Papers by Keyword: Strength Mismatch

Abstract: In this paper, the finite element method (FEM) based on GTN model was used to investigate the in-plane/out-of-plane constraint and strength mismatch effects on local fracture resistance of A508/Alloy52Mb bimetallic joint. The J-resistance curves, crack growth paths and local stress-stain distributions in front of crack tips were calculated for cracks with different constraints and strength mismatches. The results show that the local fracture resistance of the interface crack in this joint is sensitive to constraint and strength mismatch effects. With increasing in-plane constraint (crack depth a/W), out-of-plane constraint (specimen thickness B) and strength mismatch degree, the plastic strain and stress triaxiality around crack tip increase, and the corresponding crack growth resistance decreases. The crack with strength mismatch factor M=1 displays a markedly higher crack growth resistance than the other cracks with M>1 and M<1. It also has been found that there is an interaction between in-plane/out-of-plane constraint and strength mismatch for the bimetallic joint. With increasing in-plane/out-of-plane constraint, strength mismatch effect on fracture toughness becomes weaken. For accurate and reliable safety design and failure assessment of the bimetallic joint structures, the effects of constraint and strength mismatch on local fracture resistance need to be considered.

Abstract: This paper presents a new fracture assessment method, IST method developed as ISO 27306. The IST method implements an equivalent CTOD ratio, β, for the CTOD toughness correction for constraint loss in structural components. Using β, the standard fracture toughness specimen and structural components are linked at the same level of the Weibull stress. This paper extends the equivalent CTOD concept to weld components. Effects of the weld strength mismatch and residual stress on β are discussed. It is shown on the failure assessment diagram (FAD) that the CTOD toughness correction with β leads to accurate fracture assessments of weld panels, whereas the conventional procedure gives much conservative results.

Abstract: Strength mismatch effect across weld interfaces, generated by welding weak and strong steels, influences fatigue and fracture properties of a welded bimetallic composite. Advancing fatigue crack tip in weak parent steel is shielded from the remote load when it reaches near the interface of ultra strong weld steel. Entry of crack tip plasticity into weld steel induces load transfer towards weld which dips crack growth rates thereby enhancing the fatigue life of the composite. A computational model for fatigue life prediction of strength mismatched welded composite under K dominant conditions is validated by experimental work in this paper. Notched bimetallic compact tension specimens, prepared by electron beam welding of weak alloy and strong maraging steels, are subjected to fatigue testing in high cycle regime.

Abstract: When a Mode I crack in soft steel body grows and reaches near the perpendicular interface of ultra strong steel body, its cohesive zone penetrates into the interface body which influences the crack tip parameter. The paper presents finite element analysis of the cohesive zone across the interface of such elastically matched but strength mismatched bodies in linear elastic regime. Parent alloy steel (ASTM 4340) body and interface maraging steel (MDN 250) body are considered for analysis. The cohesive zone is modeled in accordance with the Dugdale criterion. J integral is evaluated over the path around the interface to examine the effect of cohesive stresses on the crack tip. The results are compared vis-à-vis those obtained from the theoretical model. The two are in very good agreement with each other.

Abstract: Recently a European community funded thematic network project (participation of 17 countries) FITNET (www.eurofitnet.org) has completed a new and unified engineering assessment procedure (FITNET FFS Procedure) of flaws in metallic structures and welds. This newly developed procedure (under CEN Workshop Agreement WA22) provides assessment rules for flaws or damage due to fracture, fatigue, creep and corrosion to demonstrate the structural integrity of the component. This paper gives an overview of the FITNET Fitness-for-Service (FFS) Procedure and specifically presents the features and basic equations of the Fracture Module. It also presents two brief examples for the validation of the procedure using laser welded specimens.

Abstract: It has been well known that ductile fractures of steels are accelerated by triaxial stresses. The characteristics of ductile crack initiation in steels are evaluated quantitatively using two-parameter criterion based on equivalent plastic strain and stress triaxiality. It has been demonstrated by authors using round-bar specimens with circumferential notch in single tension that the critical strain to initiate ductile crack from specimen center depends considerably on stress triaxiality, but surface cracking of notch root is in accordance with constant strain condition. This study fundamentally clarifies the effect of strength mismatch, which can elevate plastic constraint due to heterogeneous plastic straining under static loading, on critical conditions for ductile cracking from the pre-notch root. In order to evaluate the stress/strain state in the pre-notch root of specimens, a thermal elastic-plastic finite element (FE) analysis has been carried out.