate from Region A to Region C in the 18NI maraging steels . It cannot, however, explain the sudden drop off in...Neither partitioning of hydrogen nor adsorption equilibrium can account for the observed "high" temperature response of l8Ni maraging steel in hydrogen...ment and Stress Corrosion Cracking, American Society for Metals, Metals Park, OH, 1984, p. 103 (in press). 11. R. P. Wei: in Hydrogen Effects in

Block 2 solar cell module environmental test program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holloway, K. L.

1978-01-01

Environmental tests were performed of on 76 solar cell modules produced by four different manufacturers. The following tests were performed: (1) 28 day temperature and humidity; (2) rain and icing; (3) salt fog; (4) sand and dust; (5) vacuum/steam/pressure; (6) fungus; (7) temperature/altitude; and (8) thermal shock. Environmental testing of the solar cell modules produced cracked cells, cracked encapsulant and encapsulant delaminations on various modules. In addition, there was some minor cell and frame corrosion.

Monitoring micro-crack healing in an engineered cementitious composite using the environmental scanning electron microscope

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Suryanto, B., E-mail: b.suryanto@hw.ac.uk; Buckman

Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM) is used to study the origin of micro-crack healing in an Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC). ESEM images were acquired from ECC specimens cut from pre-cracked, dog-bone samples which then subjected to submerged curing followed by exposure to the natural environment. The mineralogical and chemical compositions of the healing products were determined using the EDX facility in the ESEM. It is shown that the precipitation of calcium carbonate is the main contributor to micro-crack healing at the crack mouth. The healing products initially appeared in an angular rhombohedral morphology which then underwent a discernable transformation inmore » size, shape and surface texture, from relatively flat and smooth to irregular and rough, resembling the texture of the original surface areas surrounding the micro-cracks. It is also shown that exposure to the natural environment, involving intermittent wetting/drying cycles, promotes additional crystal growth, which indicates enhanced self-healing capability in this environment. - Highlights: •ESEM with EDX used to characterize the origin of micro-crack healing in an ECC •Evolution of healing precipitates studied at three specific locations over four weeks •Specimens exposed to laboratory environment, followed by the natural environment •Calcium carbonate is the main contributor to crack healing at the crack mouth. •Outdoor exposure involving intermittent rain promotes additional crystal growth.« less

Subcritical growth of natural hydraulic fractures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garagash, D.

2014-12-01

Joints are the most common example of brittle tensile failure in the crust. Their genesis at depth is linked to the natural hydraulic fracturing, which requires pore fluid pressure in excess of the minimum in situ stress [Pollard and Aidyn, JSG1988]. Depending on the geological setting, high pore pressure can result form burial compaction of interbedded strata, diagenesis, or tectonics. Common to these loading scenarios is slow build-up of pore pressure over a geological timescale, until conditions for initiation of crack growth are met on favorably oriented/sized flaws. The flaws can vary in size from grain-size cracks in igneous rocks to a fossil-size flaws in clastic rock, and once activated, are inferred to propagate mostly subcritically [Segall JGR 1984; Olson JGR 1993]. Despite many observational studies of natural hydraulic fractures, the modeling attempts appear to be few [Renshaw and Harvey JGR 1994]. Here, we use boundary integral formulation for the pore fluid inflow from the permeable rock into a propagating joint [Berchenko et al. IJRMMS 1997] coupled with the criteria for subcritical propagation assisted by the environmental effects of pore fluid at the crack tip to solve for the evolution of a penny-shape joint, which, in interbedded rock, may eventually evolve to short-blade geometry (propagation confined to a bed). Initial growth is exceedingly slow, paced by the stress corrosion reaction kinetics at the crack tip. During this stage the crack is fully-drained (i.e. the fluid pressure in the crack is equilibrated with the ambient pore pressure). This "slow" stage is followed by a rapid acceleration, driven by the increase of the mechanical stress intensity factor with the crack length, towards the terminal joint velocity. We provide an analytical expression for the latter as a function of the rock diffusivity, net pressure loading at the initiation (or flaw lengthscale), and parameters describing resistance to fracture growth. Due to a much slower rate of the crack volume expansion of short-blade joints compared to that of penny-shape joints, the former would propagate much faster than the latter under otherwise identical conditions. Finally, we speculate about possible relation of the predicted patterns of joint development with morphology of joint fracture surfaces observed in sedimentary rock.

Analysis of intergranular fission-gas bubble-size distributions in irradiated uranium-molybdenum alloy fuel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rest, J.; Hofman, G. L.; Kim, Yeon Soo

2009-04-01

An analytical model for the nucleation and growth of intra and intergranular fission-gas bubbles is used to characterize fission-gas bubble development in low-enriched U-Mo alloy fuel irradiated in the advanced test reactor in Idaho as part of the Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactor (RERTR) program. Fuel burnup was limited to less than ˜7.8 at.% U in order to capture the fuel-swelling stage prior to irradiation-induced recrystallization. The model couples the calculation of the time evolution of the average intergranular bubble radius and number density to the calculation of the intergranular bubble-size distribution based on differential growth rate and sputtering coalescence processes. Recent results on TEM analysis of intragranular bubbles in U-Mo were used to set the irradiation-induced diffusivity and re-solution rate in the bubble-swelling model. Using these values, good agreement was obtained for intergranular bubble distribution compared against measured post-irradiation examination (PIE) data using grain-boundary diffusion enhancement factors of 15-125, depending on the Mo concentration. This range of enhancement factors is consistent with values obtained in the literature.

Centrifugation-assisted Assembly of Colloidal Silica into Crack-Free and Transferrable Films with Tunable Crystalline Structures

PubMed Central

Fan, Wen; Chen, Min; Yang, Shu; Wu, Limin

2015-01-01

Self-assembly of colloidal particles into colloidal films has many actual and potential applications. While various strategies have been developed to direct the assembly of colloidal particles, fabrication of crack-free and transferrable colloidal film with controllable crystal structures still remains a major challenge. Here we show a centrifugation-assisted assembly of colloidal silica spheres into free-standing colloidal film by using the liquid/liquid interfaces of three immiscible phases. Through independent control of centrifugal force and interparticle electrostatic repulsion, polycrystalline, single-crystalline and quasi-amorphous structures can be readily obtained. More importantly, by dehydration of silica particles during centrifugation, the spontaneous formation of capillary water bridges between particles enables the binding and pre-shrinkage of the assembled array at the fluid interface. Thus the assembled colloidal films are not only crack-free, but also robust and flexible enough to be easily transferred on various planar and curved substrates. PMID:26159121

Properties of Free-Machining Aluminum Alloys at Elevated Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faltus, Jiří; Karlík, Miroslav; Haušild, Petr

In areas close to the cutting tool the workpieces being dry machined could be heated up to 350°C and they may be impact loaded. Therefore it is of interest to study mechanical properties of corresponding materials at elevated temperatures. Free-machining alloys of Al-Cu and Al-Mg-Si systems containing Pb, Bi and Sn additions (AA2011, AA2111B, AA6262, and AA6023) were subjected to Charpy U notch impact test at the temperatures ranging from 20 to 350°C. The tested alloys show a sharp drop in notch impact strength KU at different temperatures. This drop of KU is caused by liquid metal embrittlement due to the melting of low-melting point dispersed phases which is documented by differential scanning calorimetry. Fracture surfaces of the specimens were observed using a scanning electron microscope. At room temperature, the fractures of all studied alloys exhibited similar ductile dimple fracture micromorphology, at elevated temperatures, numerous secondary intergranular cracks were observed.

Effects of fine porosity on the fatigue behavior of a powder metallurgy superalloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miner, R. V., Jr.; Dreshfield, R. L.

1980-01-01

Hot isostatically pressed powder metallurgy Astroloy was obtained which contained 1.4 percent fine porosity at the grain boundaries produced by argon entering the powder container during pressing. This material was tested at 650 C in fatigue, creep fatigue, tension, and stress-rupture and the results compared with previous data on sound Astroloy. The pores averaged about 2 micrometers diameter and 20 micrometers spacing. They did influence fatigue crack initiation and produced a more intergranular mode of propagation. However, fatigue life was not drastically reduced. A large 25 micrometers pore in one specimen resulting from a hollow particle did not reduce life by 60 percent. Fatigue behavior of the porous material showed typical correlation with tensile behavior. The plastic strain range life relation was reduced proportionately with the reduction in tensile ductility, but the elastic strain range-life relation was little changed reflecting the small reduction in sigma sub u/E for the porous material.

Effects of metal binder on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al2O3-based micro-nanocomposite ceramic tool material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, Xiu-ying; Zhao, Jun; Sun, Jia-lin; Gong, Feng; Li, Zuo-li

2017-07-01

The Al2O3-(W,Ti)C composites with Ni and Mo additions varying from 0vol% to 12vol% were prepared via hot pressing sintering under 30 MPa. The microstructure was investigated via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). Mechanical properties such as flexural strength, fracture toughness, and Vickers hardness were also measured. Results show that the main phases A12O3 and (W,Ti)C were detected by XRD. Compound MoNi also existed in sintered nanocomposites. The fracture modes of the nanocomposites were both intergranular and transgranular fractures. The plastic deformation of metal particles and crack bridging were the main toughening mechanisms. The maximum flexural strength and fracture toughness were obtained for 9vol% and 12vol% additions of Ni and Mo, respectively. The hardness of the composites reduced gradually with increasing content of metals Ni and Mo.

Some aspects of thermomechanical fatigue of AISI 304L stainless steel: Part I. creep- fatigue damage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zauter, R.; Christ, H. J.; Mughrabi, H.

1994-02-01

Thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) tests on the austenitic stainless steel AISI 304L have been conducted under “true≓ plastic-strain control in vacuum. This report considers the damage oc-curring during TMF loading. It is shown how the temperature interval and the phasing (in-phase, out-of-phase) determine the mechanical response and the lifetime of the specimens. If creep-fatigue interaction takes place during in-phase cycling, the damage occurs inside the ma-terial, leading to intergranular cracks which reduce the lifetime considerably. Out-of-phase cy-cling inhibits creep-induced damage, and no lifetime reduction occurs, even if the material is exposed periodically to temperatures in the creep regime. A formula is proposed which allows prediction of the failure mode, depending on whether creep-fatigue damage occurs or not. At a given strain rate, the formula is able to estimate the temperature of transition between pure fatigue and creep-fatigue damage.

Microstructural Development in a Laser-Remelted Al-Zn-Si-Mg Coating.

PubMed

Godec, M; Podgornik, B; Nolan, D

2017-11-23

In the last five decades, there has been intense development in the field of Zn-Al galvanic coating modification. Recently, Mg was added to improve corrosion properties. Further improvements to the coating are possible with additional laser surface treatment. In this article, we focus on remelting the Al-Zn-Mg-Si layer, using a diode laser with a wide-beam format, concentrating on the microstructure development during extreme cooling rates. Laser remelting of the Al-Zn-Mg-Si coating and rapid self-quenching produces a finer grain size, and a microstructure that is substantially refined and homogenized with respect to the phase distribution. Using EBSD results, we are able to understand microstructure modification. The laser modified coating has some porosity and intergranular cracking which are difficult to avoid, however this does not seem to be detrimental to mechanical properties, such as ductility on bending. The newly developed technology has a high potential for improved corrosion performance due to highly refined microstructure.

Reactor shroud joint

DOEpatents

Ballas, Gary J.; Fife, Alex Blair; Ganz, Israel

1998-01-01

A shroud for a nuclear reactor is described. In one embodiment, the shroud includes first and second shroud sections, and each shroud section includes a substantially cylindrical main body having a first end and a second end. With respect to each shroud section, a flange is located at the main body first end, and the flange has a plurality of bolt openings therein and a plurality of scalloped regions. The first shroud section is welded to the second shroud section, and at least some of the bolt openings in the first shroud section flange align with respective bolt openings in the second shroud section flange. In the event that the onset of inter-granular stress corrosion cracking is ever detected in the weld between the shroud section, bolts are inserted through bolt openings in the first shroud section flange and through aligned bolt openings the second shroud section flange. Each bolt, in one embodiment, has a shank section and first and second threaded end sections. Nuts are threadedly engaged to the threaded end sections and tightened against the respective flanges.

Hydrogen-assisted stable crack growth in iron-3 wt% silicon steel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Marrow, T.J.; Prangnell, P.; Aindow, M.

1996-08-01

Observations of internal hydrogen cleavage in Fe-3Si are reported. Hydrogen-assisted stable crack growth (H-SCG) is associated with cleavage striations of a 300 nm spacing, observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). High resolution SEM revealed finer striations, previously undetected, with a spacing of approximately 30 nm. These were parallel to the coarser striations. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) also showed the fine striation spacing, and gave a striation height of approximately 15 nm. The crack front was not parallel to the striations. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of crack tip plastic zones showed {l_brace}112{r_brace} and {l_brace}110{r_brace} slip, withmore » a high dislocation density (around 10{sup 14}m{sup {minus}2}). The slip plane spacing was approximately 15--30 nm. Parallel arrays of high dislocation density were observed in the wake of the hydrogen cleavage crack. It is concluded that H-ScG in Fe-3Si occurs by periodic brittle cleavage on the {l_brace}001{r_brace} planes. This is preceded by dislocation emission. The coarse striations are produced by crack tip blunting and the fine striations by dislocations attracted by image forces to the fracture surface after cleavage. The effects of temperature, pressure and yield strength on the kinetics of H-SCG can be predicted using a model for diffusion of hydrogen through the plastic zone.« less

Effects of In Situ Intermetallics on the Microstructural Array and Saline Corrosion Performance of Cast Al/WCp Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lekatou, A. G.; Gkikas, N.; Gousia, V.; Lentzaris, K.; Karantzalis, A. E.

2018-06-01

Al-matrix composites, ex situ reinforced with WC nanoparticles and in situ reinforced with Al3(Ti,W), Al12W, Al5W and Al4W, have been fabricated by casting assisted by K2TiF6 wetting agent addition and mechanical stirring. A satisfactory particle incorporation and distribution accompanied by a high reactivity have been attained. The presence, topography, chemical composition of all included phases and their occurrence as clusters or single particles are clarified and justified. Al12W is the predominant aluminide phase at WC ≤ 1.5 vol.%. Al4W (primarily) and Al5W (secondarily) are the predominant aluminide phases at WC ≥ 2.0 vol.%. WC nanoparticles have acted as heterogeneous nucleation sites to Al3Ti particles. Reverse polarization tests in 3.5 wt.% NaCl show that the governing form of corrosion is intergranular corrosion of Al around Al3FeSi2 eutectic, fine plates. The corrosion steps/mechanisms are identified. Clusters of aluminides and carbide nanoparticles, as well as intergranular WC nano-dispersoids and their Al-matrix have remained corrosion-free. The role of the aluminides combined with WC remaining nano-cores as inhibitors of the eutectic Al3FeSi2 cathodic activity is highlighted.

Continuous and line spectra of granules and intergranular lanes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suemoto, Z.; Hiei, E.; Nakagomi, Y.

1990-05-01

Temperature and velocity structures above granules and intergranular lanes were studied on spectrograms covering Ca II H and K lines. In agreement with earlier results, it was confirmed more quantitatively that there appear two kinds of bright continua, one in the outer wings (granular continuum) and the other in the inner wings (temporarily called K0-continuum) of Ca II H and K lines, and that these two kinds of bright continua are located more or less in a complementary fashion. Further, it was found that the bright K0-continuum is well associated with higher central residual intensity of absorption lines. These facts suggest that, in the upper photosphere, there are high temperature regions in the intergranular lanes. Motions above granular regions are essentially upwards, whereas those of intergranular regions are predominantly downwards, and in the uppermost photosphere the motions become more random.

Dislocation mechanism based model for stage II fatigue crack propagation rate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mazumdar, P. K.

1986-01-01

Repeated plastic deformation, which of course depends on dislocation mechanism, at or near the crack tip leads to the fatigue crack propagation. By involving the theory of thermally activated flow and the cumulative plastic strain criterion, an effort is made here to model the stage II fatigue crack propagation rate in terms of the dislocation mechanism. The model, therefore, provides capability to ascertain: (1) the dislocation mechanism (and hence the near crack tip microstructures) assisting the crack growth, (2) the relative resistance of dislocation mechanisms to the crack growth, and (3) the fracture surface characteristics and its interpretation in terms of the dislocation mechanism. The local microstructure predicted for the room temperature crack growth in copper by this model is in good agreement with the experimental results taken from the literature. With regard to the relative stability of such dislocation mechanisms as the cross-slip and the dislocation intersection, the model suggests an enhancement of crack growth rate with an ease of cross-slip which in general promotes dislocation cell formation and is common in material which has high stacking fault energy (produces wavy slips). Cross-slip apparently enhances crack growth rate by promoting slip irreversibility and fracture surface brittleness to a greater degree.

Fractographic analysis of gaseous hydrogen induced cracking in 18Ni maraging steel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gangloff, R. P.; Wei, R. P.

1978-01-01

Electron microscope fractographic analysis supplemented an extensive study of the kinetics of gaseous hydrogen assisted cracking in 18Ni maraging steel. Temperature determined the crack path morphology in each steel which, in turn, was directly related to the temperature dependence of the crack growth rate. Crack growth in the low temperature regime proceeded along prior austenite grain boundaries. Increasing the temperature above a critical value produced a continuously increasing proportion of transgranular quasi-cleavage associated with lath martensite boundaries. The amount of transgranular cracking was qualitatively correlated with the degree of temperature-induced deviation from Arrhenius behavior. Fractographic observations are interpreted in terms of hypothesized mechanisms for gaseous hydrogen embrittlement. It is concluded that hydrogen segregation to prior austenite and lath martensite boundaries must be considered as a significant factor in developing mechanisms for gaseous embrittlement of high strength steels.

Corrosion fatigue crack propagation in metals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gangloff, Richard P.

1990-01-01

This review assesses fracture mechanics data and mechanistic models for corrosion fatigue crack propagation in structural alloys exposed to ambient temperature gases and electrolytes. Extensive stress intensity-crack growth rate data exist for ferrous, aluminum and nickel based alloys in a variety of environments. Interactive variables (viz., stress intensity range, mean stress, alloy composition and microstructure, loading frequency, temperature, gas pressure and electrode potential) strongly affect crack growth kinetics and complicate fatigue control. Mechanistic models to predict crack growth rates were formulated by coupling crack tip mechanics with occluded crack chemistry, and from both the hydrogen embrittlement and anodic dissolution/film rupture perspectives. Research is required to better define: (1) environmental effects near threshold and on crack closure; (2) damage tolerant life prediction codes and the validity of similitude; (3) the behavior of microcrack; (4) probes and improved models of crack tip damage; and (5) the cracking performance of advanced alloys and composites.

Fractography of induction-hardened steel fractured in fatigue and overload

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Santos, C.G.; Laird, C.

1997-07-01

The fracture surfaces of induction-hardened steel specimens obtained from an auto axle were characterized, macroscopically and microscopically, after being fractured in fatigue and monotonic overload. Specimens were tested in cyclic three-point bending under load control, and the S-N curve was established for specimens that had been notched by spark machining to facilitate fractography. Scanning electron microscopy of the fractured surfaces obtained for lives spanning the range 17,000 to 418,000 cycles revealed diverse fracture morphologies, including intergranular fracture and transgranular fatigue fracture. The results are being offered to assist in the analysis of complex field failures in strongly hardened steel.

The Interferometric Measurement of Near Crack Tip Displacements in a Nickel Base Superalloy at Ambient and Elevated Temperatures.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-03-01

0. E. Macha contributed greatly as co— researchers and their efforts are sincerely appreciated . The abl e laboratory assistance of Mr. Charl es Bel l...the author ’s colleagues at the AIr Force Materials Laboratory . P0~ values were determined along the crack line behind the crack tip by D. E. Macha ...m t . J. of Fracture Mech., 7 (1971), 487-490. 31. W. El ber, Engineering Fracture Mechanics , 2 (1970), 37-45. ¶ 32. 3. W. Jones , 0. E. Macha

Control Al/Mg intermetallic compound formation during ultrasonic-assisted soldering Mg to Al.

PubMed

Xu, Zhiwu; Li, Zhengwei; Li, Jiaqi; Ma, Zhipeng; Yan, Jiuchun

2018-09-01

To prevent the formation of Al/Mg intermetallic compounds (IMCs) of Al 3 Mg 2 and Al 12 Mg 17 , dissimilar Al/Mg were ultrasonic-assisted soldered using Sn-based filler metals. A new IMC of Mg 2 Sn formed in the soldered joints during this process and it was prone to crack at large thickness. The thickness of Mg 2 Sn was reduced to 22 μm at 285 °C when using Sn-3Cu as the filler metal. Cracks were still observed inside the blocky Mg 2 Sn. The thickness of Mg 2 Sn was significantly reduced when using Sn-9Zn as the filler metal. A 17 μm Mg 2 Sn layer without crack was obtained at a temperature of 200 °C, ultrasonic power of Mode I, and ultrasonic time of 2 s. The shear strengths of the joints using Sn-9Zn was much higher than those using Sn-3Cu because of the thinner Mg 2 Sn layer in the former joints. Sn whiskers were prevented by using Sn-9Zn. A cavitation model during ultrasonic assisted soldering was proposed. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Commercialization of Measurement Technologies

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-10-20

Miniaturized, wireless instrumentation is now a reality and this thesis describes : development of such a system to monitor crack response. Comparison of environmental : (long-term) and blast-induced (dynamic) crack width changes in residential struc...

Three dimensional grain boundary modeling in polycrystalline plasticity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yalçinkaya, Tuncay; Özdemir, Izzet; Fırat, Ali Osman

2018-05-01

At grain scale, polycrystalline materials develop heterogeneous plastic deformation fields, localizations and stress concentrations due to variation of grain orientations, geometries and defects. Development of inter-granular stresses due to misorientation are crucial for a range of grain boundary (GB) related failure mechanisms, such as stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and fatigue cracking. Local crystal plasticity finite element modelling of polycrystalline metals at micron scale results in stress jumps at the grain boundaries. Moreover, the concepts such as the transmission of dislocations between grains and strength of the grain boundaries are not included in the modelling. The higher order strain gradient crystal plasticity modelling approaches offer the possibility of defining grain boundary conditions. However, these conditions are mostly not dependent on misorientation of grains and can define only extreme cases. For a proper definition of grain boundary behavior in plasticity, a model for grain boundary behavior should be incorporated into the plasticity framework. In this context, a particular grain boundary model ([l]) is incorporated into a strain gradient crystal plasticity framework ([2]). In a 3-D setting, both bulk and grain boundary models are implemented as user-defined elements in Abaqus. The strain gradient crystal plasticity model works in the bulk elements and considers displacements and plastic slips as degree of freedoms. Interface elements model the plastic slip behavior, yet they do not possess any kind of mechanical cohesive behavior. The physical aspects of grain boundaries and the performance of the model are addressed through numerical examples.

The influence of manufacturing processes on the microstructure, grain boundary characteristics and SCC behavior of Alloy 690 steam generator tubing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sarver, J.M.; Doherty, P.E.; Doyle, D.M.

1995-12-31

Thermally treated Alloy 690 is the tubing material of choice for replacement steam generators in the United States. Throughout the world, it is manufactured using different melting and thermomechanical processing methods. The influence of different processing steps on the intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) behavior of Alloy 690 has not been thoroughly evaluated. Evaluations were performed on Alloy 690 steam generator tubing produced using several different melting practices and thermomechanical processing procedures. The evaluations included extensive microstructural examinations as well as constant extension rate (CERT) tests. The CERT test results indicated that the thermally treated Alloy 690 tubing which wasmore » subjected to higher annealing temperatures displayed the highest degree of resistance to stress corrosion cracking (SCC). Examination of the microstructures indicated that the microstructural changes which are produced by increased annealing temperatures are subtle. In an attempt to further elucidate and quantify the effect of manufacturing processes on corrosion behavior, grain boundary character distribution (GBCD) measurements were performed on the same materials which were CERT tested. Analysis of GBCDs of the samples used in this study indicate that Alloy 690 exhibits a significantly larger fraction of special boundaries as compared to Alloy 600 and Alloy 800, regardless of the processing history of the tubing. Preliminary results indicate that a correlation may exist between processing method, GBCD`s and degree of IGSCC exhibited by the thermally treated samples examined in this study.« less

A micromechanical interpretation of the temperature dependence of Beremin model parameters for french RPV steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mathieu, Jean-Philippe; Inal, Karim; Berveiller, Sophie; Diard, Olivier

2010-11-01

Local approach to brittle fracture for low-alloyed steels is discussed in this paper. A bibliographical introduction intends to highlight general trends and consensual points of the topic and evokes debatable aspects. French RPV steel 16MND5 (equ. ASTM A508 Cl.3), is then used as a model material to study the influence of temperature on brittle fracture. A micromechanical modelling of brittle fracture at the elementary volume scale already used in previous work is then recalled. It involves a multiscale modelling of microstructural plasticity which has been tuned on experimental inter-phase and inter-granular stresses heterogeneities measurements. Fracture probability of the elementary volume can then be computed using a randomly attributed defect size distribution based on realistic carbides repartition. This defect distribution is then deterministically correlated to stress heterogeneities simulated within the microstructure using a weakest-link hypothesis on the elementary volume, which results in a deterministic stress to fracture. Repeating the process allows to compute Weibull parameters on the elementary volume. This tool is then used to investigate the physical mechanisms that could explain the already experimentally observed temperature dependence of Beremin's parameter for 16MND5 steel. It is showed that, assuming that the hypothesis made in this work about cleavage micro-mechanisms are correct, effective equivalent surface energy (i.e. surface energy plus plastically dissipated energy when blunting the crack tip) for propagating a crack has to be temperature dependent to explain Beremin's parameters temperature evolution.

Finite Element Model Characterization Of Nano-Composite Thermal And Environmental Barrier Coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yamada, Yoshiki; Zhu, Dongming

2011-01-01

Thermal and environmental barrier coatings have been applied for protecting Si based ceramic matrix composite components from high temperature environment in advanced gas turbine engines. It has been found that the delamination and lifetime of T/EBC systems generally depend on the initiation and propagation of surface cracks induced by the axial mechanical load in addition to severe thermal loads. In order to prevent T/EBC systems from surface cracking and subsequent delamination due to mechanical and thermal stresses, T/EBC systems reinforced with nano-composite architectures have showed promise to improve mechanical properties and provide a potential crack shielding mechanism such as crack bridging. In this study, a finite element model (FEM) was established to understand the potential beneficial effects of nano-composites systems such as SiC nanotube-reinforced oxide T/EBC systems.

40 CFR Table 8 to Subpart Uuu of... - Organic HAP Emission Limits for Catalytic Cracking Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 13 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Organic HAP Emission Limits for Catalytic Cracking Units 8 Table 8 to Subpart UUU of Part 63 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL..., Subpt. UUU, Table 8 Table 8 to Subpart UUU of Part 63—Organic HAP Emission Limits for Catalytic Cracking...

40 CFR Table 8 to Subpart Uuu of... - Organic HAP Emission Limits for Catalytic Cracking Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 13 2013-07-01 2012-07-01 true Organic HAP Emission Limits for Catalytic Cracking Units 8 Table 8 to Subpart UUU of Part 63 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL..., Subpt. UUU, Table 8 Table 8 to Subpart UUU of Part 63—Organic HAP Emission Limits for Catalytic Cracking...

40 CFR Table 8 to Subpart Uuu of... - Organic HAP Emission Limits for Catalytic Cracking Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 13 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Organic HAP Emission Limits for Catalytic Cracking Units 8 Table 8 to Subpart UUU of Part 63 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL..., Subpt. UUU, Table 8 Table 8 to Subpart UUU of Part 63—Organic HAP Emission Limits for Catalytic Cracking...

Recent progress to understand stress corrosion cracking in sodium borosilicate glasses: linking the chemical composition to structural, physical and fracture properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rountree, Cindy L.

2017-08-01

This topical review is dedicated to understanding stress corrosion cracking in oxide glasses and specifically the SiO_2{\\text-B_2O_3{\\text-}Na_2O} (SBN) ternary glass systems. Many review papers already exist on the topic of stress corrosion cracking in complex oxide glasses or overly simplified glasses (pure silica). These papers look at how systematically controlling environmental factors (pH, temperature...) alter stress corrosion cracking, while maintaining the same type of glass sample. Many questions still exist, including: What sets the environmental limit? What sets the velocity versus stress intensity factor in the slow stress corrosion regime (Region I)? Can researchers optimize these two effects to enhance a glass’ resistance to failure? To help answer these questions, this review takes a different approach. It looks at how systemically controlling the glass’ chemical composition alters the structure and physical properties. These changes are then compared and contrasted to the fracture toughness and the stress corrosion cracking properties. By taking this holistic approach, researchers can begin to understand the controlling factors in stress corrosion cracking and how to optimize glasses via the initial chemical composition.

Influence and Modeling of Residual Stresses in Thick Walled Pressure Vessels with Through Holes

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-28

9 FIGURE 4 ENVIRONMENTAL CRACKING OBSERVED IN EVACUATOR HOLE .......... 9 FIGURE 5 STRESSES PRESENT IN STRAIGHT EVACUATOR... ASSESMENT OF INITIAL DAMAGE Through investigation was undertaken on vessels similar in size and strength level to pressure vessels 85A and 85B...suggesting that the source of the residual stresses required to initiate and propagate these environmental cracks is not a resultant of the typical

Effects of intergranular phase on the coercivity for MnBi magnets prepared by spark plasma sintering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, J.; Huang, Y. L.; Hou, Y. H.; Zhang, G. Q.; Shi, Z. Q.; Zhong, Z. C.; Liu, Z. W.

2018-05-01

MnBi magnets with a high content of low temperature phase (LTP) and excellent magnetic properties were prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) using ball milling powders as precursors without magnetic purification. A complicated intergranular phase, which contains Mn phase, Bi phase, MnO phase, and even amorphous phase in MnBi magnets, was characterized and reported systematically. It was found that the formation of intergranular phase which was contributed by ball milling precursors and sintering mechanism, jointly, had important influence on the magnetic properties. The appropriate content of intergranular phase was beneficial in improving the coercivity due to the strong magnetic isolation effects. The optimum magnetic properties with Mr=26.0 emu/g, Hci= 7.11 kOe and (BH)max=1.53 MGOe at room temperature, and a maximum value Hci= 25.37 kOe at 550 K can be obtained. Strongly favorable magnetic properties make SPSed MnBi magnets an attractive candidate material for small permanent magnets used in high-temperature applications.

Surface Cracking and Interface Reaction Associated Delamination Failure of Thermal and Environmental Barrier Coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhu, Dong-Ming; Choi, Sung R.; Eldridge, Jeffrey I.; Lee, Kang N.; Miller, Robert A.

2003-01-01

In this paper, surface cracking and interface reactions of a BSAS coating and a multi-layer ZrO2-8wt%Y2O3 and mullite/BSAS/Si thermal and environmental barrier coating system on SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composites were characterized after long-term combined laser thermal gradient and furnace cyclic tests in a water vapor containing environment. The surface cracking was analyzed based on the coating thermal gradient sintering behavior and thermal expansion mismatch stress characteristics under the thermal cyclic conditions. The interface reactions, which were largely enhanced by the coating surface cracking in the water vapor environment, were investigated in detail, and the reaction phases were identified for the coating system after the long-term exposure. The accelerated coating delamination failure was attributed to the increased delamination driving force under the thermal gradient cyclic loading and the reduced interface adhesion due to the detrimental interface reactions.

Surface Cracking and Interface Reaction Associated Delamination Failure of Thermal and Environmental Barrier Coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhu, Dongming; Choi, Sung R.; Eldridge, Jeffrey I.; Lee, Kang N.; Miller, Robert A.

2003-01-01

In this paper, surface cracking and interface reactions of a BSAS coating and a multi-layer ZTO2-8wt%Y2O3 and mullite/BSAS/Si thermal and environmental barrier coating system on SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composites were characterized after long-term combined laser thermal gradient and furnace cyclic tests in a water vapor containing environment. The surface cracking was analyzed based on the coating thermal gradient sintering behavior and thermal expansion mismatch stress characteristics under the thermal cyclic conditions. The interface reactions, which were largely enhanced by the coating surface cracking in the water vapor environment, were investigated in detail, and the reaction phases were identified for the coating system after the long- term exposure. The accelerated coating delamination failure was attributed to the increased delamination driving force under the thermal gradient cyclic loading and the reduced interface adhesion due to the detrimental interface reactions.

Analysis of Slip Activity and Deformation Modes in Tension and Tension-Creep Tests of Cast Mg-10Gd-3Y-0.5Zr (Wt Pct) at Elevated Temperatures Using In Situ SEM Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Huan; Boehlert, Carl J.; Wang, Qudong; Yin, Dongdi; Ding, Wenjiang

2016-05-01

The tension and tension-creep deformation behavior at elevated temperatures of a cast Mg-10Gd-3Y-0.5Zr (wt pct, GW103) alloy was investigated using in situ scanning electron microscopy. The tests were performed at temperatures ranging from 473 K to 598 K (200 °C to 325 °C). The active slip systems were identified using an EBSD-based slip trace analysis methodology. The results showed that for all of the tests, basal slip was the most likely system to be activated, and non-basal slip was activated to some extent depending on the temperature. No twinning was observed. For the tension tests, non-basal slip consisted of ~35 pct of the deformation modes at low temperatures (473 K and 523 K (200 °C and 250 °C)), while non-basal slip accounted for 12 and 7 pct of the deformation modes at high temperatures (573 K and 598 K (300 °C and 325 °C)), respectively. For the tension-creep tests, non-basal slip accounted for 31 pct of the total slip systems at low temperatures, while this value decreased to 10 to 16 pct at high temperatures. For a given temperature, the relative activity for prismatic slip in the tension-creep tests was slightly greater than that for the tension tests, while the activity for pyramidal slip was lower. Slip-transfer in neighboring grains was observed for the low-temperature tests. Intergranular cracking was the main cracking mode, while some intragranular cracks were observed for the tension-creep tests at high temperature and low stress. Grain boundary ledges were prevalently observed for both the tension and tension-creep tests at high temperatures, which suggests that besides dislocation slip, grain boundary sliding also contributed to the deformation.

Role of an ultra-thin AlN/GaN superlattice interlayer on the strain engineering of GaN films grown on Si(110) and Si(111) substrates by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shen, X. Q.; Takahashi, T.; Matsuhata, H.

2013-12-02

We investigate the role of an ultra-thin AlN/GaN superlattice interlayer (SL-IL) on the strain engineering of the GaN films grown on Si(110) and Si(111) substrates by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. It is found that micro-cracks limitted only at the SL-IL position are naturally generated. These micro-cracks play an important role in relaxing the tensile strain caused by the difference of the coefficient of thermal expansion between GaN and Si and keeping the residual strain in the crack-free GaN epilayers resulted from the SL-IL during the growth. The mechanism understanding of the strain modulation by the SL-IL in the GaN epilayersmore » grown on Si substrates makes it possible to design new heterostructures of III-nitrides for optic and electronic device applications.« less

Role of an ultra-thin AlN/GaN superlattice interlayer on the strain engineering of GaN films grown on Si(110) and Si(111) substrates by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, X. Q.; Takahashi, T.; Rong, X.; Chen, G.; Wang, X. Q.; Shen, B.; Matsuhata, H.; Ide, T.; Shimizu, M.

2013-12-01

We investigate the role of an ultra-thin AlN/GaN superlattice interlayer (SL-IL) on the strain engineering of the GaN films grown on Si(110) and Si(111) substrates by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. It is found that micro-cracks limitted only at the SL-IL position are naturally generated. These micro-cracks play an important role in relaxing the tensile strain caused by the difference of the coefficient of thermal expansion between GaN and Si and keeping the residual strain in the crack-free GaN epilayers resulted from the SL-IL during the growth. The mechanism understanding of the strain modulation by the SL-IL in the GaN epilayers grown on Si substrates makes it possible to design new heterostructures of III-nitrides for optic and electronic device applications.

Appling grain boundary engineering to Alloy 690 tube for enhancing intergranular corrosion resistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Shuang; Li, Hui; Liu, Ting Guang; Zhou, Bang Xin

2011-09-01

The feasibility of applying the grain boundary engineering (GBE) processing to Alloy 690 tube manufacturing for improving the intergranular corrosion resistance was studied. Through small amount of deformation by cold drawing using a draw-bench on a production line and subsequent short time annealing at high temperature, the proportion of low Σ coincidence site lattice (CSL) grain boundaries of the Alloy 690 tube can be enhanced to about 75% which mainly were of Σ3 n ( n = 1, 2, 3, …) type. In this case, the grain boundary network (GBN) was featured by the formation of highly twinned large size grain-clusters produced by multiple twinning during recrystallization. All of the grains inside this kind of cluster had Σ3 n mutual misorientations, and hence all the boundaries inside the cluster were of Σ3 n type and formed many interconnected Σ3 n type triple junctions. The weight losses due to grain dropping during intergranular corrosion for the samples with the modified GBN were much less than that with conventional microstructure. Based on the characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) technique, it was shown that the highly twinned large size grain-cluster microstructure played a key role in enhancing the intergranular corrosion resistance: (1) the large grain-cluster can arrest the penetration of intergranular corrosion; (2) the large grain-cluster can protect the underlying microstructure.

Characterization of adsorption sites on aggregate soil samples using synchrotron X-ray computerized microtomography.

PubMed

Altman, Susan J; Rivers, Mark L; Reno, Marissa D; Cygan, Randall T; McLain, Angela A

2005-04-15

Synchrotron-source X-ray computerized microtomography (CMT) was used to evaluate the adsorptive properties of aggregate soil samples. A linear relationship between measured mean mass attenuation coefficient (sigma) and mass fraction iron was generated by imaging mineral standards with known iron contents. On the basis of reported stoichiometries of the clay minerals and identifications of iron oxyhydroxides (1), we calculated the mass fraction iron and iron oxyhydroxide in the intergranular material. The mass fractions of iron were estimated to range from 0.17 to 0.22 for measurements made at 18 keV and from 0.18 to 0.21 for measurements made at 26 keV. One aggregate sample also contained regions within the intergranular material with mass fraction iron ranging from 0.29 to 0.31 and from 0.33 to 0.36 for the 18 and 26 keV measurements, respectively. The mass fraction iron oxyhydroxide ranged from 0.18 to 0.35 for the low-iron intergranular material and from 0.40 to 0.59 for the high-iron intergranular material. Using absorption edge difference imaging with CMT, we visualized cesium on the intergranular material, presumably because of adsorption and possible exchange reactions. By characterizing the mass fraction iron, the mass fraction iron oxyhydroxide, and the adsorptive capacity of these soil mineral aggregates, we provide information useful for conceptualization, development, and parametrization of transport models.

Mitigating IASCC of Reactor Core Internals by Post-Irradiation Annealing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Was, Gary

This final report summarizes research performed during the period between September 2012 and December 2016, with the objective of establishing the effectiveness of post-irradiation annealing (PIA) as an advanced mitigation strategy for irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking (IASCC). This was completed by using irradiated 304SS control blade material to conduct crack initiation and crack growth rate (CGR) experiments in simulated BWR environment. The mechanism by which PIA affects IASCC susceptibility will also be verified. The success of this project will provide a foundation for the use of PIA as a mitigation strategy for core internal components in commercial reactors.

Fractography of modern engineering materials: composites and metals

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Masters, J.E.; Au, J.J.

1987-01-01

The fractographic analysis of fracture surfaces in composites and metals is discussed in reviews and reports of recent theoretical and experimental investigations. Topics addressed include fracture-surface micromorphology in engineering solids, SEM fractography of pure and mixed-mode interlaminar fractures in graphite/epoxy composites, determination of crack propagation directions in graphite/epoxy structures, and the fracture surfaces of irradiated composites. Consideration is given to fractographic feature identification and characterization by digital imaging analysis, fractography of pressure-vessel steel weldments, the micromechanisms of major/minor cycle fatigue crack growth in Inconel 718, and fractographic analysis of hydrogen-assisted cracking in alpha-beta Ti alloys.

Corrosion Mitigation Strategies - an Introduction

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-02-05

formed • Stress corrosion cracking Leaders in Corrosion Control Technology • Overpressure • Pressure of a gas over a liquid- solubility of gases in...Power surges • Crack protective films, fretting, fatique Design – Chemistry • Used to eliminate candidate materials • pH acidic (H+) basic (OH...Technology • Laboratory tests • Published data Mechanical Properties • Strength • Ductility • Environmental cracking Methods of Corrosion Control–Materials

Elasticity-Driven Backflow of Fluid-Driven Cracks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Ching-Yao; Dressaire, Emilie; Ramon, Guy; Huppert, Herbert; Stone, Howard A.

2016-11-01

Fluid-driven cracks are generated by the injection of pressurized fluid into an elastic medium. Once the injection pressure is released, the crack closes up due to elasticity and the fluid in the crack drains out of the crack through an outlet, which we refer to as backflow. We experimentally study the effects of crack size, elasticity of the matrix, and fluid viscosity on the backflow dynamics. During backflow, the volume of liquid remaining in the crack as a function of time exhibits a transition from a fast decay at early times to a power law behavior at late times. Our results at late times can be explained by scaling arguments balancing elastic and viscous stresses in the crack. This work may relate to the environmental issue of flowback in hydraulic fracturing. This work is supported by National Science Foundation via Grant CBET-1509347 and partially supported by Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment at Princeton University.

Causes of Early-Age Thermal Cracking of Concrete Foundation Slabs and their Reinforcement to Control the Cracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bilčík, Juraj; Sonnenschein, Róbert; Gažovičová, Natália

2017-09-01

This paper focuses on the causes and consequences of early-age cracking of mass concrete foundation slabs due to restrained volume changes. Considering the importance of water leaking through cracks in terms of the serviceability, durability and environmental impact of watertight concrete structures, emphasis is placed on the effect of temperature loads on foundation slabs. Foundation slabs are usually restrained to some degree externally or internally. To evaluate the effect of external restraints on foundation slabs, friction and interaction models are introduced. The reinforcement of concrete cannot prevent the initiation of cracking, but when cracking has occurred, it may act to reduce the spacing and width of cracks. According to EN 1992-1-1, results of calculating crack widths with local variations included in National Annexes (NAs) vary considerably. A comparison of the required reinforcement areas according to different NAs is presented.

Hydrogen Assisted Crack in Dissimilar Metal Welds for Subsea Service under Cathodic Protection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bourgeois, Desmond

Dissimilar metal welds (DMWs) are routinely used in the oil and gas industries for structural joining of high strength steels in order to eliminate the need for post weld heat treatment (PWHT) after field welding. There have been reported catastrophic failures in these DMWs, particularly the AISI 8630 steel - Alloy 625 DMW combination, during subsea service while under cathodic protection (CP). This is due to local embrittlement that occurs in susceptible microstructures that are present at the weld fusion boundary region. This type of cracking is known as hydrogen assisted cracking (HAC) and it is influenced by base/filler metal combination, and welding and PWHT procedures. DMWs of two material combinations (8630 steel -- Alloy 625 and F22 steel -- Alloy 625), produced with two welding procedures (BS1 and BS3) in as welded and PWHT conditions were investigated in this study. The main objectives included: 1) evaluation of the effect of materials composition, welding and PWHT procedures on the gradients of composition, microstructure, and properties in the dissimilar transition region and on the susceptibility to HAC; 2) investigation of the influence of microstructure on the HAC failure mechanism and identification of microstructural constituents acting as crack nucleation and propagation sites; 3) assessment of the applicability of two-step PWHT to improve the resistance to HAC in DMWs; 4) establishment of non-failure criterion for the delayed hydrogen cracking test (DHCT) that is applicable for qualification of DMWs for subsea service under cathodic protection (CP).

Effect of Solute Segregation on Fracture Toughness in a Ni-Cr Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kameda, Jun

1981-12-01

A study has been made of the influence of intergranular solute segregation on fracture toughness K1c in a series of Ni-Cr steels individually doped with Sb, Sn, and P. By means of toughness measurements in steels having two different intergranular Sb distributions, of measurements of acoustic emissions and of scanning electron micrographs of a load-interrupted and post-test-fatigued specimen, the values of K1c, computed from the “pop-in” load of the load vs clip gauge displacement curves, are found to represent the formation of many patches of contiguous intergranular microcracks ahead of the precrack. The present experiments demonstrate that in the early stage of solute segregation, K1c decreases more substantially than does the strength of grain boundaries σ* (measured in the notched bar tests), although the embrittlement effects of metalloid elements are the same order for both K1c and σ*. A proposed model for the stress-gradient-control of brittle fracture supports the finding that the measurements of K1c give a distorted view of the progress of intergranular embrittlement.

Pore-scale Modeling of CO2 Local Trapping in Heterogeneous Porous Media with Inter-granular Cements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, D.; Li, Y.

2017-12-01

Based on pore-scale modeling of CO2/brine multiphase flow in heterogeneous porous media with inter-granular cements, we numerically analyze the effects of cement-modified pore structure on CO2 local trapping. Results indicate: 1) small pore throat is the main reason for causing CO2 local trapping in front of low-porosity layers (namely dense layers) formed by inter-granular cements; 2) in the case of the same pore throat size, the smaller particle size can increase the number of flow paths for CO2 plume and equivalently enhances local permeability, which may counteract the impediment of high capillary pressure on CO2 migration to some extent and consequently disables CO2 local capillary trapping; 3) the isolated pores by inter-granular cements can lead to dramatic reduction of CO2 saturation inside the dense layers, whereas the change of connectivity of some pores due to the cements can increase CO2 accumulation in front of the dense layers by lowering the displacement area of CO2 plume.

Measurement and interpretation of threshold stress intensity factors for steels in high-pressure hydrogen gas.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dadfarnia, Mohsen; Nibur, Kevin A.; San Marchi, Christopher W.

2010-07-01

Threshold stress intensity factors were measured in high-pressure hydrogen gas for a variety of low alloy ferritic steels using both constant crack opening displacement and rising crack opening displacement procedures. The sustained load cracking procedures are generally consistent with those in ASME Article KD-10 of Section VIII Division 3 of the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, which was recently published to guide design of high-pressure hydrogen vessels. Three definitions of threshold were established for the two test methods: K{sub THi}* is the maximum applied stress intensity factor for which no crack extension was observed under constant displacement; K{sub THa} ismore » the stress intensity factor at the arrest position for a crack that extended under constant displacement; and K{sub JH} is the stress intensity factor at the onset of crack extension under rising displacement. The apparent crack initiation threshold under constant displacement, K{sub THi}*, and the crack arrest threshold, K{sub THa}, were both found to be non-conservative due to the hydrogen exposure and crack-tip deformation histories associated with typical procedures for sustained-load cracking tests under constant displacement. In contrast, K{sub JH}, which is measured under concurrent rising displacement and hydrogen gas exposure, provides a more conservative hydrogen-assisted fracture threshold that is relevant to structural components in which sub-critical crack extension is driven by internal hydrogen gas pressure.« less

Measurement and interpretation of threshold stress intensity factors for steels in high-pressure hydrogen gas.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nibur, Kevin A.

2010-11-01

Threshold stress intensity factors were measured in high-pressure hydrogen gas for a variety of low alloy ferritic steels using both constant crack opening displacement and rising crack opening displacement procedures. The sustained load cracking procedures are generally consistent with those in ASME Article KD-10 of Section VIII Division 3 of the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, which was recently published to guide design of high-pressure hydrogen vessels. Three definitions of threshold were established for the two test methods: K{sub THi}* is the maximum applied stress intensity factor for which no crack extension was observed under constant displacement; K{sub THa} ismore » the stress intensity factor at the arrest position for a crack that extended under constant displacement; and K{sub JH} is the stress intensity factor at the onset of crack extension under rising displacement. The apparent crack initiation threshold under constant displacement, K{sub THi}*, and the crack arrest threshold, K{sub THa}, were both found to be non-conservative due to the hydrogen exposure and crack-tip deformation histories associated with typical procedures for sustained-load cracking tests under constant displacement. In contrast, K{sub JH}, which is measured under concurrent rising displacement and hydrogen gas exposure, provides a more conservative hydrogen-assisted fracture threshold that is relevant to structural components in which sub-critical crack extension is driven by internal hydrogen gas pressure.« less

Mechanical weathering and rock erosion by climate-dependent subcritical cracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eppes, Martha-Cary; Keanini, Russell

2017-06-01

This work constructs a fracture mechanics framework for conceptualizing mechanical rock breakdown and consequent regolith production and erosion on the surface of Earth and other terrestrial bodies. Here our analysis of fracture mechanics literature explicitly establishes for the first time that all mechanical weathering in most rock types likely progresses by climate-dependent subcritical cracking under virtually all Earth surface and near-surface environmental conditions. We substantiate and quantify this finding through development of physically based subcritical cracking and rock erosion models founded in well-vetted fracture mechanics and mechanical weathering, theory, and observation. The models show that subcritical cracking can culminate in significant rock fracture and erosion under commonly experienced environmental stress magnitudes that are significantly lower than rock critical strength. Our calculations also indicate that climate strongly influences subcritical cracking—and thus rock weathering rates—irrespective of the source of the stress (e.g., freezing, thermal cycling, and unloading). The climate dependence of subcritical cracking rates is due to the chemophysical processes acting to break bonds at crack tips experiencing these low stresses. We find that for any stress or combination of stresses lower than a rock's critical strength, linear increases in humidity lead to exponential acceleration of subcritical cracking and associated rock erosion. Our modeling also shows that these rates are sensitive to numerous other environment, rock, and mineral properties that are currently not well characterized. We propose that confining pressure from overlying soil or rock may serve to suppress subcritical cracking in near-surface environments. These results are applicable to all weathering processes.

Environmental fatigue of an Al-Li-Cu alloy. Part 2: Microscopic hydrogen cracking processes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Piascik, Robert S.; Gangloff, Richard P.

1992-01-01

Based on a fractographic analysis of fatigue crack propagation (FCP) in Al-Li-Cu alloy 2090 stressed in a variety of inert and embrittling environments, microscopic crack paths are identified and correlated with intrinsic da/dN-delta K kinetics. FCP rates in 2090 are accelerated by hydrogen producing environments (pure water vapor, moist air, and aqueous NaCl), as defined in Part 1. For these cases, subgrain boundary fatigue cracking (SGC) dominates for delta K values where the crack tip process zone, a significant fraction of the cyclic plastic zone, is sufficiently large to envelop 5 micron subgrains in the unrecrystallized microstructure. SGC may be due to strong hydrogen trapping at T1 precipitates concentrated at sub-boundaries. At low delta K, the plastic zone diameter is smaller than the subgrain size and FCP progresses along (100) planes due to either local lattice decohesion or aluminum-lithium hydride cracking. For inert environments (vacuum, helium, and oxygen), or at high delta K where the hydrogen effect on da/dN is small, FCP is along (111) slip planes; this mode does not transition with increasing delta K and plastic zone size. The SGC and (100) crystallographic cracking modes, and the governing influence of the crack tip process zone volume (delta K), support hydrogen embrittlement rather than a surface film rupture and anodic dissolution mechanism for environmental FCP. Multi-sloped log da/dN-log delta K behavior is produced by changes in process zone hydrogen-microstructure interactions, and not by purely micromechanical-microstructure interactions, in contradiction to microstructural distance-based fatigue models.

Height-dependent Velocity Structure of Photospheric Convection in Granules and Intergranular Lanes with Hinode /SOT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Oba, T.; Iida, Y.; Shimizu, T., E-mail: oba.takayoshi@ac.jaxa.jp

The solar photosphere is the visible surface of the Sun, where many bright granules, surrounded by narrow dark intergranular lanes, are observed everywhere. The granular pattern is a manifestation of convective motion at the photospheric level, but its velocity structure in the height direction is poorly understood observationally. Applying bisector analysis to a photospheric spectral line recorded by the Hinode Solar Optical Telescope, we derived the velocity structure of the convective motion in granular regions and intergranular lanes separately. The amplitude of motion of the convective material decreases from 0.65 to 0.40 km s{sup −1} as the material rises inmore » granules, whereas the amplitude of motion increases from 0.30 to 0.50 km s{sup −1} as it descends in intergranular lanes. These values are significantly larger than those obtained in previous studies using bisector analysis. The acceleration of descending materials with depth is not predicted from the convectively stable condition in a stratified atmosphere. Such convective instability can be developed more efficiently by radiative cooling and/or a gas pressure gradient, which can control the dynamical behavior of convective material in intergranular lanes. Our analysis demonstrated that bisector analysis is a useful method for investigating the long-term dynamic behavior of convective material when a large number of pixels is available. In addition, one example is the temporal evolution of granular fragmentation, in which downflowing material develops gradually from a higher layer downward.« less

Design and performance of crack-free environmentally friendly concrete "crack-free eco-crete".

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-08-01

High-performance concrete (HPC) is characterized by high content of cement and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). : Using high binder content, low water-to-cementitious material ratio (w/cm), and various chemical admixtures in the HPC can r...

Fracture Behavior of Ceramics Under Displacement Controlled Loading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Calomino, Anthony; Brewer, David; Ghosn, Louis

1994-01-01

A Mode I fracture specimen and loading method has been developed which permits the observation of stable crack extension in monolithic and in situ toughened ceramics. The developed technique was used to conduct room temperature tests on commercial grade alumina (Coors' AD-995) and silicon nitride (Norton NC-132). The results of these tests are reported. Crack growth for the alumina remained subcritical throughout testing revealing possible effects of environmental stress corrosion. The crack growth resistance curve for the alumina is presented. The silicon nitride tests displayed a series of stable (slow) crack growth segments interrupted by dynamic (rapid) crack extension. Crack initiation and arrest stress intensity factors, K(sub Ic) and K(sub Ia), for silicon nitride are reported. The evolution of the specimen design through testing is briefly discussed.

Tufted capuchin monkeys (Sapajus sp) learning how to crack nuts: does variability decline throughout development?

PubMed

Resende, Briseida Dogo; Nagy-Reis, Mariana Baldy; Lacerda, Fernanda Neves; Pagnotta, Murillo; Savalli, Carine

2014-11-01

We investigated the process of nut-cracking acquisition in a semi-free population of tufted capuchin monkeys (Sapajus sp) in São Paulo, Brazil. We analyzed the cracking episodes from monkeys of different ages and found that variability of actions related to cracking declined. Inept movements were more frequent in juveniles, which also showed an improvement on efficient striking. The most effective behavioral sequence for cracking was more frequently used by the most experienced monkeys, which also used non-optimal sequences. Variability in behavior sequences and actions may allow adaptive changes to behavior under changing environmental conditions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Getting up at the Crack of Noon: Children on Public Assistance.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bruckerhoff, Charles E.

This study presents findings from an ongoing study of urban childhood on public assistance. The study used interviews with aldermen, social workers, police, public housing and ghetto neighborhood residents, and medical personnel as well as the collection of field study data from local institutions and their representatives. The results appear in…

Stress corrosion cracking behavior of irradiated model austenitic stainless steel alloys.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chung, H. M.; Karlsen, T. M.; Ruther, W. E.

Slow-strain-rate tensile tests (SSRTs) and posttest fractographic analyses by scanning electron microscopy were conducted on 16 austenitic stainless steel (SS) alloys that were irradiated at 289 C in He. After irradiation to {approx}0.3 x 10{sup 21} n{center_dot}cm{sup {minus}2} and {approx}0.9 x 10{sup 21} n{center_dot}cm{sup {minus}2} (E >1 MeV), significant heat-to-heat variations in the degree of intergranular and transgranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC and TGSCC) were observed. Following irradiation to a fluence of {approx}0.3 x 10{sup 21} n{center_dot}cm{sup {minus}2}, a high-purity laboratory heat of Type 316L SS (Si {approx} 0.024 wt%) exhibited the highest susceptibility to IGSCC. The other 15 alloysmore » exhibited negligible susceptibility to IGSCC at this low fluence. The percentage of TGSCC on the fracture surfaces of SSRT specimens of the 16 alloys at {approx}0.3 x 10{sup 21} n{center_dot}cm{sup {minus}2} (E > 1 MeV) could be correlated well with N and Si concentrations; all alloys that contained <0.01 wt.% N and <1.0 wt. % Si were susceptible, whereas all alloys that contained >0.01 wt.% N or >1.0 wt.% Si were relatively resistant. High concentrations of Cr were beneficial. Alloys that contain <15.5 wt.% Cr exhibited greater percentages of TGSCC and IGSCC than those alloys with {approx}18 wt.% Cr, whereas an alloy that contains >21 wt.% Cr exhibited less susceptibility than the lower-Cr alloys under similar conditions.« less

Role of microstructure in caustic stress corrosion cracking of Alloy 690

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mertz, D.A.; Duda, P.T.; Pica, P.N.

1995-12-31

Alloy 690 has been selected for nuclear heat transport system tubing application in recent commercial reactor plants due to its resistance to multiple types of corrosion attack. Typical corn final heat treatments for this material are a mill-anneal (MA, approximately 1,070 C) to completely dissolve the carbides and develop the final grain structure plus a thermal treatment (TT, approximately 700 C) to precipitate carbides at the grain boundaries. Tubing with grain boundary carbides and no or few intragranular carbides has been found resistant to intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) in caustic environments. In this work, first, Alloy 690 plate wasmore » subjected to a variety of MA and MA-TT heat treatments to create microstructures of carbide-decorated grain boundaries and undecorated boundaries. Caustic IGSCC test results were consistent with tubing data. Second, experiments were conducted to understand the mechanism by which caustic-corrosion resistance is imparted to Alloy 690 by grain boundary carbides. Tubing with a fully-developed MA-TT carbide microstructure was strained and heat-treated to create a mixed microstructure of new grain boundaries with no carbide precipitate decoration, intermixed with intragranular carbide strings from prior grain boundaries. Caustic SCC performance of this material was identical to that of material with the MA-TT carbide-decorated grain boundaries. This work suggests that the fundamental cause of good IGSCC resistance of MA-TT Alloy 690 in caustic does not derive solely from grain boundary carbides. It is suggested that matrix strength, as measured by yield stress, could be a controlling factor.« less

Atomistically derived cohesive zone model of intergranular fracture in polycrystalline graphene

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guin, Laurent; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027; Raphanel, Jean L.

2016-06-28

Pristine single crystal graphene is the strongest known two-dimensional material, and its nonlinear anisotropic mechanical properties are well understood from the atomic length scale up to a continuum description. However, experiments indicate that grain boundaries in the polycrystalline form reduce the mechanical behavior of polycrystalline graphene. Herein, we perform atomistic-scale molecular dynamics simulations of the deformation and fracture of graphene grain boundaries and express the results as continuum cohesive zone models (CZMs) that embed notions of the grain boundary ultimate strength and fracture toughness. To facilitate energy balance, we employ a new methodology that simulates a quasi-static controlled crack propagationmore » which renders the kinetic energy contribution to the total energy negligible. We verify good agreement between Griffith's critical energy release rate and the work of separation of the CZM, and we note that the energy of crack edges and fracture toughness differs by about 35%, which is attributed to the phenomenon of bond trapping. This justifies the implementation of the CZM within the context of the finite element method (FEM). To enhance computational efficiency in the FEM implementation, we discuss the use of scaled traction-separation laws (TSLs) for larger element sizes. As a final result, we have established that the failure characteristics of pristine graphene and high tilt angle bicrystals differ by less than 10%. This result suggests that one could use a unique or a few typical TSLs as a good approximation for the CZMs associated with the mechanical simulations of the polycrystalline graphene.« less

Fracture and Failure in Micro- and Nano-Scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Charitidis, Costas A.

Indentation and scratch in micro- and nano-scale are the most commonly used techniques for quantifying thin film and systems properties. Among them are different failure modes such as deformation, friction, fracture toughness, fatigue. Failure modes can be activated either by a cycle of indentation or by scratching of the samples to provide an estimation of the fracture toughness and interfacial fracture energies. In the present study, we report on the failure and fracture modes in two cases of engineering materials; that is transparent SiOx thin films onto poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) membranes and glass-ceramic materials. The SiOx/PET system meets the demands regarding scratch-resistance, wettability, biocompatibility, gas transmission, or friction, while maintaining the bulk characteristics of PET (such as easy processing, good mechanical properties, reasonably low permeability to oxygen and carbon dioxide gases (barrier properties), and good chemical coupling with antibacterial coatings). Glass-ceramic materials, since their first accidental production in the mid fifties by S.D. Stookey, have been used in a vast area of applications, from household cooktops and stoves, to missile nose cones and mirror mounts of orbital telescopes and from decorative wall coverings to medical applications. The fracture modes, namely transgranular and intergranular modes in glass-ceramic materials have paid less attention in literature comparing with ceramic materials. In the former case the crack paves its way irrespectively of the direction of the grain boundaries, i.e., the interfaces between the different phases. In the latter case the crack preferentially follows them, i.e., debonds the interfaces.

Effect of Temper Condition on the Corrosion and Fatigue Performance of AA2219 Aluminum Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, Rahul; Venugopal, A.; Rao, G. Sudarshan; Ramesh Narayanan, P.; Pant, Bhanu; Cherian, Roy M.

2018-02-01

The effect of temper condition and corrosion on the fatigue behavior of alloy AA2219 has been investigated in different temper conditions (T87 and T851). Corrosion testing was performed by exposing the tensile specimens to 3.5% NaCl solution for different time periods, and the corrosion damage was quantified using a 3D profilometer. The exposure-tested specimens were subjected for fatigue testing at different stress levels, and the reduction in fatigue life was measured along with detailed fracture morphology variations. The results indicated that the alloy in both tempers suffers localized corrosion damage and the measured corrosion depth was 120 and 1200 µm, respectively, for T87 and T851 conditions. The loss in fatigue strength was found to be high for T851 (67%) when compared to that of T87 temper condition (58%) for a pre-corrosion time of 15 days. In both cases, fatigue crack initiation is associated with corrosion pits, which act as stress raisers. However, the crack propagation was predominantly transgranular for T87 and a mixed transgranular and intergranular fracture in the case of T851 temper condition. This was shown to be due to the heterogeneous microstructure due to the thermomechanical working and the delay in quench time imposed on the alloy forging in T851 temper condition. The findings in this paper present useful information for the selection of appropriate heat treatment condition to facilitate control of the corrosion behavior which is of great significance for their fatigue performance.

Liquid impact and fracture of free-standing CVD diamond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kennedy, Claire F.; Telling, Robert H.; Field, John E.

1999-07-01

The Cavendish Laboratory has developed extensive facilities for studies of liquid and solid particle erosion. This paper describes the high-speed liquid impact erosion of thin CVD diamond discs and the variation with grain sizes of the absolute damage threshold velocity (ADTV), viz., the threshold below which the specimen shows no damage. All specimens fail by rear surface cracking and there is shown to be a shallow dependence of rear surface ADTV on grain size. Fracture propagation in CVD diamond has also been monitored using a specially-designed double-torsion apparatus and data for K1C are presented. Tentatively, the results suggest that finer-grained CVD diamond exhibits a higher fracture toughness, although the differences are slight even over a fourfold variation in the mean grain size. No preference for intergranular fracture was observed and one may conclude from this that the grain boundaries themselves do not seriously weaken the material. The large pre-existing flaws, both within and between grains, whose size varies the grain size are believed to be the dominant source of weakness.

Reactor shroud joint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ballas, G.J.; Fife, A.B.; Ganz, I.

1998-04-07

A shroud for a nuclear reactor is described. In one embodiment, the shroud includes first and second shroud sections, and each shroud section includes a substantially cylindrical main body having a first end and a second end. With respect to each shroud section, a flange is located at the main body first end, and the flange has a plurality of bolt openings therein and a plurality of scalloped regions. The first shroud section is welded to the second shroud section, and at least some of the bolt openings in the first shroud section flange align with respective bolt openings inmore » the second shroud section flange. In the event that the onset of inter-granular stress corrosion cracking is ever detected in the weld between the shroud section, bolts are inserted through bolt openings in the first shroud section flange and through aligned bolt openings the second shroud section flange. Each bolt, in one embodiment, has a shank section and first and second threaded end sections. Nuts are threadedly engaged to the threaded end sections and tightened against the respective flanges. 4 figs.« less

Reactor shroud joint

DOEpatents

Ballas, G.J.; Fife, A.B.; Ganz, I.

1998-04-07

A shroud for a nuclear reactor is described. In one embodiment, the shroud includes first and second shroud sections, and each shroud section includes a substantially cylindrical main body having a first end and a second end. With respect to each shroud section, a flange is located at the main body first end, and the flange has a plurality of bolt openings therein and a plurality of scalloped regions. The first shroud section is welded to the second shroud section, and at least some of the bolt openings in the first shroud section flange align with respective bolt openings in the second shroud section flange. In the event that the onset of inter-granular stress corrosion cracking is ever detected in the weld between the shroud section, bolts are inserted through bolt openings in the first shroud section flange and through aligned bolt openings the second shroud section flange. Each bolt, in one embodiment, has a shank section and first and second threaded end sections. Nuts are threadedly engaged to the threaded end sections and tightened against the respective flanges. 4 figs.

Effect of Heat Treatments on Microstructures and Tensile Properties of Cu-3 wt%Ag-0.5 wt%Zr Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Gang; Wang, ChuanJie; Zhang, Ying; Yi, Cen; Zhang, Peng

2018-03-01

The microstructures and tensile properties of Cu-3 wt%Ag-0.5 wt%Zr alloy sheets under different aging treatments are investigated in this research. As one kind of precipitate, Ag nanoparticles with coherent orientation relationship with matrix precipitate. However, after the peak-age point, most of Ag nanoparticles grow into short rod shape with the interface translating to semi-coherent, which leads to the lower strength of over-aging sample. The yield strength is estimated by considering solid solute, grain boundary and precipitation strengthening mechanisms. The result shows that the Ag precipitates provide the main strengthening role. Then a constitutive equation representing the evolution of dislocation density with plastic strain is built by considering work-hardening behavior coming from shearable and non-shearable precipitates which is mainly the particles containing Zr. The flow stress contributed by shearable particle hardening is higher than that of non-shearable one. Due to the coarsening of grain boundary precipitates and low rate of damage accumulation of these non-shearable particles, the micro-cracks nucleate easily at grain boundary which leads to intergranular fracture.

Thermal ageing and short-range ordering of Alloy 690 between 350 and 550 °C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mouginot, Roman; Sarikka, Teemu; Heikkilä, Mikko; Ivanchenko, Mykola; Ehrnstén, Ulla; Kim, Young Suk; Kim, Sung Soo; Hänninen, Hannu

2017-03-01

Thermal ageing of Alloy 690 triggers an intergranular (IG) carbide precipitation and is known to promote an ordering reaction causing lattice contraction. It may affect the long-term primary water stress corrosion cracking (PWSCC) resistance of pressurized water reactor (PWR) components. Four conditions of Alloy 690 (solution annealed, cold-rolled and/or heat-treated) were aged between 350 and 550 °C for 10 000 h and characterized. Although no direct observation of ordering was made, variations in hardness and lattice parameter were attributed to the formation of short-range ordering (SRO) in all conditions with a peak level at 420 °C, consistent with the literature. Prior heat treatment induced ordering before thermal ageing. At higher temperatures, stress relaxation, recrystallization and α-Cr precipitation were observed in the cold-worked samples, while a disordering reaction was inferred in all samples based on a decrease in hardness. IG precipitation of M23C6 carbides increased with increasing ageing temperature in all conditions, as well as diffusion-induced grain boundary migration (DIGM).

Low cycle fatigue and creep-fatigue behavior of Ni-based alloy 230 at 850 C

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, Xiang; Yang, Zhiqing; Sokolov, Mikhail A

Strain-controlled low cycle fatigue (LCF) and creep-fatigue testing of Ni-based alloy 230 were carried out at 850 C. The material creep-fatigue life decreased compared with its low cycle fatigue life at the same total strain range. Longer hold time at peak tensile strain further reduced the material creep-fatigue life. Based on the electron backscatter diffraction, a novel material deformation characterization method was applied, which revealed that in low cycle fatigue testing as the total strain range increased, the deformation was segregated to grain boundaries since the test temperature was higher than the material equicohesive temperature and grain boundaries became weakermore » regions compared with grains. Creep-fatigue tests enhanced the localized deformation, resulting in material interior intergranular cracking, and accelerated material damage. Precipitation in alloy 230 helped slip dispersion, favorable for fatigue property, but grain boundary cellular precipitates formed after material exposure to the elevated temperature had a deleterious effect on the material low cycle fatigue and creep-fatigue property.« less

Guided cracking of electrodes by stretching prism-patterned membrane electrode assemblies for high-performance fuel cells.

PubMed

Ahn, Chi-Yeong; Jang, Segeun; Cho, Yong-Hun; Choi, Jiwoo; Kim, Sungjun; Kim, Sang Moon; Sung, Yung-Eun; Choi, Mansoo

2018-01-19

Guided cracks were successfully generated in an electrode using the concentrated surface stress of a prism-patterned Nafion membrane. An electrode with guided cracks was formed by stretching the catalyst-coated Nafion membrane. The morphological features of the stretched membrane electrode assembly (MEA) were investigated with respect to variation in the prism pattern dimension (prism pitches of 20 μm and 50 μm) and applied strain (S ≈ 0.5 and 1.0). The behaviour of water on the surface of the cracked electrode was examined using environmental scanning electron microscopy. Guided cracks in the electrode layer were shown to be efficient water reservoirs and liquid water passages. The MEAs with and without guided cracks were incorporated into fuel cells, and electrochemical measurements were conducted. As expected, all MEAs with guided cracks exhibited better performance than conventional MEAs, mainly because of the improved water transport.

Differentiation of South American crack and domestic (US) crack cocaine via headspace-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Colley, Valerie L; Casale, John F

2015-03-01

South American 'crack' cocaine, produced directly from coca leaf, can be distinguished from US domestically produced crack on the basis of occluded solvent profiles. In addition, analysis of domestically produced crack indicates the solvents that were used for cocaine hydrochloride (HCl) processing in South America. Samples of cocaine base (N=3) from South America and cocaine from the USA (N=157 base, N=88 HCl) were analyzed by headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) to determine their solvent profiles. Each cocaine HCl sample was then converted to crack cocaine using the traditional crack production method and re-examined by HS-GC-MS. The resulting occluded solvent profiles were then compared to their original HCl solvent profiles. Analysis of the corresponding crack samples confirmed the same primary processing solvents found in the original HCl samples, but at reduced levels. Domestically seized crack samples also contained reduced levels of base-to-HCl conversion solvents. In contrast, analysis of South American crack samples confirmed the presence of low to high boiling hydrocarbons and no base-to-HCl conversion solvents. The presented study showed analysis of crack cocaine samples provides data on which processing solvents were originally utilized in the production of cocaine HCl in South America, prior to conversion to crack cocaine. Determination of processing solvents provides valuable information to the counter-drug intelligence community and assists the law enforcement community in determining cocaine distribution and trafficking routes throughout the world. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Real time monitoring of environmental crack growth in BWRs

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hale, D.; Diehl, C.G.

1988-01-01

A comprehensive field test program was recently completed at several Boiling Water Reactors (BWR) to quantify the effect of coolant impurities on the initiation and growth of stress corrosion cracks. A new technology was utilized which allows for real time monitoring of stress corrosion crack growth rates. The BWR environments were characterized using Ion Chromatography and Electro Chemical Potential (ECP) measurements. The effects of typical water chemistry transients and startups were quantified.

Hydrogen adsorption and diffusion, and subcritical-crack growth in high-strength steels and nickel base alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wei, R. P.; Klier, K.; Simmons, G. W.

1974-01-01

Coordinated studies of the kinetics of crack growth and of hydrogen adsorption and diffusion were initiated to develop information that is needed for a clearer determination of the rate controlling process and possible mechanism for hydrogen enhanced crack growth, and for estimating behavior over a range of temperatures and pressures. Inconel 718 alloy and 18Ni(200) maraging steel were selected for these studies. 18Ni(250) maraging steel, 316 stainless steel, and iron single crystal of (111) orientation were also included in the chemistry studies. Crack growth data on 18Ni(250) maraging steel from another program are included for comparison. No sustained-load crack growth was observed for the Inconel 718 alloy in gaseous hydrogen. Gaseous hydrogen assisted crack growth in the 18Ni maraging steels were characterized by K-independent (Stage 2) extension over a wide range of hydrogen pressures (86 to 2000 torr or 12 kN/m2 to 266 kN/m2) and test temperatures (-60 C to +100 C). The higher strength 18Ni(250) maraging steel was more susceptible than the lower strength 200 grade. A transition temperature was observed, above which crack growth rates became diminishingly small.

Hafnium nitride buffer layers for growth of GaN on silicon

DOEpatents

Armitage, Robert D.; Weber, Eicke R.

2005-08-16

Gallium nitride is grown by plasma-assisted molecular-beam epitaxy on (111) and (001) silicon substrates using hafnium nitride buffer layers. Wurtzite GaN epitaxial layers are obtained on both the (111) and (001) HfN/Si surfaces, with crack-free thickness up to 1.2 {character pullout}m. However, growth on the (001) surface results in nearly stress-free films, suggesting that much thicker crack-free layers could be obtained.

Hydrogen Assisted Cracking of High Strength Alloys

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-08-01

maraging steels (Dautovich and Floreen, 1973, 1977; Gerberich et al., 1988; Yamaguchi, et al., 1997). This behavior is typically described by a...transgranular. A similar maximum in IG cracking susceptibility near the free corrosion potential was reported for 18Ni Maraging steel in neutral NaCl... steel in 133 kPa pure H2 parallels the behavior of AISI 4340 and the 18 Ni maraging steels , particularly in terms of a low temperature activation

Hygrothermal effects on the mechanical behaviour of graphite fibre-reinforced epoxy laminates beyond initial failure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ishai, O.; Garg, A.; Nelson, H. G.

1986-01-01

The critical load levels and associated cracking beyond which a multidirectional laminate can be considered as structurally failed has been determined by loading graphite fiber-reinforced epoxy laminates to different strain levels up to ultimate failure. Transverse matrix cracking was monitored by acoustic and optical methods. The residual stiffness and strength parallel and perpendicular to the cracks were determined and related to the environmental/loading history. Within the range of experimental conditions studied, it is concluded that the transverse cracking process does not have a crucial effect on the structural performance of multidirectional composite laminates.

Effective spring stiffness for a periodic array of interacting coplanar penny-shaped cracks at an interface between two dissimilar isotropic materials

PubMed Central

Lekesiz, Huseyin; Katsube, Noriko; Rokhlin, Stanislav I.; Seghi, Robert R.

2013-01-01

An effective spring stiffness approximation is proposed for a hexagonal array of coplanar penny shaped cracks located at the interface between two dissimilar solids. The approximation is based on the factorization of the solution on the material dissimilarity factor, the crack interaction factor and the effective spring stiffness solution for non-interacting cracks in a homogeneous material. Such factorization is exact and was validated for 2D collinear cracks between two dissimilar solids. The crack interaction factor is obtained using a recently developed model for stress intensity factors for an array of coplanar penny shaped cracks in a homogeneous material; also the material dissimilarity function recently obtained for non-interacting penny shaped crack at the interface between two dissimilar materials is employed. The obtained solution is useful for an assessment by ultrasonic measurements of the interface stiffness in bonded structures for monitoring the interfacial microdamage growth due to mechanical loading and environmental factors. PMID:27175036

Effective spring stiffness for a periodic array of interacting coplanar penny-shaped cracks at an interface between two dissimilar isotropic materials.

PubMed

Lekesiz, Huseyin; Katsube, Noriko; Rokhlin, Stanislav I; Seghi, Robert R

2013-08-15

An effective spring stiffness approximation is proposed for a hexagonal array of coplanar penny shaped cracks located at the interface between two dissimilar solids. The approximation is based on the factorization of the solution on the material dissimilarity factor, the crack interaction factor and the effective spring stiffness solution for non-interacting cracks in a homogeneous material. Such factorization is exact and was validated for 2D collinear cracks between two dissimilar solids. The crack interaction factor is obtained using a recently developed model for stress intensity factors for an array of coplanar penny shaped cracks in a homogeneous material; also the material dissimilarity function recently obtained for non-interacting penny shaped crack at the interface between two dissimilar materials is employed. The obtained solution is useful for an assessment by ultrasonic measurements of the interface stiffness in bonded structures for monitoring the interfacial microdamage growth due to mechanical loading and environmental factors.

Environmental Barrier Coating (EBC) Durability Modeling; An Overview and Preliminary Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abdul-Aziz, A.; Bhatt, R. T.; Grady, J. E.; Zhu, D.

2012-01-01

A study outlining a fracture mechanics based model that is being developed to investigate crack growth and spallation of environmental barrier coating (EBC) under thermal cycling conditions is presented. A description of the current plan and a model to estimate thermal residual stresses in the coating and preliminary fracture mechanics concepts for studying crack growth in the coating are also discussed. A road map for modeling life and durability of the EBC and the results of FEA model(s) developed for predicting thermal residual stresses and the cracking behavior of the coating are generated and described. Further initial assessment and preliminary results showed that developing a comprehensive EBC life prediction model incorporating EBC cracking, degradation and spalling mechanism under stress and temperature gradients typically seen in turbine components is difficult. This is basically due to mismatch in thermal expansion difference between sub-layers of EBC as well as between EBC and substrate, diffusion of moisture and oxygen though the coating, and densification of the coating during operating conditions as well as due to foreign object damage, the EBC can also crack and spall from the substrate causing oxidation and recession and reducing the design life of the EBC coated substrate.

Geotechnical engineering for ocean waste disposal. An introduction

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lee, Homa J.; Demars, Kenneth R.; Chaney, Ronald C.; ,

1990-01-01

As members of multidisciplinary teams, geotechnical engineers apply quantitative knowledge about the behavior of earth materials toward designing systems for disposing of wastes in the oceans and monitoring waste disposal sites. In dredge material disposal, geotechnical engineers assist in selecting disposal equipment, predict stable characteristics of dredge mounds, design mound caps, and predict erodibility of the material. In canister disposal, geotechnical engineers assist in specifying canister configurations, predict penetration depths into the seafloor, and predict and monitor canister performance following emplacement. With sewage outfalls, geotechnical engineers design foundation and anchor elements, estimate scour potential around the outfalls, and determine the stability of deposits made up of discharged material. With landfills, geotechnical engineers evaluate the stability and erodibility of margins and estimate settlement and cracking of the landfill mass. Geotechnical engineers also consider the influence that pollutants have on the engineering behavior of marine sediment and the extent to which changes in behavior affect the performance of structures founded on the sediment. In each of these roles, careful application of geotechnical engineering principles can contribute toward more efficient and environmentally safe waste disposal operations.

In-vitro biodegradation and corrosion-assisted cracking of a coated magnesium alloy in modified-simulated body fluid.

PubMed

Jafari, Sajjad; Singh Raman, R K

2017-09-01

A calcium phosphate coating was directly synthesized on AZ91D magnesium (Mg) alloy. Resistance of this coating to corrosion in a modified-simulated body fluid (m-SBF) was investigated by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Mechanical properties of the bare and coated alloy were investigated using slow strain rate tensile (SSRT) and fatigue testing in air and m-SBF. Very little is reported in the literature on human-body-fluid-assisted cracking of Mg alloys, viz., resistance to corrosion fatigue (CF) and stress corrosion cracking (SCC). This study has a particular emphasis on the effect of bio-compatible coatings on mechanical and electrochemical degradations of Mg alloys for their applications as implants. The results suggest the coating to improve the general as well as pitting corrosion resistance of the alloy. The coating also provides visible improvement in resistance to SCC, but little improvement in CF resistance. This is explained on the basis of pitting behaviour in the presence and absence of the coating. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Environment enhanced fatigue crack propagation in metals: Inputs to fracture mechanics life prediction models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gangloff, Richard P.; Kim, Sang-Shik

1993-01-01

This report is a critical review of both environment-enhanced fatigue crack propagation data and the predictive capabilities of crack growth rate models. This information provides the necessary foundation for incorporating environmental effects in NASA FLAGRO and will better enable predictions of aerospace component fatigue lives. The review presents extensive literature data on 'stress corrosion cracking and corrosion fatigue.' The linear elastic fracture mechanics approach, based on stress intensity range (Delta(K)) similitude with microscopic crack propagation threshold and growth rates, provides a basis for these data. Results are presented showing enhanced growth rates for gases (viz., H2 and H2O) and electrolytes (e.g. NaCl and H2O) in aerospace alloys including: C-Mn and heat treated alloy steels, aluminum alloys, nickel-based superalloys, and titanium alloys. Environment causes purely time-dependent accelerated fatigue crack growth above the monotonic load cracking threshold (KIEAC) and promotes cycle-time dependent cracking below (KIEAC). These phenomenon are discussed in terms of hydrogen embrittlement, dissolution, and film rupture crack tip damage mechanisms.

Fracture mechanics by three-dimensional crack-tip synchrotron X-ray microscopy

PubMed Central

Withers, P. J.

2015-01-01

To better understand the relationship between the nucleation and growth of defects and the local stresses and phase changes that cause them, we need both imaging and stress mapping. Here, we explore how this can be achieved by bringing together synchrotron X-ray diffraction and tomographic imaging. Conventionally, these are undertaken on separate synchrotron beamlines; however, instruments capable of both imaging and diffraction are beginning to emerge, such as ID15 at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility and JEEP at the Diamond Light Source. This review explores the concept of three-dimensional crack-tip X-ray microscopy, bringing them together to probe the crack-tip behaviour under realistic environmental and loading conditions and to extract quantitative fracture mechanics information about the local crack-tip environment. X-ray diffraction provides information about the crack-tip stress field, phase transformations, plastic zone and crack-face tractions and forces. Time-lapse CT, besides providing information about the three-dimensional nature of the crack and its local growth rate, can also provide information as to the activation of extrinsic toughening mechanisms such as crack deflection, crack-tip zone shielding, crack bridging and crack closure. It is shown how crack-tip microscopy allows a quantitative measure of the crack-tip driving force via the stress intensity factor or the crack-tip opening displacement. Finally, further opportunities for synchrotron X-ray microscopy are explored. PMID:25624521

Measurement of Fatigue Crack Growth Relationships in Hydrogen Gas for Pressure Swing Adsorber Vessel Steels

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Somerday, Brian P.; Barney, Monica

We measured the hydrogen-assisted fatigue crack growth rates (da/dN) for SA516 Grade 70 steel as a function of stress-intensity factor range (ΔK) and load-cycle frequency to provide life-prediction data relevant to pressure swing adsorber (PSA) vessels. For ΔK values up to 18.5 MPa m 1/2, the baseline da/dN versus ΔK relationship measured at 1Hz in 2.8 MPa hydrogen gas represents an upper bound with respect to crack growth rates measured at lower frequency. However, at higher ΔK values, we found that the baseline da/dN data had to be corrected to account for modestly higher crack growth rates at the lowermore » frequencies relevant to PSA vessel operation.« less

Measurement of Fatigue Crack Growth Relationships in Hydrogen Gas for Pressure Swing Adsorber Vessel Steels

DOE PAGES

Somerday, Brian P.; Barney, Monica

2014-12-04

We measured the hydrogen-assisted fatigue crack growth rates (da/dN) for SA516 Grade 70 steel as a function of stress-intensity factor range (ΔK) and load-cycle frequency to provide life-prediction data relevant to pressure swing adsorber (PSA) vessels. For ΔK values up to 18.5 MPa m 1/2, the baseline da/dN versus ΔK relationship measured at 1Hz in 2.8 MPa hydrogen gas represents an upper bound with respect to crack growth rates measured at lower frequency. However, at higher ΔK values, we found that the baseline da/dN data had to be corrected to account for modestly higher crack growth rates at the lowermore » frequencies relevant to PSA vessel operation.« less

Quantitative image analysis of WE43-T6 cracking behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, A.; Yahya, Z.

2013-06-01

Environment-assisted cracking of WE43 cast magnesium (4.2 wt.% Yt, 2.3 wt.% Nd, 0.7% Zr, 0.8% HRE) in the T6 peak-aged condition was induced in ambient air in notched specimens. The mechanism of fracture was studied using electron backscatter diffraction, serial sectioning and in situ observations of crack propagation. The intermetallic (rare earthed-enriched divorced intermetallic retained at grain boundaries and predominantly at triple points) material was found to play a significant role in initiating cracks which leads to failure of this material. Quantitative measurements were required for this project. The populations of the intermetallic and clusters of intermetallic particles were analyzed using image analysis of metallographic images. This is part of the work to generate a theoretical model of the effect of notch geometry on the static fatigue strength of this material.

Crack detection and leakage monitoring on reinforced concrete pipe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Qian; Kong, Qingzhao; Huo, Linsheng; Song, Gangbing

2015-11-01

Reinforced concrete underground pipelines are some of the most widely used types of structures in water transportation systems. Cracks and leakage are the leading causes of pipeline structural failures which directly results in economic losses and environmental hazards. In this paper, the authors propose a piezoceramic based active sensing approach to detect the cracks and the further leakage of concrete pipelines. Due to the piezoelectric properties, piezoceramic material can be utilized as both the actuator and the sensor in the active sensing approach. The piezoceramic patch, which is sandwiched between protective materials called ‘smart aggregates,’ can be safely embedded into concrete structures. Circumferential and axial cracks were investigated. A wavelet packet-based energy analysis was developed to distinguish the type of crack and determine the further leakage based on different stress wave energy attenuation propagated through the cracks.

Solvent Assisted Delamination Crack Growth Behavior of Amorphous Thermoplastic Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-02-01

72CRD285. October 1972. 4. Standard Method of Test for Plane- Strain Fracture Toughness of Metallic Materials. 1988 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Technical...intensity factor K I or the associated strain energy release rate, G I . ASTM compact tension test yields stress intensity factor, KI, via Equation 1...are such that a constant deadweight load results in increasing strain energy release rate with increasing crack length. Figure 3 shows the neat resin

CHARACTERIZATION OF POLED SINGLE-LAYER PZT FOR PIEZO STACK IN FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Hong; Matsunaga, Tadashi; Lin, Hua-Tay

2010-01-01

Poled single-layer PZT has been characterized in as-extracted and as-received states. PZT plate specimens in the former were extracted from a stack. Flexure strength of PZT was evaluated by using ball-on-ring and 4-point bend tests. Fractography showed that intergranular fractures dominated the fracture surface and that volume pores were the primary strength-limiting flaws. The electric field effect was investigated by testing the PZT in open circuit and coercive field levels. An asymmetrical response on the biaxial flexure strength with respect to the electric field direction was observed. These experimental results will assist reliability design of the piezo stack that ismore » being considered in fuel injection system.« less

40 CFR 63.1568 - What are my requirements for HAP emissions from sulfur recovery units?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... emissions from sulfur recovery units? 63.1568 Section 63.1568 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL... Petroleum Refineries: Catalytic Cracking Units, Catalytic Reforming Units, and Sulfur Recovery Units Catalytic Cracking Units, Catalytic Reforming Units, Sulfur Recovery Units, and Bypass Lines § 63.1568 What...

Crack tip field and fatigue crack growth in general yielding and low cycle fatigue

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Minzhong, Z.; Liu, H. W.

1984-01-01

Fatigue life consists of crack nucleation and crack propagation periods. Fatigue crack nucleation period is shorter relative to the propagation period at higher stresses. Crack nucleation period of low cycle fatigue might even be shortened by material and fabrication defects and by environmental attack. In these cases, fatigue life is largely crack propagation period. The characteristic crack tip field was studied by the finite element method, and the crack tip field is related to the far field parameters: the deformation work density, and the product of applied stress and applied strain. The cyclic carck growth rates in specimens in general yielding as measured by Solomon are analyzed in terms of J-integral. A generalized crack behavior in terms of delta is developed. The relations between J and the far field parameters and the relation for the general cyclic crack growth behavior are used to analyze fatigue lives of specimens under general-yielding cyclic-load. Fatigue life is related to the applied stress and strain ranges, the deformation work density, crack nucleus size, fracture toughness, fatigue crack growth threshold, Young's modulus, and the cyclic yield stress and strain. The fatigue lives of two aluminum alloys correlate well with the deformation work density as depicted by the derived theory. The general relation is reduced to Coffin-Manson low cycle fatigue law in the high strain region.

Salinity effects on the dynamics and patterns of desiccation cracks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shokri, N.; Zhou, P.

2012-12-01

Cracking arising from desiccation is a ubiquitous phenomenon encountered in various industrial and geo-environmental applications including drying of clayey soil, cement, ceramics, gels, and many more colloidal suspensions. Presence of cracks in muddy sediments modifies the characteristics of the medium such as pore structure, porosity, and permeability which in turn influence various flow and transport processes. Thus it remains a topic of great interest in many disciplines to describe the dynamics of desiccation cracking under various boundary conditions. To this end, we conducted a comprehensive study to investigate effects of NaCl concentrations on cracking dynamics and patterns during desiccation of Bentonite. Mixtures of Bentonite and NaCl solutions were prepared with NaCl concentration varying from 2 to 10 percent in 0.5 percent increment (totally 17 configurations). The slurry was placed in a Petri dish mounted on a digital balance to record the evaporation dynamics. The atmospheric conditions were kept constant using an environmental chamber. An automatic camera was used to record the dynamics of macro-cracks (mm scale) at the surface of desiccating clay each minute. The obtained results illustrate the significant effects of salt concentration on the initiation, propagation, morphology and general dynamics of macro-cracks. We found that higher salt concentrations results in larger macro cracks' lengths attributed to the effects of NaCl on compressing the electric double layer of particles at increasing electrolyte concentrations which reduce considerably the repulsive forces among the particles and causing instability of the slurry and flocculation of the colloidal particles. Rheological measurements by means of a stress controlled rheometer revealed that the yield stress of the slurry decreases as NaCl concentration increases which may indicate aggregation of larger units in the slurry as a result of flocculation causing larger cracks' lengths due to drying. At the end of each round of the experiment, a detailed visualization was conducted using Scanning Electron Microscopy to investigate the patterns and morphology of cracks at micro-scale as influenced by the salt concentration. Our results provide new insights and finding about the effects of salt concentrations on desiccation cracks at different scales ranging from a few mm to few microns.

Bone-like crack resistance in hierarchical metastable nanolaminate steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koyama, Motomichi; Zhang, Zhao; Wang, Meimei; Ponge, Dirk; Raabe, Dierk; Tsuzaki, Kaneaki; Noguchi, Hiroshi; Tasan, Cemal Cem

2017-03-01

Fatigue failures create enormous risks for all engineered structures, as well as for human lives, motivating large safety factors in design and, thus, inefficient use of resources. Inspired by the excellent fracture toughness of bone, we explored the fatigue resistance in metastability-assisted multiphase steels. We show here that when steel microstructures are hierarchical and laminated, similar to the substructure of bone, superior crack resistance can be realized. Our results reveal that tuning the interface structure, distribution, and phase stability to simultaneously activate multiple micromechanisms that resist crack propagation is key for the observed leap in mechanical response. The exceptional properties enabled by this strategy provide guidance for all fatigue-resistant alloy design efforts.

Self-Repairing Fatigue Damage in Metallic Structures for Aerospace Vehicles Using Shape Memory Alloy Self-healing (SMASH) Technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wright, M. Clara; Manuel, Michele; Wallace, Terryl; Newman, Andy; Brinson, Kate

2015-01-01

This DAA is for the Phase II webinar presentation of the ARMD-funded SMASH technology. A self-repairing aluminum-based composite system has been developed using liquid-assisted healing theory in conjunction with the shape memory effect of wire reinforcements. The metal matrix composite was thermodynamically designed to have a matrix with a relatively even dispersion of low-melting phase, allowing for repair of cracks at a pre-determined temperature. Shape memory alloy wire reinforcements were used within the composite to provide crack closure. Investigators focused the research on fatigue cracks propagating through the matrix in order to optimize and computer model the SMASH technology for aeronautical applications.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nygren, K. E.; Bertsch, K. M.; Wang, S.

The influence of internal hydrogen on the tensile properties of an equi-molar FeNiCoCrMn alloy results in a significant reduction of ductility, which is accompanied by a change in the fracture mode from ductile microvoid coalescence to intergranular failure. The introduction of 146.9 mass ppm of hydrogen reduced the plastic strain to failure from 0.67 in the uncharged case to 0.34 and 0.51 in hydrogen-charged specimens. This reduction in ductility and the transition in failure mode are clear indications that this alloy exhibits the classic signs of being susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement. The results are discussed in terms of the hydrogen-enhancedmore » plasticity mechanism and its influence on hydrogen-induced intergranular failure. Furthermore, a new additional constraint that further promotes intergranular failure is introduced for the first time.« less

Intergranular Strain Evolution During Biaxial Loading: A Multiscale FE-FFT Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Upadhyay, M. V.; Capek, J.; Van Petegem, S.; Lebensohn, R. A.; Van Swygenhoven, H.

2017-05-01

Predicting the macroscopic and microscopic mechanical response of metals and alloys subjected to complex loading conditions necessarily requires a synergistic combination of multiscale material models and characterization techniques. This article focuses on the use of a multiscale approach to study the difference between intergranular lattice strain evolution for various grain families measured during in situ neutron diffraction on dog bone and cruciform 316L samples. At the macroscale, finite element simulations capture the complex coupling between applied forces and gauge stresses in cruciform geometries. The predicted gauge stresses are used as macroscopic boundary conditions to drive a mesoscale full-field elasto-viscoplastic fast Fourier transform crystal plasticity model. The results highlight the role of grain neighborhood on the intergranular strain evolution under uniaxial and equibiaxial loading.

Uncertainty quantification methodologies development for stress corrosion cracking of canister welds

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dingreville, Remi Philippe Michel; Bryan, Charles R.

2016-09-30

This letter report presents a probabilistic performance assessment model to evaluate the probability of canister failure (through-wall penetration) by SCC. The model first assesses whether environmental conditions for SCC – the presence of an aqueous film – are present at canister weld locations (where tensile stresses are likely to occur) on the canister surface. Geometry-specific storage system thermal models and weather data sets representative of U.S. spent nuclear fuel (SNF) storage sites are implemented to evaluate location-specific canister surface temperature and relative humidity (RH). As the canister cools and aqueous conditions become possible, the occurrence of corrosion is evaluated. Corrosionmore » is modeled as a two-step process: first, pitting is initiated, and the extent and depth of pitting is a function of the chloride surface load and the environmental conditions (temperature and RH). Second, as corrosion penetration increases, the pit eventually transitions to a SCC crack, with crack initiation becoming more likely with increasing pit depth. Once pits convert to cracks, a crack growth model is implemented. The SCC growth model includes rate dependencies on both temperature and crack tip stress intensity factor, and crack growth only occurs in time steps when aqueous conditions are predicted. The model suggests that SCC is likely to occur over potential SNF interim storage intervals; however, this result is based on many modeling assumptions. Sensitivity analyses provide information on the model assumptions and parameter values that have the greatest impact on predicted storage canister performance, and provide guidance for further research to reduce uncertainties.« less

Modeling time-dependent corrosion fatigue crack propagation in 7000 series aluminum alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mason, Mark E.; Gangloff, Richard P.

1994-01-01

Stress corrosion cracking and corrosion fatigue experiments were conducted with the susceptible S-L orientation of AA7075-T651, immersed in acidified and inhibited NaCl solution, to provide a basis for incorporating environmental effects into fatigue crack propagation life prediction codes such as NASA FLAGRO. This environment enhances da/dN by five to ten-fold compared to fatigue in moist air. Time-based crack growth rates from quasi-static load experiments are an order of magnitude too small for accurate linear superposition prediction of da/dN for loading frequencies above 0.001 Hz. Alternate methods of establishing da/dt, based on rising-load or ripple-load-enhanced crack tip strain rate, do not increase da/dt and do not improve linear superposition. Corrosion fatigue is characterized by two regimes of frequency dependence; da/dN is proportional to f(exp -1) below 0.001 Hz and to F(exp 0) to F(exp -0.1) for higher frequencies. Da/dN increases mildly both with increasing hold-time at K(sub max) and with increasing rise-time for a range of loading waveforms. The mild time-dependence is due to cycle-time-dependent corrosion fatigue growth. This behavior is identical for S-L nd L-T crack orientations. The frequency response of environmental fatigue in several 7000 series alloys is variable and depends on undefined compositional or microstructural variables. Speculative explanations are based on the effect of Mg on occluded crack chemistry and embritting hydrogen uptake, or on variable hydrogen diffusion in the crack tip process zone. Cracking in the 7075/NaCl system is adequately described for life prediction by linear superposition for prolonged load-cycle periods, and by a time-dependent upper bound relationship between da/dN and delta K for moderate loading times.

Quality of life, social functioning, family structure, and treatment history associated with crack cocaine use in youth from the general population.

PubMed

Narvaez, Joana C M; Pechansky, Flávio; Jansen, Karen; Pinheiro, Ricardo T; Silva, Ricardo A; Kapczinski, Flávio; Magalhães, Pedro V

2015-01-01

To assess the relationship between crack cocaine use and dimensions of quality of life and social functioning in young adults. This was a cross-sectional, population-based study involving 1,560 participants in Pelotas, Brazil. Crack cocaine use and abuse were investigated using the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) inventory. Outcomes of interest were quality of life, religiosity, and social functioning in terms of education, occupational status, family structure, and medical treatment history. Lifetime crack cocaine use was associated with poor quality of life, worse functioning, impaired academic performance, and lower religious involvement. A greater maternal presence and higher paternal absence were more also more pronounced in crack cocaine users, who were also more likely to seek psychological and psychiatric treatment than the general population. Quality of life was severely impacted by crack cocaine use, especially in terms of general and physical health. Social functioning also differed between the general population and crack users, who had lower educational attainment and religious involvement. Maternal presence, paternal absence, and mental health-seeking behaviors were also more frequent among crack cocaine users, although these individuals reported lower rates of treatment satisfaction. Crack cocaine users also had significant social impairment, so that interventions involving family management and a greater focus on general health, quality of life, and functioning may make crucial contributions to the recovery of this group.

Sonic IR crack detection of aircraft turbine engine blades with multi-frequency ultrasound excitations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Ding; Han, Xiaoyan; Newaz, Golam

Effectively and accurately detecting cracks or defects in critical engine components, such as turbine engine blades, is very important for aircraft safety. Sonic Infrared (IR) Imaging is such a technology with great potential for these applications. This technology combines ultrasound excitation and IR imaging to identify cracks and flaws in targets. In general, failure of engine components, such as blades, begins with tiny cracks. Since the attenuation of the ultrasound wave propagation in turbine engine blades is small, the efficiency of crack detection in turbine engine blades can be quite high. The authors at Wayne State University have been developingmore » the technology as a reliable tool for the future field use in aircraft engines and engine parts. One part of the development is to use finite element modeling to assist our understanding of effects of different parameters on crack heating while experimentally hard to achieve. The development has been focused with single frequency ultrasound excitation and some results have been presented in a previous conference. We are currently working on multi-frequency excitation models. The study will provide results and insights of the efficiency of different frequency excitation sources to foster the development of the technology for crack detection in aircraft engine components.« less

Surface Studies of Ultra Strength Drilling Steel after Corrosion Fatigue in Simulated Sour Environment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

M. Ziomek-Moroz; J.A. Hawk; R. Thodla

2012-05-06

The Unites States predicted 60% growth in energy demand by 2030 makes oil and natural gas primary target fuels for energy generation. The fact that the peak of oil production from shallow wells (< 5000 m) is about to be reached, thereby pushing the oil and natural gas industry into deeper wells. However, drilling to depths greater than 5000 m requires increasing the strength-to weight ratio of the drill pipe materials. Grade UD-165 is one of the ultra- high yield strength carbon steels developed for ultra deep drilling (UDD) activities. Drilling UDD wells exposes the drill pipes to Cl{sup -},more » HCO{sub 3}{sup -}/CO{sub 3}{sup 2-}, and H{sub 2}S-containig corrosive environments (i.e., sour environments) at higher pressures and temperatures compared to those found in conventional wells. Because of the lack of synergism within the service environment, operational stresses can result in catastrophic brittle failures characteristic for environmentally assisted cracking (EAC). Approximately 75% of all drill string failures are caused by fatigue or corrosion fatigue. Since there is no literature data on the corrosion fatigue performance of UD-165 in sour environments, research was initiated to better clarify the fatigue crack growth (FCGR) behavior of this alloy in UDD environments. The FCGR behavior of ultra-strength carbon steel, grade UD-165, was investigated by monitoring crack growth rate in deaerated 5%NaCl solution buffered with NaHCO{sub 3}/Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} and in contact with H{sub 2}S. The partial pressure of H{sub 2}S (p{sub H2S}) was 0.83 kPa and pH of the solution was adjusted by NaOH to 12. The fatigue experiments were performed at 20 and 85 C in an autoclave with surface investigations augmented by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. In this study, research focused on surface analyses supported by the fatigue crack growth rate measurements. Fig. 1 shows an SEM micrograph of the crack that propagated from the notch in the solution at 20 C. Accumulation of the corrosion products is visible along the crack. The EDX chemical analysis near the crack tip found iron, sulfur and oxygen in the passive layer. The surface of the sample after the fatigue test in the sour environment at 85{sup o}, Fig. 2, C looks different from that fatigued surface at 20 C. The crack propagates across the passive film that covers the surface fairly uniformly. Some spallation of the passive film is observed near the notch. The EDX chemical analysis of the passive film near the crack tip identified mainly iron, carbon and oxygen. It appears that temperature plays a very important role in formation of the passive film. This may be associated with different solubility of H{sub 2}S in the solution, which will be further studied.« less

Phacoemulsification using a chisel-shaped illuminator: enhanced depth trench, one-shot crack, and phaco cut.

PubMed

Wi, Jaemin; Seo, Hyejin; Lee, Jong Yeon; Nam, Dong Heun

2016-01-01

To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of intracameral illuminator-assisted nucleofractis technique in cataract surgery. Since June 2012, this novel technique has been performed in all cataract cases by one surgeon (approximately 300 cases of various densities). Trenching continues until the posterior plate white reflex between an endonucleus and an epinucleus is identified (enhanced depth trench). After trenching, cracking is initiated with minimal separation force, and completion of cracking is confirmed by posterior capsule reflex (one-shot crack). With followability enhanced by an elliptical phaco mode, the divided nucleus is efficiently cut into small fragments by a chisel-shaped illuminator (phaco cut). We have not experienced any capsular bag or zonular complications, and the effective phacoemulsification time seemed to be shorter than that with the conventional technique. This technique simplifies the complete division of the nucleus, which is the most challenging step in safe and efficient phacoemulsification.

Catalyst Residence Time Distributions in Riser Reactors for Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis. Part 2: Pilot-Scale Simulations and Operational Parameter Study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Foust, Thomas D.; Ziegler, Jack L.; Pannala, Sreekanth

2017-02-21

Here, wsing the validated simulation model developed in part one of this study for biomass catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP), we assess the functional utility of using this validated model to assist in the development of CFP processes in fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) reactors to a commercially viable state. Specifically, we examine the effects of mass flow rates, boundary conditions (BCs), pyrolysis vapor molecular weight variation, and the impact of the chemical cracking kinetics on the catalyst residence times. The factors that had the largest impact on the catalyst residence time included the feed stock molecular weight and the degree ofmore » chemical cracking as controlled by the catalyst activity. Lastly, because FCC reactors have primarily been developed and utilized for petroleum cracking, we perform a comparison analysis of CFP with petroleum and show the operating regimes are fundamentally different.« less

Failure Mechanisms and Life Prediction of Thermal and Environmental Barrier Coatings under Thermal Gradients

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zju, Dongming; Ghosn, Louis J.; Miller, Robert A.

2008-01-01

Ceramic thermal and environmental barrier coatings (TEBCs) will play an increasingly important role in gas turbine engines because of their ability to further raise engine temperatures. However, the issue of coating durability is of major concern under high-heat-flux conditions. In particular, the accelerated coating delamination crack growth under the engine high heat-flux conditions is not well understood. In this paper, a laser heat flux technique is used to investigate the coating delamination crack propagation under realistic temperature-stress gradients and thermal cyclic conditions. The coating delamination mechanisms are investigated under various thermal loading conditions, and are correlated with coating dynamic fatigue, sintering and interfacial adhesion test results. A coating life prediction framework may be realized by examining the crack initiation and propagation driving forces for coating failure under high-heat-flux test conditions.

Lamb wave line sensing for crack detection in a welded stiffener.

PubMed

An, Yun-Kyu; Kim, Jae Hong; Yim, Hong Jae

2014-07-18

This paper proposes a novel Lamb wave line sensing technique for crack detection in a welded stiffener. The proposed technique overcomes one of the biggest technical challenges of Lamb wave crack detection for real structure applications: crack-induced Lamb waves are often mixed with multiple reflections from complex waveguides. In particular, crack detection in a welded joint, one of the structural hot spots due to stress concentration, is accompanied by reflections from the welded joint as well as a crack. Extracting and highlighting crack-induced Lamb wave modes from Lamb wave responses measured at multi-spatial points along a single line can be accomplished through a frequency-wavenumber domain analysis. The advantages of the proposed technique enable us not only to enhance the crack detectability in the welded joint but also to minimize false alarms caused by environmental and operational variations by avoiding the direct comparison with the baseline data previously accumulated from the pristine condition of a target structure. The proposed technique is experimentally and numerically validated in vertically stiffened metallic structures, revealing that it successfully identifies and localizes subsurface cracks, regardless of the coexistence with the vertical stiffener.

Effect of water vapor on fatigue crack growth in 7475-T651 aluminum alloy plate. [for aerospace applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dicus, D. L.

1984-01-01

The effects of water vapor on fatigue crack growth in 7475-T651 aluminum alloy plate at frequencies of 1 Hz and 10 Hz were investigated. Twenty-five mm thick compact specimens were subjected to constant amplitude fatigue testing at a load ratio of 0.2. Fatigue crack growth rates were calculated from effective crack lengths determined using a compliance method. Tests were conducted in hard vacuum and at water vapor partial pressures ranging from 94 Pa to 3.8 kPa. Fatigue crack growth rates were frequency insensitive under all environment conditions tested. For constant stress intensity factor ranges crack growth rate transitions occurred at low and high water vapor pressures. Crack growth rates at intermediate pressures were relatively constant and showed reasonable agreement with published data for two Al-Cu-Mg alloys. The existence of two crack growth rate transitions suggests either a change in rate controlling kinetics or a change in corrosion fatigue mechanism as a function of water vapor pressure. Reduced residual deformation and transverse cracking specimens tested in water vapor versus vacuum may be evidence of embrittlement within the plastic zone due to environmental interaction.

The effect of water vapor on fatigue crack Growth in 7475-t651 aluminum alloy plate. [for aerospace applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dicus, D. L.

1982-01-01

The effects of water vapor on fatigue crack growth in 7475-T651 aluminum alloy plate at frequencies of 1 Hz and 10 Hz were investigated. Twenty-five mm thick compact specimens were subjected to constant amplitude fatigue testing at a load ratio of 0.2. Fatigue crack growth rates were calculated from effective crack lengths determined using a compliance method. Tests were conducted in hard vacuum and at water vapor partial pressures ranging from 94 Pa to 3.8 kPa. Fatigue crack growth rates were frequency insensitive under all environment conditions tested. For constant stress intensity factor ranges crack growth rate transitions occurred at low and high water vapor pressures. Crack growth rates at intermediate pressures were relatively constant and showed reasonable agreement with published data for two Al-Cu-Mg alloys. The existence of two crack growth rate transitions suggests either a change in rate controlling kinetics or a change in corrosion fatigue mechanism as a function of water vapor pressure. Reduced residual deformation and transverse cracking specimens tested in water vapor versus vacuum may be evidence of embrittlement within the plastic zone due to environmental interaction.

Microstructural studies on failure mechanisms in thermo-mechanical fatigue of repaired DS R80 and IN 738 Superalloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abrokwah, Emmanuel Otchere

Directionally solidified Rene 80 (DS R80) and polycrystalline Inconel 738(IN 738) Superalloys were tested in thermo-mechanical fatigue (TMF) over the temperature range of 500-900°C and plastic strain range from 0.1 to 0.8% using a DSI Gleeble thermal simulator. Thermo-mechanical testing was carried out on the parent material (baseline) in the conventional solution treated and aged condition (STA), as well as gas tungsten arc welded (GTAW) with an IN-738 filler, followed by solution treatment and ageing. Comparison of the baseline alloy microstructure with that of the welded and heat treated alloy showed that varying crack initiation mechanisms, notably oxidation by stress assisted grain boundary oxidation, grain boundary MC carbides fatigue crack initiation, fatigue crack initiation from sample surfaces, crack initiation from weld defects and creep deformation were operating, leading to different “weakest link” and failure initiation points. The observations from this study show that the repaired samples had extra crack initiation sites not present in the baseline, which accounted for their occasional poor fatigue life. These defects include lack of fusion between the weld and the base metal, fusion zone cracking, and heat affected zone microfissures.

Space Shuttle Main Engine High Pressure Fuel Turbopump Turbine Blade Cracking

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Henry

1988-01-01

The analytical results from two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) finite element model investigations into the cracking of Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) High Pressure Fuel Turbopump (HPFTP) first- and second-stage turbine blades are presented. Specifically, the initiation causes for transverse cracks on the pressure side of the firststage blade fir tree lobes and face/corner cracks on the downstream fir tree face of the second-state blade are evaluated. Because the blade material, MAR-M-246 Hf (DS), is highly susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement in the -100 F to 400 F thermal environment, a steady-state condition (full power level = 109 percent) rather than a start-up or shut-down transient was considered to be the most likely candidate for generating a high-strain state in the fir tree areas. Results of the analyses yielded strain levels on both first- and second-stage blade fir tree regions that are of a magnitude to cause hydrogen assisted low cycle fatigue cracking. Also evident from the analysis is that a positive margin against fir tree cracking exists for the planned design modifications, which include shot peening for both first- and second-stage blade fir tree areas.

Stress Corrosion Cracking of Pipeline Steels in Fuel Grade Ethanol and Blends - Study to Evaluate Alternate Standard Tests and Phenomenological Understanding of SCC

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-10-30

Main aim of this project was to evaluate alternate standard test methods for stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and compare them with the results from slow strain rate test (SSRT) results under equivalent environmental conditions. Other important aim of...

The significance of stylolitization and intergranular pressure solution in the formation of pressure compartment seals in the St. Peter Sandstone, Ordovician, Michigan basin

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Drzewiecki, P.A.; Simo, T.; Moline, G.

1991-03-01

The Middle to Late Ordovician St. Peter Sandstone of the Michigan basin is a fine- to medium-grained quartz sandstone. Extensive stylolitization and intergranular pressure solution have been major factors in reducing the porosity of certain horizons within the St. Peter, resulting in pressure compartmentation of the reservoir. Pressure versus depth data for various Michigan basin wells indicate that the basin contains compartments that are overpressured by as much as 500 psi. Horizons bounding these compartments are often affected by intense stylolitization (or intergranular pressure solution) and quartz cementation and have been correlated with zones of low porosity and permeability ({phi}more » = 0-3%, k = <50 {mu}d). These tight zones can be correlated within single gas fields, and some may extend across the Michigan basin. The St. Peter Sandstone has been buried to depths of about 3,500 m in the central part of the basin and 1,500 m at the margins. Intensely stylolitized zones are found at all depths throughout the basin and do not appear to change in abundance or style with depths. Factors that influence the formation, morphology, and abundance of stylolites in the St. Peter include (1) clay intraclasts, (2) intergranular clay, and (3) fine-grained, feldspar-rich sand. Stylolites also occur at contacts between quartz-cemented and carbonate-cemented zones and within well-cemented sands. Intergranular pressure solution and stylolites may be responsible for the formation of a compartment seal. Understanding their genesis can allow prediction of variations in porosity in Michigan basin well cores.« less

A Visual Basic program for analyzing oedometer test results and evaluating intergranular void ratio

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monkul, M. Murat; Önal, Okan

2006-06-01

A visual basic program (POCI) is proposed and explained in order to analyze oedometer test results. Oedometer test results have vital importance from geotechnical point of view, since settlement requirements usually control the design of foundations. The software POCI is developed in order perform the necessary calculations for convential oedometer test. The change of global void ratio and stress-strain characteristics can be observed both numerically and graphically. It enables the users to calculate some parameters such as coefficient of consolidation, compression index, recompression index, and preconsolidation pressure depending on the type and stress history of the soil. Moreover, it adopts the concept of intergranular void ratio which may be important especially in the compression behavior of sandy soils. POCI shows the variation of intergranular void ratio and also enables the users to calculate granular compression index.

Expansive Soil Crack Depth under Cumulative Damage

PubMed Central

Shi, Bei-xiao; Chen, Sheng-shui; Han, Hua-qiang; Zheng, Cheng-feng

2014-01-01

The crack developing depth is a key problem to slope stability of the expansive soil and its project governance and the crack appears under the roles of dry-wet cycle and gradually develops. It is believed from the analysis that, because of its own cohesion, the expansive soil will have a certain amount of deformation under pulling stress but without cracks. The soil body will crack only when the deformation exceeds the ultimate tensile strain that causes cracks. And it is also believed that, due to the combined effect of various environmental factors, particularly changes of the internal water content, the inherent basic physical properties of expansive soil are weakened, and irreversible cumulative damages are eventually formed, resulting in the development of expansive soil cracks in depth. Starting from the perspective of volumetric strain that is caused by water loss, considering the influences of water loss rate and dry-wet cycle on crack developing depth, the crack developing depth calculation model which considers the water loss rate and the cumulative damages is established. Both the proposal of water loss rate and the application of cumulative damage theory to the expansive soil crack development problems try to avoid difficulties in matrix suction measurement, which will surely play a good role in promoting and improving the research of unsaturated expansive soil. PMID:24737974

Environmental controls on micro fracture processes in shelf ice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sammonds, Peter

2013-04-01

The recent retreat and collapse of the ice shelves on the Antarctic Peninsula has been associated with regional atmospheric warming, oceanic warming, increased summer melt and shelf flexure. Although the cause of collapse is a matter of active discussion, the process is that of fracture of a creep-brittle material, close to its melting point. The environmental controls on how fracturing initiates, at a micro-scale, strongly determine the macroscopic disintegration of ice shelves. In particular the shelf temperature profile controls the plasticity of the ice shelf; the densification of shelf ice due to melting and re-freezing affects the crack tip stress intensity; the accretion of marine ice at the bottom of the shelf imposes a thermal/mechanical discontinuity; saline environments control crack tip stress corrosion; cyclic loading promotes sub-critical crack propagation. These strong environmental controls on shelf ice fracture means that assessing shelf stability is a non-deterministic problem. How these factors may be parameterized in ice shelf models, through the use of fracture mechanisms maps, is discussed. The findings are discussed in relation to the stability of Larsen C.

Measurement of intergranular attack in stainless steel using ultrasonic energy

DOEpatents

Mott, Gerry; Attaar, Mustan; Rishel, Rick D.

1989-08-08

Ultrasonic test methods are used to measure the depth of intergranular attack (IGA) in a stainless steel specimen. The ultrasonic test methods include a pitch-catch surface wave technique and a through-wall pulse-echo technique. When used in combination, these techniques can establish the extent of IGA on both the front and back surfaces of a stainless steel specimen from measurements made on only one surface.

The influence of Sr on the microstructure, degradation and stress corrosion cracking of the Mg alloys - ZK40xSr.

PubMed

Chen, Lianxi; Bin, Yuanhong; Zou, Wenqi; Wang, Xiaojian; Li, Wei

2017-02-01

In the present work, new magnesium (Mg) alloys (Mg-4Zn-0.6Zr-xSr, x=0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6wt%; ZK40xSr) were prepared and studied as potential biodegradable materials. The influence of strontium (Sr) addition on the properties of the new Mg alloys was investigated, which included microstructure, corrosion degradation, and the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) susceptibility. The average grain size of the ZK40Sr was approximately 100µm, which was significantly smaller than that of ZK40 alloy without Sr (402.3±40.2µm). The size of grain boundaries precipitates in the ZK40xSr alloys gradually increased with the increase of Sr content. The grain boundaries finally showed a continuously distribution and net-like shape. The degradation test showed that the average degradation rate of the ZK40xSr alloys increased with the increase of Sr addition. In the case of Mg-4Zn-0.6Zr, the degradation rate was 2.2mgcm -2 day -1 , which was lower than that of Mg-4Zn-0.6Zr-1.6Sr (4.93mgcm -2 day -1 ). When the ZK40xSr alloys were immersed in m-SBF, the rod-like Sr-contained hydroxyapatite (HA) substance was detected, which was known to enhance cell growth around bone implants. The fracture surfaces of the as-cast Mg-4Zn-0.6Zr-1.6Sr were shown intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) patterns. The increase of SCC susceptibility of the higher Sr ZK40xSr alloys was attributed to the increase of micro-galvanic corrosion between the α-Mg and the grain boundaries precipitates. The SCC susceptibility values were ≈0.13 and ≈0.41 for the Mg-4Zn-0.6Zr-0.4Sr and the Mg-4Zn-0.6Zr-1.6Sr, respectively. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Environmental crack-growth behavior of high strength pressure vessel alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Forman, R. G.

1975-01-01

Results of sustained-load environmental crack growth threshold tests performed on six spacecraft pressure vessel alloys are presented. The alloys were Inconel 718, 6Al-4V titanium, A-286 steel, AM-350 stainless steel, cryoformed AISI 301 stainless steel; and cryoformed AISI 304L steel. The test environments for the program were air, pressurized gases of hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, and liquid environments of distilled water, sea water, nitrogen tetroxide, hydrazine, aerozine 50, monomethyl hydrazine, and hydrogen peroxide. Surface flaw type specimens were used with flaws located in both base metal and weld metal.