Department of Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK
Interface Analysis Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol BS2 8BS, UK
School of Physics, University of Bristol, BS8 1TL, UK
Abstract:
Three-dimensional models with irregular grain geometries and appropriate physical properties are needed to investigate fracture in polycrystalline metals and alloys. Creating such models is challenging but achievable using a two-stage process, suitable for any polycrystal. The processes described in this paper are illustrated by examples of brittle fracture in ferritic steel, zinc and nickel. The predicted crack path in a model is compared with the grain boundary fracture seen in three point bend specimens of nickel embrittled by sulphur.
