Onset of void coalescence in uniaxial tension studied by continuous X-ray tomography

Void growth and coalescence in model materials containing a pre-existing three-dimensional void array were studied by X-ray computed tomography coupled with in situ uniaxial tensile deformation. A newly developed continuous tomography technique was employed to capture the onset of coalescence. Using a picosecond laser machining system and a diffusion bonding technique, model materials with different void geometries were prepared. By implementing continuous tomography, the plastic strain at the onset of void coalescence was measured (instead of simple linkage) for the first time. The plastic strains at the onset of void coalescence were compared with the existing void coalescence models. Finite-element (FE) simulations were performed to study the influences of void shape (sphere, cylinder, tapered-cylinder) on the void growth behavior. This study shows that the coalescence models developed by Thomason and later extended by Pardoen and Hutchinson provide accurate predictions of coalescence strain when the voids are aligned normal to the tensile axis. However, offsets can induce shear effects that lower the coalescence strain in a manner not predicted by the models. Two-dimensional plane-strain FE simulations were also used to explore the influence of shear localization between two misaligned coalescing voids on ductility. These demonstrate the nature of the effect.     

Visualization by X-ray tomography of void growth and coalescence leading to fracture in model materials

The literature contains many models for the process of void nucleation, growth and coalescence leading to ductile fracture. However, these models lack in-depth experimental validation, in part because void coalescence is difficult to capture experimentally. In this paper, an embedded array of holes is obtained by diffusion bonding a sheet filled with laser-drilled holes between two intact sheets. The experiments have been performed with both pure copper and Glidcop. Using X-ray computed tomography, we show that void growth and coalescence (or linkage) are well captured in both materials. The Brown and Embury model for void coalescence underestimates coalescence strains due to constraining effects. However, both the Rice and Tracey model for void growth and the Thomason model for void coalescence give good predictions for copper samples when stress triaxiality is considered. The Thomason model, however, fails to predict coalescence for the Glidcop samples; this is primarily due to secondary void nucleation.     

A damage model for void configuration and failure under different constrained deformation regions in ductile matrix

The constraint effects of SiC particle volume fractions and their specimen geometry are analyzed by conducting tensile tests while changing the SiC particle volume fraction 0%, 2% and 10% and the tensile specimen notch radius 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0 and 16.0 mm. The effect of constraint on the void configuration and coalescence are investigated experimentally using 3-dimensional SEM fracture surface observations and 3-dimensional image analysis. It was found that the final void volume fraction and void shape were greatly affected by stress triaxiality and deformation constraint.     

Discontinuous surface cracks during stress corrosion cracking of stainless steel single crystal

Single crystal 321 stainless steel stress corrosion cracking was studied in a 42 wt.% MgCl₂ solution. Cracks propagated macroscopically in the maximum tensile stress plane regardless of the notch orientation with respect to the applied tensile load direction. Some stress corrosion cracks nucleated discontinuously at the intersection of the two slip bands. Most cracks, however, were not related to the slip bands. Cleavage-like fracture was observed, and the river-markings exhibited microshear facets along the {1 1 1} plane. Interaction between the main crack and the discontinuous microcracks increased the calculated stress intensity factor by 17 times and promoted crack coalescence, resulting in mechanical fracture of the ligaments between the cracks.     

单晶高温合金损伤与断裂特征研究

研究了单晶高温合金在持久、拉伸和低周疲劳条件下的损伤与断裂特征。结果表明:单晶合金高温持久微观断裂方式为沿原始微孔洞扩展的微孔聚集型断裂,中温持久微观断裂方式为微孔聚集型断裂与滑移剪切断裂共存的混合型断裂;高温拉伸首先在内部以微孔聚集型模式开裂,最后阶段以滑移剪切的方式发生断裂,微孔聚集型断裂过程占主要地位,中温拉伸以纯滑移剪切的方式发生断裂,断口由一个平面组成;低周疲劳断裂由裂纹萌生、裂纹稳定扩展和裂纹失稳扩展3个阶段组成。断口呈现多源开裂特征,疲劳裂纹一般萌生于表面。疲劳裂纹扩展初期断口基本与主应力方向垂直,随着疲劳裂纹扩展,断口表现为与主应力约成45°的平面特征。     

On the influence of void clusters on void growth and coalescence during ductile fracture

Based on the behavior of a three-void cluster embedded within a representative volume element, this study utilizes three-dimensional finite element analyses to examine the sensitivity of void growth and coalescence to strain hardening, multiaxial stress state and inter-void spacing. The strain-induced growth of voids within the cluster is accelerated when the voids are closely spaced in a low strain-hardening material subject to high levels of stress triaxiality. Far-field deformation causes strain to concentrate within the inter-void ligament, and the resulting behavior induces a load–loss response of the inter-void region. Based on the load–loss criterion for the onset of void coalescence, the results show that coalescence is accelerated by increasing stress triaxiality and decreasing strain hardening and inter-void spacing. A straightforward analysis is then presented that relates void coalescence to (a) the strain-hardening exponent and (b) the dependence of the plastic constraint factor within the inter-void ligament on strain, the latter being sensitive to far-field stress triaxiality and void geometry.     

The determination of the cold forgeability for specimens with axial notches of heat resisting and corrosion resisting chromium nickel steels

In the present paper cold forging of cylindrical specimens is studied. Tree types of Cr-Ni steels were used for failure limit diagrams determination. The different specimen geometries were tested with different friction conditions between tools and specimen involving concentrically grooved tool platens and smooth platens to generate different deformation conditions at the equatorial surface of specimens. Specimens with v-shaped axial notches with different depths were used.

Experimentally determined strain paths at free surface and at notches were used for theoretical calculations of the stress state at the free surface and notch, void growth in the material and failure limit. These calculations were based on a crack initiation model and void growth model which takes both the influence of state of stress and effective strain into account.

A satisfactory agreement was found between experimental determined failure limits and theoretical calculations based on experimental strain paths.     

Notch effect on the tensile properties of cold-rolled Ni3Al foils

Notch effect on the tensile properties of the Ni₃Al foils has been investigated as a function of notch geometry and foil’s thickness. Tensile tests along the rolling direction (RD) and the transverse direction (TD) showed that notch weakening occurred with introduce of a notch. Plastic deformation was observed locally at notch root and the effective stress concentration factor (k_e) was much lower than the theoretical stress concentration factor (K_t). Contrary to the anisotropy in fracture stress along the RD and the TD, k_e fell on the same curve. Crack initiation mechanism was different between two tensile directions, that is, cracks initiated along the shear band in the RD tension, while cracks initiated homogenously on the slip planes in the TD tension.     

DUCTILE FRACTURE OF FERRITE NODULAR GRAPHITE CAST IRON UNDER MULTIAXIAL TENSILE STRESS

为研究多轴应力下铁素体球铁延性断裂机制,采用三种不同曲率半径(ρ=2,4,10mm)的缺口圆柱试样进行拉伸试验,并用大弹塑性变形有限元分析法计算试样缺口部位的应力、应变分布。在中断拉伸试样上进行金相观察,跟踪石墨球与基体界面处微空洞的形核和长大。研究结果表明,当石墨球与基体界面处的应力到达650MPa时,微空洞形核,空洞长大和聚合导致延性断裂。     

The influence of cracks,notches and holes on the tensile strength of cellular solids

Finite element simulations of two-dimensional cellular structures with defects were performed to study the influence of defect size and cell size on the tensile strength of the cellular solid. Three types of defects were considered: circular holes, sharp cracks and notches. The net section strength, defined as the peak tensile load divided by the remaining intact area in the section with the defect, was determined for a range of defect sizes and cell sizes. For the circular holes, the net section strength was found to be independent of hole size, and equal to the tensile strength of the intact honeycomb. For cracks and notches the net section strength showed a notch-strengthening effect, exceeding the tensile strength of the intact honeycomb and increasing with crack or notch depth. The results were sensitive to the cell size for the crack defects but not for the hole or notch defects.     

Q235钢的缺口效应及其声发射监测

用声发射监测带有不同深度缺口的Q235钢试样的拉伸试验，由声发射信号分析判断缺口发生破坏的情况。缺口深度越大，声发射活动性越小，声发射事件振幅较小。缺口效应引起了声发射特性的变化。     

Experimental investigation of void coalescence in metallic sheets containing laser drilled holes

Although important, ductility remains difficult to predict and there is a tremendous need for more precise modelling. Progress in this field is hampered by a lack of quantitative experimental results to assess the validity of these models due to the stochastic nature of ductile fracture. In this paper, tensile tests have been carried out in a scanning electron microscope on model materials made of thin metallic sheets containing laser drilled holes. Depending on the material and hole configuration, different failure modes and strains are observed. The results show the importance of void spacing and orientation, constraining effects, materials yield stress and work hardening rate, and the competition between ductile fracture and shear localization. Finally, it is shown that the Thomason model for void coalescence is not appropriate for predicting fracture of the model material. However, the McClintock model for void growth, and the Brown and Embury and the McClintock models for void coalescence provide relatively good predictions.     

Fracture strength evaluation of titanium alloys using modified average stress criterion

Structural integrity procedures were used to demonstrate the fitness for the purpose of engineering components transmitting loads. The prediction of the fracture strength of titanium alloys containing sharp notches through the damage model depends on the un-notched strength and the critical length of the damage zone ahead of the notch. In general, the critical length of the damage zone depends on the material, specimen, and size of the sharp notch. Modifications were made in one of the stress fracture criteria known as the average stress criterion for accurate prediction of notched tensile strength of titanium alloy specimen containing sharp notches. To examine the adequacy of these modifications, fracture data of center-cracked titanium alloys with various thicknesses are considered. The notched (fracture) strength estimates are found to be close to the test results. The modified average stress criterion is very simple to predict the notched tensile strength.     

含孔洞的Al2Cu单轴拉伸的分子动力学模拟

建立含孔洞的Al₂Cu分子动力学模拟模型,采用嵌入原子法模拟Al₂Cu模型在常温、恒定工程应变速率的拉伸环境下孔洞大小、数量及孔洞分布对Al₂Cu力学性能的影响。研究结果表明：孔洞的出现使模型内部出现了自由表面并在孔洞内边缘产生了应力集中,从而大大降低材料的抗拉强度以及变形能力;孔洞增大,Al₂Cu的塑性和抗拉强度均明显下降;不同孔洞数量对应的应力应变曲线在弹性变形阶段基本重合,孔洞增多,Al₂Cu的塑性以及抗拉强度都有不同程度的下降;改变孔洞分布,孔洞连线方向与拉伸方向的夹角越小,Al₂Cu表现出越强的塑性和抗拉强度。     

Internal ductile failure mechanisms in steel cold heading process

The occurrence of internal ductile failure in cold-headed products presents a major obstacle in the fast expanding cold heading (CH) industry. This internal failure may lead to catastrophic brittle fracture under tensile loads despite the ductile nature of the material. Comprehensive testing and investigation methodologies were used to this work to reveal the complicated interplay of process and material parameters contributing in the initiation and propagation of internal ductile failure in six CH quality AISI steel grades.The metallurgical and microscopic investigations showed that internal ductile failure occurs progressively by void nucleation and growth mechanisms with increasing plastic strain inside the highly localized adiabatic shear bands (ASBs). The void nucleation occurs by decohesion at second-phase particles, inclusion–matrix interfaces, grain boundaries and by particle or inclusion cracking. Therefore, the number and morphology of any inclusions and second-phase particles are key factors in material formability.The metallurgical investigations showed that under compressive loading conditions, the nature of the metal flow pattern promotes different rates of material flow around the inclusions and stringers which supports decohesion and void nucleation since the early stages of deformation. At advanced stages of deformation, the metal flow pattern contributes to the ASB localization in supporting void growth and coalescence along the band leading to narrow void sheets.All tested materials in this work experienced ductile failure by void nucleation and coalescence, forming cracks along the ASBs. The ductile failure of each material was the result of the contribution of all the mechanisms of void nucleation at the inclusion–matrix interface, second phase–matrix interface and at the grain boundaries. However, the level of contribution of each mechanism in the final ductile failure varied depending on material properties and their microstructure.     

Environmentally assisted cracking of 18%Ni maraging steel

Slow strain rate testing of notched cylindrical specimens of 18Ni2400 maraging steel has been carried out in air with 30% relative humidity and synthetic seawater environments. Peak-aged condition has been chosen, considering the relevance to engineering applications. Studies have also been carried out with different notch geometries to understand the effect of stress concentration factor. It is concluded from the study that (i) degree of stress concentration at the notch influences the notched tensile strength (ii) mild hydrogen embrittlement seems to occur in air environment, (iii) synthetic seawater environment drastically brings down the notched tensile strength and time to fracture (iv) environmentally assisted cracking occurs in air tests in quasicleavage and microvoid coalescence modes and in seawater tests in intercrystalline mode.     

Molecular dynamics simulation on plasticity deformation mechanism and failure near void for magnesium alloy

The plastic deformation processes of magnesium alloys near a void at atomic scale level were examined through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The modified embedded atom method (MEAM) potentials were employed to characterize the interaction between atoms of the magnesium alloy specimen with only a void. The void growth and crystal failure processes for hexagonal close-packed (hcp) structure were observed. The calculating results reveal that the deformation mechanism near a void in magnesium alloy is a complex process. The passivation around the void, dislocation emission, and coalescence of the void and micro-cavities lead to rapid void growth.     

Notch Sensitivity and Failure Behavior of TiAl and K418 Alloys

The notch sensitivity of tensile specimens of TiAl and K418 alloys has been investigated, and the notch strength has been quantitatively analyzed. The fracture surface of the specimens has also been observed and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (JEOL-6700F). By comparing notch rod tensile specimens and special notch rod tensile specimens, it was found that the basic nature, fracture driving force, and fracture criteria of the brittle TiAl alloy and the ductile K418 alloy are different. The final fracture of the K418 alloy is controlled by strain and not by stress, and the specimens do not exhibit notch sensitivity. However, the final fracture of the TiAl alloy is controlled by stress, and the specimens exhibit small notch sensitivity. For the special notch rod tensile specimens, the K418 specimens do not exhibit notch sensitivity. However, for the TiAl alloy, when the notch depth reaches 10% of the specimen diameter, the tensile strength decreases, and when the notch depth reaches 20% of the specimen diameters, the tensile strength sharply decreases.     

Effect of Annealing Temperature in Al 1145 Alloy Sheets on Formability, Void Coalescence, and Texture Analysis

This paper deals with a combined forming and fracture limit diagram and void coalescence analysis for the aluminum alloy Al 1145 alloy sheets of 1.8 mm thickness, annealed at four different temperatures, namely 200, 250, 300, and 350 °C. At different annealing temperatures these sheets were examined for their effects on microstructure, tensile properties, formability, void coalescence, and texture. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images taken from the fractured surfaces were examined. The tensile properties and formability of sheet metals were correlated with fractography features and void analysis. The variation of formability parameters, normal anisotropy of sheet metals, and void coalescence parameters were compared with texture analysis.