Ductile fracture
Ductile fracture is a material failure under high plastic deformation, characterized by a dull fracture surface and predictable failure behavior as opposed to brittle fracture.
Physical-Chemical Mechanism
Ductile fracture occurs when metals are plastically deformed under high stress. The grains of the material slide against each other, resulting in a dull fracture surface.
Metallurgical Relevance & Welding Risks
Ductile fracture can occur in the weld if the stress is too high or cooling is too slow. It leads to a dull, smooth fracture surface and can significantly impair the mechanical strength of the material.
Workshop Practice & Action Guidelines
To avoid ductile fracture, ensure proper stress distribution and adequate cooling. For highly stressed weld joints, use metals with low fracture energy and optimize welding parameters such as stress amplitude and frequency.