Creating Three-Dimensional Models to Investigate Brittle Fracture in Poly crystalline Metals

摘要

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.