Fractographic Analysis

Fractography is a descriptive explanation of a fracture process, usually in metals with specific reference to the use of photographs to study the fracture surface.

Macrofractography involves low magnification (<25x)
Microfractography involves higher magnification (>25x)

The scanning electron microscope is a very popular tool in the field of fractography. The large depth of focus, the ability to vary magnification over a wide range, the non-destructive nature of the examination and the 3D appearances of SEM fractography makes the instrument an indispensable tool in failure investigations.

Several clearly unique and recognisable features of a particular fracture surface enable the failure mode to be established by the investigator.

Common features include:

• Dimpled fracture surfaces - ductile mode of failure.
• Cleavage facets, indicative of transgramular brittle fracture.
• Brittle intergranular fracture - temper embrittlement, intergramlar S.C.C, hydrogen embrittlement.
• Fatigue failure striations.

To view our detailed collection of fractographs please visit our gallery.

Back to top