Notch sensitivity
The notch sensitivity of a material describes how much it is affected by geometric notches in its fatigue strength. A high value means the material is less sensitive to notches.
Physicochemical mechanism of action
The notch sensitivity of a material refers to its ability to withstand mechanical loads caused by geometric irregularities or notches. These notches can create micro-defects in the material and affect shear strength.
Metallurgical relevance & risks in welding
A material with low notch sensitivity is especially sensitive to geometric irregularities. This can lead to earlier failure or reduced service life, especially in dynamic applications. In weld joints, such notches can also affect the microstructure and reduce toughness.
Workshop practice & instructions
To improve the notch sensitivity of a material, you can:
• Minimize or smooth geometric notches.
• When selecting material, prefer one with higher notch sensitivity.
• When welding, carefully prepare and keep the environment as stable as possible to avoid mechanical loads.