Observation and Analysis of Fractured Surfaces of Metal Materials through Ultrasonic Fatigue Testing

Identification of the size and elements of inclusions in metal materials is indispensable to evaluate fatigue strength. This article reports the detection of inclusions using an ultrasonic fatigue testing system and the analysis of their size and composition, using an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA). Such a test may require about three years when using a general fatigue testing system; however, it can be completed in about 10 hours when using an ultrasonic fatigue testing system. In addition, EPMA provides not only high-resolution observation images but also mapping analysis and state analysis, which help to identify the composition of inclusions.
This Application News is reedited from No. i259 to feature EPMA data with state analysis results added.