FCP Report No. 2

Fracture Feature Anisotropy in a Martensitic Steel Plate

by

Richard H. Sailers
Department of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics

Abstract

The three mutually perpendicular fracture plane orientations in a martensitic steel plate were examined both metallographically and fractographically. The non-uniform distribution of inclusions and anisotropy in inclusion shape produced different appearing fractures, yet all were microscopically ductile. Detailed examination of fracture surfaces and fracture surface profiles illustrated the extent of void growth from sulfide inclusions before macroscopic fracture. This investigation emphasized the compatibility of conventional metallography and stereofractography in analyzing the fracture process.

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