Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2025

Full-field Strain Measurements for Microstructurally Small Fatigue Crack Propagation Using Digital Image Correlation Method
Published on: January 16, 2019
Effect of Cross-Section on Low-Temperature Fracture Toughness of Marine Engineering Steel Thick Plate
Kuan Zheng1, Liqin Zhang1,2, Chengyang Hu1
1Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Steels, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China.
Abstract:
The cross-section effect leads to variations in the microstructure and thickness of marine engineering steel thick plates, which may result in delaminated tearing and a reduction in material plasticity and fracture toughness. The microstructural characterization of the matrix and the regions near the impact fracture at different depths by the thickness of the thick plate, as well as the crack propagation mechanism, was investigated. The low-temperature fracture toughness at the surface, quarter-thickness, and center at -40 °C were found to be 204 J, 215 J, and 98 J, respectively. Near the impact fracture, the grains of the test steel exhibit significant deformation. The grains at the surface experience fragmentation, leading to grain refinement and the formation of serrated cracks. At the quarter-thickness, cracks display large-angle deflection, and the deflection at the center is notably reduced, accompanied by an increase in the number of voids. In this study, the influence of the cross-section effect on the fracture toughness of marine engineering steel thick plates is thoroughly investigated. The experimental results provide theoretical guidance for the design and production of thick plates with optimal strength and toughness. This study primarily examines the influence of the cross-section effect on the microstructure and low-temperature fracture toughness of the investigated steel. Furthermore, it not only examines the microstructure of the base metal but also employs electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) technology to characterize and analyze the microstructure near the crack, thereby exploring the influence of the cross-section effect on the fracture mechanism of the investigated steel.
Related Concept Videos
Mechanical Characteristics of Steel
The tension test is fundamental for determining tensile strength. In this test, a steel specimen is stretched using a gripping device until it breaks. The data collected during this test are used...
Stress-Strain Diagram - Brittle Materials
Stress Concentrations
The stress...
Bending of Members Made of Several Materials
Hooke's Law determines stress in each material, stating that stress is proportional to strain but varies due to each...
Stress-Strain Diagram - Ductile Materials
Temperature Dependent Deformation

