Support Factor
The support figure describes how strongly a material deforms under stress before it breaks. It accounts for local stress gradients and reduces the purely elastic notch effect.
Physical-Chemical Mechanism of Action
The support factor (Sz) is a measure of a material's deformability under local stresses. It describes how much the material can deform before it breaks. Compared to a homogeneous stress state, it accounts for local stress gradients and reduces the purely elastic notch effect.
Metallurgical Relevance & Welding Risks
During weld formation, the support factor can be influenced, which may lead to increased fracture strength. However, a value that is too high can also lead to increased stress buildup and potential cracks in the material.
Workshop Practice & Action Guidelines
To keep the support factor optimal, careful weld planning is important. This includes selecting the right base material and suitable welding process. Post-weld heat treatment can also help optimize the support factor.