Solid Metal Induced Embrittlement of Metals.
Abstract
Many ductile metals in intimate contact with thin coatings of low melting solid metal which exhibit liquid metal embrittlement, also manifest severe embrittlement when tested at temperatures below the melting point of the coating. A significant decrease in stress, strain, and reduction-in-area occurs at fracture. Fracture propagates fast, but at a rate which is one or two orders of magnitude slower than that in liquid metal environments. Fracture occurs by brittle intergranular or transcrystalline mode with multiple cracks and branching. This new phenomena is known as solid metal induced embrittlement of metals (SMIE). SMIE also occurs when the embrittling metal is present as an internal environment in the base metal such as inclusions. This report describes the occurrence of SMIE in metals and alloys used in industry and presents results of recent investigations. It describes the effects of time, temperature, and stress on SMIE. It discusses the occurrence, the mechanisms of SMIE, and its similarity to LME. This new phenomena must be considered while investigating environmentally induced failure of failure analysis of metals and alloys.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA152732
Entities
People
- M. H. Kamdar
Organizations
- United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center