Using Electron Microscopy to Study Metal Fracture

Application of electron microscopy to the study of fractures and fracture mechanisms is reviewed. Static fractures and the fracture of multiphased alloys have been studied, and significant information obtained. Striations on the fracture surface are associated with fatigue crack propagation and are directly related to crack growth rates. Various factors such as strength level, corrosive media, and second-phase particles are known to influence the appearance of the striations under the electron microscope. Since the appearance under the microscope of each type of fracture is quite unique, electron microscopic fractography is also an aid in service failure analyses.