Characterization by Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of the Fatigue Fracture Surface in Underwater Wet Welds

Abstract

Fatigue fracture surfaces in wet underwater welds were characterized by means of three-dimensional reconstructions using stereophotogrammetry in a scanning electron microscope. Profile analysis, roughness and fractal dimension were evaluated for these surfaces in order to compare them with the results of crack growth tests and welding depth. It could be seen the areal roughness parameter Sq as more effective than the fractal dimension to describe and compare the studied surfaces. In addition, it was possible to endorse the pertinence of the used technique and the developed methodology for the proposed study. Nevertheless, it is stated that further study is required in order to fully understand the mechanisms of fatigue crack propagation in wet underwater welds.

Key-words:
Fracture surface; Fatigue; Underwater wet weld; Three-dimensional reconstruction