Effect of Structural Heterogeneity on the Fracture Mechanics Parameters of Welded Joints of A.387 Steel

 

Meri Burzić

Radica Prokić-Cvetković

Olivera Popović

Zijah Burzić

 

For better understanding of the phenomenon of crack initiation and propagation in welded joints of A-387 Gr. 11 steel designed for high-temperature and high-pressure applications, it is necessary to determine the effect of the heterogeneity of microstructural and mechanical properties on fracture toughness and fatigue crack initiation and propagation. Based on the tests conducted with pre-cracked CT and Charpy size specimens, the effect of the heterogeneity of the microstructural and mechanical properties of welded joints on fracture toughness and fatigue-crack growth parameters was determined.

Key words: alloy steel a-387 Gr. 11 class 1, welded joint, fracture toughness, Paris law, fatigue crack growth rate.