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Metallurgical Investigation - Intercolumnar Cracking on a Cast Product
REQUIREMENT
The internal quality of cast products is assessed against quality standards as any imperfections can lead to defects in the finished products. We were asked to assess a defect found on sulphur printing and follow-up dye penetrant testing.
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
A cross section was taken through the defect in the as-received sample, and this was prepared for assessment by light optical microscopy and scanning electron / energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS).
FINDINGS
Cracks observed using Light Optical Microscopy
SEM-EDS of a crack indicated high levels of niobium and molybdenum
- The cracking was found to run along the dendrite arms and to be associated with high levels of niobium and molybdenum.
- For this steel type the high levels of niobium and molybdenum indicated segregation. • These features are classically associated with cracking termed ‘intercolumnar cracking’.
- Contributing factors to formation of this defect during the casting process are rapid cooling and uneven cooling; mould irregularities and roll misalignment.
Advanced Materials Characterisation Centre
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