Multiscale investigation of quasi-brittle fracture characteristics in a 9Cr-1Mo ferritic-martensitic steel embrittled by liquid lead-bismuth under low cycle fatigue

Liquid metal embrittlement (LME) induced quasi-brittle fracture characteristics of a 9Cr1Mo ferriticmartensitic steel (T91) after fatigue cracking in leadbismuth eutectic (LBE) have been investigated at various length scales. The results show that the LME fracture morphology is primarily characterized by quasi-brittle translath flat regions partially covered by nanodimples, shallow secondary cracks propagating along the martensitic lath boundaries as well as tear ridges covered by micro dimples. These diverse LME fracture features likely indicate a LME mechanism involving multiple physical processes, such as weakening induced interatomic decohesion at the crack tip and plastic shearing induced nano/micro voiding in the plastic zone.

Publication year:2016

Keywords:A1 Journal article

BOF-keylabel:yes

BOF-publication weight:3

CSS-citation score:2

Authors from:Government

Accessibility:Open