A fracture mechanics study of nodular iron

In the present investigation, nodular graphite cast iron fracture toughness with different matrixes and eutectic cell sizes is studied. Properties of tensile strength, hardness and impact toughness are also studied. The exper imental data are compared to the same determined parameters in silicon stee l with a chemical composition similar to that of the cast iron matrix. A su bsequent study of the crack surfaces enables us to establish fracture mecha nisms. The joint analysis of the mechanical results and of the fractographi c studies allows us to establish the influence of graphite on the different mechanical properties of cast iron and on fracture micromechanisms as well .