Evaluation of crack growth at the weld interface between bronze and steel

We have carried out experimental and numerical investigations of crack growth at the electron-beam-welded interface of a CTS sample made of two different materials – bronze and steel. The location of the initial crack was varied in each of the material zones. During dynamic experiments, the trajectory of the crack growth was observed and recorded by means of a CCD camera. The experimentally evaluated crack paths were compared with those predicted by numerical calculations. The numerical model of the CTS sample was created in the FE system FRANC/FAM. The key parameter, having the biggest influence on the numerical path, was determined, and the numerical and experimental results were compared. Due to inhomogeneous material properties, a “correction factor” based on the variation in the Young’s modulus was developed. With this function, conformity of the numerical and experimental results was achieved.