FATIGUE MICROCRACKS IN A LOW CARBON STEEL

Abstract

Abstract— The behaviour of a low carbon steel has been studied, in particular the initiation, growth and coalescence of fatigue microcracks on the surfaces of smooth specimens via surface replicas and photomicrographs. From the study, quantitative information on the initiation period, growth and coalescence of cracks, statistical distributions of crack length and crack depth, density of cracks, distribution pattern and characteristics of the major crack, were obtained. Knowledge of these parameters is critical for non‐destructive inspection during service life and the application of fracture mechanics to life assessment.