Microstructural effect on fracture evolution in spheroidal graphite iron: Numerical analysis

IF 4.4 2区工程技术 Q1 ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL

Engineering Failure Analysis Pub Date : 2025-03-01 DOI:10.1016/j.engfailanal.2025.109459

Xingling Luo , Tito Andriollo , Konstantinos P. Baxevanakis , Vadim V. Silberschmidt

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Spheroidal graphite iron (SGI) has found extensive application across various engineering sectors thanks to its excellent combination of mechanical properties at elevated temperatures and durability. The morphology of graphite inclusions in SGI has a great effect on its mechanical properties in tension. Despite extensive research, the influence of its microstructure on the fracture behaviour has not been fully investigated. In contrast to previous studies of fracture behaviour, the present work attempts to investigate the relation between graphite morphology and fracture behaviour of SGI by using 2D images (slices) from X-ray tomography (X-CT). In this study, a novel approach based on microstructural simulations is proposed. SGI slices were obtained from X-CT and every fifth image was selected to ensure a balanced representation of the microstructure that neither completely alters the character of the distribution of graphite particles nor significantly changes the fraction of any specific graphite particle. The crack path generated in representative volume elements (RVEs) is used to investigate the effect of graphite particles and depict the crack thickness in 3D. The tensile properties and damage mechanism of finite-element methods are validated from experiments. It was found that large and irregular graphite particles accelerated the crack-initiation process. Besides, the spacing between graphite particles should be as large as possible to enhance the material’s fracture toughness. This research provides an effective way to find optimum arrangements of graphite particles or voids for the design of structural components with increased fracture toughness. The application of micromechanics modelling has the potential to provide new insights useful for the design and manufacture of metal-matrix composites.

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来源期刊

Engineering Failure Analysis 工程技术-材料科学：表征与测试

CiteScore

7.70

自引率

20.00%

发文量

956

审稿时长

47 days

期刊介绍： Engineering Failure Analysis publishes research papers describing the analysis of engineering failures and related studies. Papers relating to the structure, properties and behaviour of engineering materials are encouraged, particularly those which also involve the detailed application of materials parameters to problems in engineering structures, components and design. In addition to the area of materials engineering, the interacting fields of mechanical, manufacturing, aeronautical, civil, chemical, corrosion and design engineering are considered relevant. Activity should be directed at analysing engineering failures and carrying out research to help reduce the incidences of failures and to extend the operating horizons of engineering materials. Emphasis is placed on the mechanical properties of materials and their behaviour when influenced by structure, process and environment. Metallic, polymeric, ceramic and natural materials are all included and the application of these materials to real engineering situations should be emphasised. The use of a case-study based approach is also encouraged. Engineering Failure Analysis provides essential reference material and critical feedback into the design process thereby contributing to the prevention of engineering failures in the future. All submissions will be subject to peer review from leading experts in the field.