The metallurgical analysis of wrought iron from the RMS Titanic

In this paper, traditional metallography combined with image analysis, mechanical testing and micromechanical modelling are used to understand the variation in the mechanical properties of wrought iron as a function of its microstructure. Thousands of optical micrographs, taken in order to digitally mosaic the surface features of 35 Titanic rivets, are analysed using an automated image analysis routine, which measures a set of microstructural parameters including particle area per cent, size, aspect ratio and orientation. Results from a series of mechanical tests on small specimens are both qualitatively and quantitatively discussed. Data from the measured microstructural parameters and mechanical testing are combined in the Generalized Method of Cells micromechanical model in order to predict the local mechanical behaviour of wrought iron as a function of microstructure.