Failure analysis of a Cu12Mn mechanical fastener in marine environment. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Karalis, D.G.; Melanitis, N.Ε.; Yannoulis, Y.G.
• Is Part Of: Engineering failure analysis. Volume 94(2018)
• Page Start: 69
• Page End: 77
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Corrosion -- Fatigue -- Fasteners -- Finite element analysis -- Pressure-vessel failures; System failures (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Fracture mechanics -- Periodicals; Reliability (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Pannes -- Périodiques; Rupture, Mécanique de la -- Périodiques; Fiabilité -- Périodiques; Fracture mechanics; Reliability (Engineering); System failures (Engineering); Periodicals; Electronic journals; 620.112
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engfailanal.2018.07.035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1350-6307

Abstract

Abstract: The current work presents a failure analysis study conducted on a fractured mechanical fastener made of Cu12Mn alloy. The fastener was obtained from a flange of a large-diameter steel tube operating in a sea submersible platform. Macrofractography and Microfractography, Standard Optical Metallography, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy techniques as well as Numerical Modeling were employed to assist the investigation. Fracture was eventually attributed to the synergistic action of fatigue and selective leaching (corrosion-assisted fatigue). Graphical abstract: Unlabelled Image Highlights: The fractured fastener was operating in marine environment for more than 40 years. Fracture was attributed to the synergistic action of fatigue and selective leaching (corrosion-assisted fatigue). Numerical simulation indicated that the fracture was initiated at the root of the thread where high stress is developed.