A novel approach in the field of narrow gap laser welding produces superior weld joint quality, especially the configuration of weld toe, which has a positive effect on fatigue life.

Recently developed open-source software based on standard test and normalization methods simplifies the process of generating J-integral versus crack-growth resistance (J-R) curves to evaluate fracture toughness in the ductile region.

This article identifies several factors that are not fully addressed in most fracture toughness test standards and explains how they may influence calculated values obtained from ferritic steels. Of particular consequence are test temperatures within the ductile-to-brittle transition regime and test specimen geometries when measuring the toughness of weld metal and heat-affected zones.

This article presents the results of a study in which stress corrosion crack growth was examined in situ in aluminum alloy samples. Precracked test specimens were mounted in a customized load frame and a scanning vibrating probe was used to map potential gradients induced by electrochemical coupling current around the crack tip, mouth, and surrounding surfaces. The authors describe the test setup and present and analyze their findings.