MICROMECHANICAL STUDY OF DUCTILE FRACTURE INITIATION AND PROPAGATION ON WELDED TENSILE SPECIMEN WITH A SURFACE PRE-CRACK IN WELD METAL

In this paper, crack growth initiation and propagation is predicted in the weldment using micromechanical approach and material properties determined by experimental and numerical procedure. The welded tensile specimen with a surface pre-crack in the weld metal is experimentally and numerically analysed. High-strength low-alloyed steel is used as base metal in quenched and tempered condition. Crack growth initiation values and J-R curves are experimentally and numerically obtained for the specimen. The complete Gurson model (CGM) is used in prediction of the J-R curve and crack growth initiation. Results show that the resistance to crack initiation and growth can be predicted using micromechanical analysis and material properties determined by experimental and numerical procedure.