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Series: ASM Handbook
Volume: 11B
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 15 May 2022
DOI: 10.31399/asm.hb.v11B.a0006943
EISBN: 978-1-62708-395-9
Series: ASM Handbook
Volume: 11
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 15 January 2021
DOI: 10.31399/asm.hb.v11.a0006763
EISBN: 978-1-62708-295-2
Abstract
Failure analysis is an investigative process that uses visual observations of features present on a failed component fracture surface combined with component and environmental conditions to determine the root cause of a failure. The primary means of recording the conditions and features observed during a failure analysis investigation is photography. Failure analysis photographic imaging is a combination of both science and art; experience and proper imaging techniques are required to produce an accurate and meaningful fracture surface photograph. This article reviews photographic principles and techniques as applied to failure analysis, both in the field and in the laboratory. The discussion covers the processes involved in field and laboratory photographic documentations, provides a description of professional digital cameras, and gives information on photographic lighting and microscopic photography. Special techniques can be employed to deal with highly reflective conditions and are also described in this article.
Series: ASM Handbook
Volume: 11
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 15 January 2021
DOI: 10.31399/asm.hb.v11.a0006769
EISBN: 978-1-62708-295-2
Abstract
The scanning electron microscope (SEM) is one of the most versatile instruments for investigating the microscopic features of most solid materials. The SEM provides the user with an unparalleled ability to observe and quantify the surface of a sample. This article discusses the development of SEM technology and operating principles of basic systems of SEM. The basic systems covered include the electron optical column, signal detection and display equipment, and the vacuum system. The processes involved in the preparation of samples for observation using an SEM are described, and the application of SEM in fractography is discussed. The article covers the failure mechanisms of ductile failure, brittle failure, mixed-mode failure, and fatigue failure. Lastly, image dependence on microscope type and operating parameters is also discussed.
Book Chapter
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.matlhand.c0048035
EISBN: 978-1-62708-224-2
Abstract
A 3.8-cm diam 6 x 37 rope of improved plow steel wire failed in service during dumping of a ladle of hot slag. A heavy blue oxide extending 0.6 to 0.9 m back from each side of the break was revealed on examination of the rope. Tensile fractures were shown by the broken ends of the rope. Recrystallization of the steel was revealed during microscopic examination of the wires adjacent to the break which indicated that the wires had been heated in excess of 700 deg C (1292 deg F). The tensile strength of the wires in the rope that broke was 896 MPa whereas the specification required it to be 1724 MPa. Thus, a 50% loss in tensile strength of the wires was caused by overheating which lead to failure of the rope. It was recommended that prolonged exposure of wire ropes to extreme conditions should be avoided.
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.matlhand.c0046160
EISBN: 978-1-62708-224-2
Abstract
A stepped drive axle (hardened and tempered resulfurized 4150 steel forging) used in a high-speed electric overhead crane (rated at 6800 kg, or 7 tons, and handling about 220 lifts/day with each lift averaging 3625 to 5440 kg, or 4 to 6 tons) broke after 15 months of service. Visual examination of the fracture surface revealed three fracture regions. The primary fracture occurred approximately 50 mm (2 in.) from the driven end of the large-diam keywayed section on the stepped axle and approximately 38 mm (1 in.) from one end of the keyway where the crane wheel was keyed to the axle. Macroscopic, microscopic, and chemical examination revealed composition that was basically within the normal range for 4150 steel. This evidence supports the conclusion that cracking initiated at a location approximately opposite the keyway, and final fracture was due to mixed ductile and brittle fracture. Axial shift of the crane wheel during operation, because of insufficient interference fit, was the major cause of fatigue cracking. Recommendations included redesigning the axle to increase the critical diameter from 140 to 150 mm (5.5 to 6 in.) and to add a narrow shoulder to keep the drive wheel from shifting during operation.
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.matlhand.c0048026
EISBN: 978-1-62708-224-2
Abstract
The 11 mm diam 8 x 19 fiber-core rope, constructed from improved plow steel wire, on the cleaning-line crane failed while lifting a normal load of coils after five weeks of service. Several broken wires and fraying of the fiber core were revealed by visual examination of a section of the wire rope adjacent to the fracture. Fatigue cracks originating from both sides of the wire were revealed by microscopic examination of a longitudinal section of a wire. The diam of the sheave on the bale (27 cm) was found to be slightly below that specified for the 11 mm diam rope. It was observed that the sudden shock received by the hook in rolling the coils over the edge of the rinse tank after pickling caused vibration which was most severe at the clamped end of the rope. It was concluded that this caused the fatigue failure of the rope. As a corrective measure, the diam of the sheave was increased to 33 cm and pitched roll plates were installed between the tanks where rolling of coils was required.
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.matlhand.c9001426
EISBN: 978-1-62708-224-2
Abstract
Following three similar failures of load chains on manually operated geared pulley-blocks of 1-ton capacity, a portion of one of the chains was obtained for examination. The chain was made of mild steel and the links had been electrically butt-welded at one side. In the case of the sample obtained, the failure in service had resulted from fracture of one of the links in the plane of the weld. Six of the other links in the vicinity showed cracks in the welds in various stages of development. Microscope examination showed a crack in an early stage of development and also from an apparently sound link, the prepared surfaces lying in the planes of the links. This examination revealed that the welds were initially defective. Discontinuities were present in both cases adjacent to the insides of the links, of a type indicative of either inadequate fusion or incomplete expulsion of oxide, etc., at the time of the upset, i.e. the pressing together of the ends of the links to complete the welding. It was evident from the examination that the service failures were due to the use of chain that was initially defective.
Book Chapter
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.matlhand.c9001453
EISBN: 978-1-62708-224-2
Abstract
While a chain sling was being used to lift a casting one of the links ruptured. The sling, reputed to be of the electrically-welded steel type, was at least eight years old and had been overhauled several times during its working life. Examination showed the links were scarf-welded. Furthermore, the welds were at the ends and not at the sides as is usual in the case of electrically-welded chains. A transverse section from one side of a link was examined microscopically. This showed the material to be wrought-iron of satisfactory quality. It was concluded this chain sling had been made from wrought-iron, forge welded in the usual manner, and that it was not electrically-welded steel as had been supposed. Failure was attributed to embrittlement in service of the surface material of the links. If it had been realized that the sling was made from wrought-iron then it would doubtless have been subjected to periodical annealing in accordance with Statutory requirements, which would have restored the ductility of the surface material.
Book Chapter
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.matlhand.c9001428
EISBN: 978-1-62708-224-2
Abstract
A special eyebolt was used to lift prefabricated concrete panels weighing approximately 16 cwt. Two eyebolts were used with a spreader bar to give a vertical lift on each eyebolt. Following failure of one eyebolt, which resulted in dropping of the load and subsequent failure of the other one, a complete eyebolt was submitted for assessment. Microscopic examination indicated a medium carbon-manganese steel had been used for the lower screwed portion of the eyebolt. Failure may have been due to brittle fracture or to fatigue, both of which could have been initiated at cracks in the hardened material in the region of the weld securing the screwed portion to the intermediate collar and which may have formed at the time of manufacture. Out-of-squareness of the thread with the collar, as was seen in the example submitted, gave rise to bending stresses when the bolt was tightened down, and this could have been a further factor which promoted failure. It was suggested that the design and construction could be improved by either making the component in one piece or, if it was desired, to adapt a standard eyebolt.
Book Chapter
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.matlhand.c0089338
EISBN: 978-1-62708-224-2
Abstract
A steel lifting eye, manufactured from grade 1144 steel, failed during service. The eye ring fractured in two places, adjacent to the threaded shank and diametrically opposite to this region. Woody overload features, typical for resulfurized steels were revealed by SEM. The directionality of the features was found to be suggestive of shear overload. It was observed that fracture preferentially followed the nonmetallic inclusions. The fracture was revealed to be parallel to the direction of the manganese sulfide stringer inclusions. The presence of significant banding of the ferrite and pearlite microstructure was revealed by etching. It was also observed that the fracture is primarily along the inclusions and through bands of ferrite. It was concluded that the lifting eye failed as a result of overload. Fracture occurred parallel to the rolling direction, through manganese-sulfide stringers and ferrite bands in the base metal matrix. The material used for this application was very anisotropic, exhibiting substantially poorer long and short transverse mechanical properties than longitudinal properties.
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.matlhand.c9001461
EISBN: 978-1-62708-224-2
Abstract
A hook, which was marked for a safe working load of 2 tons, failed while lifting a load of approximately 35 cwts. Fracture took place at the junction of the shank with the hook portion, at which no fillet radius existed. Except for an annular region round the periphery, which was of a smooth texture, the fracture was brightly crystalline indicative of a brittle failure. Microscopic examination showed the material was a low-carbon steel in the normalized condition; no abnormal features were observed. The basic cause of failure was the presence of a fatigue crack at the change of section where the shank joined the hook portion. To minimize the possibility of fatigue cracking, it was recommended that a generous radius be provided at the change of section.
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.matlhand.c0091092
EISBN: 978-1-62708-224-2
Abstract
A 60.3 mm (2.375 in.) diam drive shaft in the drive train of an overhead crane failed. The part submitted for examination was a principal drive shaft that fractured near a 90 deg fillet where the shaft had been machined down to 34.9 mm (1.375 in.) to serve as a wheel hub. A 9.5 mm (0.375 in.) wide x 3.2 mm (0.125 in.) deep keyway was machined into the entire length of the hub, ending approximately 1.6 mm (0.062 in.) away from the 90 deg fillet. A second shaft was also found to have cracked at a change in diameter, where it was machined down to serve as the motor drive hub. Investigation (visual inspection, inspection records review, optical and scanning electron microscopy, and fractography) supported the conclusion that the fracture mode for both shafts was low-cycle rotating-bending fatigue initiating and propagating by combined torsional and reverse bending stresses. Recommendations included replacing all drive shafts with new designs that eliminated the sharp 90 deg chamfers in favor of a more liberal chamfer, which would reduce the stress concentration in these areas.
Book Chapter
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.chem.c9001408
EISBN: 978-1-62708-220-4
Abstract
Initially, two vertical double-acting two-stage compressors delivering chlorine gas at a pressure of 100 psi appeared to be running satisfactorily. About six months later the LP piston-rod of the No. 2 compressor failed due to burning, the compressor being worked double-acting at the time. About five months later, the HP piston rod of the No. 1 compressor failed in a similar manner. Specimens for microscopic examination were cut from the rod in the region of the failure and from the extreme end that had been situated above the piston and hence not subjected to an appreciable rise in temperature. The material was a steel in the normalized condition with a 0.35% C content. It appears probable that deficient lubrication of the gland resulted in overheating of the rod due to friction. The presence of a sprayed-metal coating was probably an additional factor in promoting failure, as it would present to the gas a surface area considerably greater than that of a homogeneous material.
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.chem.c9001161
EISBN: 978-1-62708-220-4
Abstract
A heat exchanger failed five years after going into service in an ammonia synthesis plant. Its container, made of Cr-Mo alloy steel (Material No. 1.7362), operated in an environment that did not exceed 400 deg C or 600 atm of hydrogen partial pressure. X-ray examination revealed a fissure in one of the welded seams, which according to microscopic examination, originated in the base material of the container. Higher magnification revealed a narrow zone adjacent to the weld seam permeated with intergranular cracks, the result of hydrogen attack. It also showed the structure to be completely martensitic. Thus, the failure was due to hardening of the base material during welding, and recommendation was made to temper or anneal the welded regions to reduce the effects of hydrogen under pressure.
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.chem.c9001402
EISBN: 978-1-62708-220-4
Abstract
Weld-decay and stress-corrosion cracking developed in several similar all-welded vessels fabricated from austenitic stainless steel. During a periodic examination cracks were revealed at the external surface of one of the vessels. External patch welds had been applied at these and several other corresponding locations. Cracks visible on the external surface developed from the inside in a region close to the toe of the internal fillet weld to the deflector plate, and another deep crack associated with a weld cavity is visible slightly to the right of the main fissure. Microscopic examination revealed that precipitation of carbides at the grain boundaries had taken place in the vicinity of the cracks, but that the paths of the cracks were not wholly intergranular. Conditions present in the vicinity of the internal fillet weld must have been such as to favor both inter- and transgranular cracking. It is probable that the heating associated with the repair welds made from time to time also contributed to the trouble. The transgranular cracks, however, were indicative of stress-corrosion cracking.
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.chem.c9001410
EISBN: 978-1-62708-220-4
Abstract
A brass elbow that formed one termination of a steam heating coil failed adjacent to the brazed connection after ten years of service. Chemical analysis showed that the elbow was made from a 60-40 CuZn brass containing 3% lead and 1% tin, a typical alloy used for the manufacture of components by the hot stamping process. Microscopic examination indicated failure from dezincification. The fact that the screwed end was not affected indicated that the trouble was not caused by the condensate, which flowed through the elbow, but originated from the water heated in the vessel. The helical mode of the cracking was probably due to the torsional stresses which would be imposed on the elbow by thermally induced movements of the coil in service.
Book Chapter
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.chem.c9001458
EISBN: 978-1-62708-220-4
Abstract
Two cases of failure of centrifuge baskets were investigated. The first involved a centrifuge running at approximately 1000 rpm. The basket was constructed from a perforated sheet of stainless steel rolled into a cylinder and joined by a single vee longitudinal weld. Detailed examination showed the weld had not completely penetrated the full depth of the section. The fracture faces showed a gradually progressing fatigue crack developing from a notch, formed by the lack of penetration, at the root of the weld. Microscopic examination of the parent plate showed it was a typical titanium stabilized austenitic steel. It is probable that had the basket been subjected to a periodic inspection by a competent person, this failure would not have occurred. The second case concerned a continuous duty centrifuge operating at 2200 rpm. Fracture had occurred at the circumferential weld attaching the stainless steel skirt to the basket rim and also in the region of the vertical weld which was made when the skirt was formed into a cone. Stress-corrosion cracking of the skirt material, which contained residual stresses due to cold-rolling, had been caused by the presence of sodium chloride.
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.chem.c9001160
EISBN: 978-1-62708-220-4
Abstract
A corrosion resistant chromium nickel steel (X 2 Cr-Ni-Mo 18 10) worm drive used in a chemical plant at 80 deg C and 100 to 200 atm pressure to transport media containing chloride failed during normal operation. Visual inspections showed that the entire surface of the gear was covered with fine branching cracks and was flaking off. Microscopic examination showed that the unetched polished material had disintegrated to an average depth of 1 mm below the surface. A micrograph of the etched surface revealed numerous deformation lines and transgranular cracking. The failure was thus due to stress-corrosion cracking and additional corrosion due to ventilation elements. Because austenitic chromium nickel steels are prone to stress-corrosion cracking, particularly in the presence of chlorine compounds at high temperatures, and because austenitic rust- and acid-resistant steels are prone to smearing and work hardening during machining, it was recommended that these types of steels be machined only with sharp, short tools mounted in rigid structures. In addition, residual stresses should be eliminated by post-process annealing in a protective atmosphere.
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.chem.c9001654
EISBN: 978-1-62708-220-4
Abstract
AISI type 321 stainless steel heat exchanger tubes failed after only three months of service. Macroscopic examination revealed that the leaks were the result of localized pitting attack originating at the water side surfaces of the tubes. Metallographic sections were prepared from both sets of tubes. Microscopic examination revealed that the pits had a small mouth with a large subsurface cavity which is typical of chloride pitting of austenitic stainless steel. However, no pitting was found in other areas of the system, where the chloride content of the process water was higher. This was attributed to the fact that they were downstream from a deaeration unit. It was concluded that the pitting was caused by a synergistic effect of chlorine and oxygen in the make-up water. Because it was not possible to install a deaeration unit upstream of the heat exchangers, it was recommended that a molybdenum-bearing stainless steel such as 316L or 317L be used instead of 321.
Book Chapter
Series: ASM Failure Analysis Case Histories
Publisher: ASM International
Published: 01 June 2019
DOI: 10.31399/asm.fach.chem.c9001437
EISBN: 978-1-62708-220-4
Abstract
A steam jacketed autoclave of orthodox design was fabricated from mild steel for a working pressure of 320 psi. The only unusual feature in its construction was a protective layer of weld metal, which was deposited on the internal surface of the upper half of the 1 in. thick shell. The first indication of latent trouble was provided by the bolts which attached the stirring paddles to the shaft and the stationary scraper blades to the shell, either failing in service or breaking off when an attempt was made to remove them. It was the practice to renew them all annually. Microscopic examination of a failed bolt showed the path of the fracture and the secondary cracking associated with it were intergranular, suggesting that failure resulted from stress corrosion. A steel of the rimming type had been used to make the bar from which the bolt was forged. Cracks which originate at the root of threads generally result from fatigue but, in this instance, their intergranular mode of progression indicated that they were due to stress-corrosion. Examination of shell material showed that the cracks in the vessel were wholly intergranular. It was apparent from this evidence that this cracking was also due to stress-corrosion.
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