Optimizing the Strength and Plasticity of Steel Parts with Stress Concentrators

Abstract

A new approach is proposed to preventing the brittle failure of steel parts and structural elements associated with embrittlement by stress concentrators such as cracks. This approach applies when alloys with insufficient margin of plasticity are used. The strength of parts with stress concentrators may be ensured by optimizing their strength and plasticity so as to maintain ductile failure in the given stress–strain state. The mechanical properties of the optimized metal are calculated on the basis of the correlations established in tests of standard samples and tests of parts with the specified stress–strain state.