Metal behaviour and corrosion

The pull bar of a heavy machine suddenly failed. The fracture surface analysis showed a brittle failure initiated on an intergranular failure. Characterisation of the bulk material demonstrated that the toughness of the material was insufficient.

To assure adequate toughness in the heat affected zone, a steel component manufacturer requested assistance with the steel selection. MSC organised sampling of industrial materials, complemented by laboratory cast samples. Guidelines were issued.