Fracture and fracture toughness of cast irons

Abstract

The present state of knowledge on the microscopic factors affecting the fracture and the fracture toughness of different types of cast irons: namely, grey, white, ductile, malleable, and compacted graphite (vermicular) cast irons, is reviewed. Information on composition and smooth tensile properties is also included, where necessary, better to explain the fracture behaviour. Information available on the fracture toughness of grey and ductile irons is critically analysed and the reasons for discrepancies observed in the literature discussed. It is demonstrated that the fracture behaviour and the fracture toughness of cast irons depend on the graphic morphology as well as the matrix microstructure.