Module 9 - 1

Module 9

Weld and Base Metal

Discontinuities

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Discontinuity

Any interruption in the uniform nature of an

item

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Discontinuities
Seams and laps
Laminations
Weld undercut
Weld cracks
Weld porosity
Many others

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Defect

A non-conforming discontinuity

All discontinuities are not defects.

All defects are discontinuities.

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Discontinuity Criticality
Linear - non-linear
End condition - sharpness
Surface - sub-surface
Loading - uniform, non-uniform
Fatigue
Impact

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Crack

A fracture type discontinuity characterized

by a sharp tip and high ratio of length and
width (depth) to opening displacement

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Crack Types
Hot / cold
Delayed / underbead
Longitudinal
Transverse
Throat /toe / root
HAZ / base metal
and many more

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Longitudinal Crack

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Transverse Crack

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Throat Crack

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Toe Crack

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Crater Cracks in Aluminum Weld

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Propagation of Crater Crack in

Aluminum Weld

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