Failure analysis of a mast column

摘要

This paper presents the failure analysis of a low carbon steel mast column which failed in service. Optical microscopy was performed to evaluate the basic microstructure and crack propagation of the as-received material. The fracture surface was examined in a scanning electron microscope. Detailed microscopic studies have indicated that the failure was due to the presence of martensite in the center of the column. The cracking may be caused by the hardened martensite, which is induced by centerline segregation of carbon or Mn during cooling after hot rolling.