Dynamic fracture mechanics characteristics are required for design and safety proof of advanced
ductile cast iron (DCI) components. In this paper, the analytical compliance ratio
(CR) and numerical finite element (FE) key curve methods were investigated for dynamic Rcurve
testing. Two DCI materials, a purely ferritic and a ferritic one with 18 % of pearlite,
were tested at room temperature (RT) and -40 °C. The special focus is on the impact of the
materials damage and fracture behaviour on performance and limitations of the investigated
methods.
Systematic metallographic and fractographic microstructural analyses were performed accompanying
the test program. Summarizing systematics of the specific damage behaviour
and fracture mechanisms were developed taking microstructure, loading rate, specimen geometry
and test temperature into account.
There has been a change from ductile to brittle fracture mechanism observed at -40 °C with
ferritic DCI and even at RT with ferritic-pearlitic DCI. The ferritic-pearlitic DCI did not show Rcurve
behaviour at -40 °C and only single Juc values could be determined. Furthermore, with
ferritic-pearlitic DCI, random pearlite shares in the ligament caused the relation between
loading rate, force-deflection record and crack extension not to remain uniquely defined.
Therefore, the FE key curve method proofed not to be applicable since the FE model was
based on homogeneous isotropic material and ductile failure mode only. The analytical CR
key curve method worked well only with selected combinations of microstructure, specimen
geometry and temperature.
In summary it has to be concluded that a robust, accurate and sufficiently simple dynamic
key curve method that was suited for application in quality control of industrial relevant DCI
qualities cannot be provided currently.