Enhancement of Fracture Toughness Using High Intensity Electric Currents

Abstract

The object of this research is to conduct exploratory experiments on the effects of electric current on the fracture characteristics of materials prone to microcracking and catastrophic failure. It is anticipated that under controlled conditions, the applied electric current may result in localized heating at the highly stressed zones around the tips of the microcracks, and/or electroplastic effects. If so, the resulting stress relief and microstructural modifications could be utilized to inhibit crack growth under subsequent loading, and thereby in effect, increase the fracture toughness of the damaged microstructure, without necessarily affecting bulk hardness, flow strength and ductility.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1992
Accession Number
ADA249809

Entities

People

  • J. Gurland
  • V. K. Sarin

Organizations

  • Boston University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • C4I

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Crack Propagation
  • Crack Tips
  • Cracks
  • Current Density
  • Ductility
  • Electric Current
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Fine Grained Materials
  • Grain Size
  • Hardness
  • High Temperature
  • Intensity
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Materials
  • Microstructure
  • Military Research
  • Toughness

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Materials Science (Mechanical Engineering).
  • Systems Analysis and Design