The project aims to develop an understanding fracture toughness measurement for ductile duplex steel using sub-size specimens. Sub-size specimens are to be taken from pipe flange welds removed from service due to high stress concentrations. The assessment of fracture toughness is essential for the assessment of remaining service life of engineering components. Microstructural analysis, tensile, fatigue pre-cracking and fracture toughness testing are some of the experimental activities to be carried out by the student. Key Objectives

Develop an understanding of fracture toughness measurement Develop parameters for controlling the fatigue pre-cracking of the ductile duplex steel Complete fracture toughness measurements for the parent and weld material Characterise the microstructure of the parent and weld by microscopy and micro-hardness measurement Assess microstructure of weld before and after fracture toughness testing