New Developments in Fracture Surface Analysis Using X-Ray and Laser

Abstract

Recent developments in fracture surface examination are surveyed. Emphasis is placed on quantitative analysis of fracture surfaces. An X-ray analysis of a fracture surface is first described. The successful use of the residual stress distribution under the fracture surface is demonstrated for the estimation of the applied stress intensity factor under which the fracture occurred. A new technique using a laser profile meter is described for the measurement of fracture surface topographical information. A bird's-eye view of fracture surfaces is presented. The successful use of topographical information is demonstrated for matching of the conjugate fracture surfaces.