Crack Paths 2012

H A Zthan in W M .A possible explanation thereof can be given by the analysis of the

fatigue crack paths illustrated in Fig. 6a-c, for BM,W M ,and HAZ,respectively. While

crack propagation in B Mand W Moccurs on a plane approximately orthogonal to the

loading direction, crack advance in H A Zoccurs along an inclined direction, which is

unfavourably oriented with respect to the stress axis. Apparently, the cracks initiated in

the H A Zspontaneously tend to propagate outside the H A Ztowards the BM.

Figure 7. J-resistance curves.

Figure 8. Fracture crack paths. (a) Base Material, (b) Weld Metal, (c) Heat Affected

Zone.

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