Failure analysis of Fe–Co–Ni alloy, cracked during processing

Cracks were observed in Fe–Co–Ni cast alloy bars. The fracture surfaces were observed under stereo, optical and scanning electron microscopes (SEM). The chemical composition details were studied using SEM equipped with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The study revealed segregation of titanium which subsequently formed the brittle phases leading to cracking in castings. Some experiments were also designed to confirm various observations.