Fractal characterization of fractured surfaces of a steel containing dispersed Fe3C carbide phase

Fractals are mathematical models of very irregular sets. In particular, the one-dimensional statistical fractals on a plane are useful models for frac ture profiles. The vertical section method was used to obtain the fractal d imension D. The investigation were performed on a high carbon steel with ca . 1% C after spheroidization annealing. The fracture surfaces were obtained by fracturing of Charpy V notch specimens, at the following testing temper atures: - 20 degreesC, - 45 degreesC, and - 196 degreesC. From the results obtained it may be concluded that the analyzed fractured surfaces have weak fractal properties. which are not dependent on the impact test temperature (D = 1.09 - 1.10, by the yardstick method). (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.