Experimental simulation and theoretical modelling of crack initiation and propagation due to thermal cycling

AbstractDamage to tools subjected to repeated thermal shock is studied both experimentally using a simulator to reproduce thermal gradients on a specimen and theoretically by means of a thermal elastic plastic calculation using the finite element method.Analysis of thermal fatigue cracking involves the use of stereological parameters and fracture mechanics concepts. Application of this analysis to hot-rolling mill roll materials provides a good picture of in-service phenomena.