Rotech Undertakes Failure Analysis on Fractured Chain Anchor

After Vickers low-load hardness testing was carried out (BS EN ISO 6507-1) and Chemical analysis was performed by Leco and Induction Coupled Plasma (ICP), our team of Metallurgists using the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed the presence of ductile dimpled fracture characteristics on the fracture face with no evidence on internal material flaws.

Sections were taken through the component to incorporate the fracture face, were mounted and prepared by standard techniques to enable metallographic examination by optical microscopy.

Upon initial examination, it was revealed that the material had significant quantities of non-metallic inclusions. Subsequent etching revealed the matrix to be mainly ferrite with pearlite.

The results showed that fracture characteristics are indicative of failure by tensile overload in a ductile manner.

The material composition did not meet that of the designated standard, with the sulphur content being significantly high, typical of a free machining type steel that will have lower mechanical properties when compared to the designated standard material.

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