The effects of microstructure on crack initiation in liquid-metal environments

Abstract

Liquid-metal-induced embrittlement under tensile test conditions is identified by the existence of a characteristic ductility trough. In this study, the effect of molten gallium on the behaviour of two brass alloys with different microstructures is studied. The role of plastic slip behaviour in the generation of high localized stresses and, consequently, on crack initiation is examined, Furthermore, the effects of various parameters such as strain rate, temperature and grain size on the degree of embrittlement are explained in terms of their effect on the dislocation mobility