Tube Investments of India Limited,

Corporate Technology Centre,

PB No. 04, Avadi, Chennai, India-600054

Failure Analysis Report

Description: QBL12 Chain Plate (3.2 mm thick) Date: 08-01-2020

Material: SAE 1055 Report No.: LAB-TIDC-19-20-375

1.0 Background:
Samples of QBL12 chain plate that had cracked during blanking were submitted for
analysis.

2.0 Visual Analysis:

As-received image of the chain plate with crack is shown in figure 2.1. Two
samples in soft condition,. Depth and length of the crack was measured during visual
analysis is shown in Figure 2.2.

S-1 S-2

Figure 2.1 As-received image of chain plate S1 & S2-Soft

 Tube Investments of India Limited,
Corporate Technology Centre,
PB No. 04, Avadi, Chennai, India-600054

Failure Analysis Report

(a) (b)

831 µm 9683 µm

1941 µm

749 µm

Figure 2.2 Macro examination crack a) Sample 1 b) Sample 2

3.0: Optical Microscopy:

Optical micrograph of the chain plate reveals Type A inclusions with rating number
2.0 above were observed along the segregation region. During microscopic analysis,
spheroids of carbides in ferrite matrix were observed is soft plate, Offset and centerline
segregation was observed in the soft samples during micro structural analysis.

Figure 3.2 Optical micrograph of the chain plate in the unetched condition

(a)

Segregation

Page 2 of 4
 Tube Investments of India Limited,
Corporate Technology Centre,
PB No. 04, Avadi, Chennai, India-600054

Failure Analysis Report

4.0: Scanning Electron Microscopy:

The predominant elements observed during EDS analysis of the inclusion are
Fe (25.6 – 35.4%), Mn (7.9 – 15.4%), S (4.2 – 6.9%) and O (4.2 – 7.6%). This confirms the
presence of sulphide inclusions.

Page 3 of 4
 Tube Investments of India Limited,
Corporate Technology Centre,
PB No. 04, Avadi, Chennai, India-600054

Failure Analysis Report

5.0: Hardness:
Hardness results are given in table 5.1 with the comparison of Base region and
Segregation region to under the reason for failure

Table 5.1 Hardness values of chain plate

Sample no Region HV/HRC

Base Region 280/27
1
Segregation Region 339/34
Base Region 271/26
2
Segregation Region 335/34

6.0: Inference:

The key findings of the study are summarized below:

 Offset and centerline segregation was observed during micro structural

analysis in soft condition.
 Hardness variation between Hard Segregation region at QLS/CLS and Other
base metal found to min 50HV variation observed in MicroVicker Hardness
Test
 EDS analysis confirms the presence of Type A ( MnS) sulphide inclusions.

Localized difference in material hardness in soft condition as a result of segregation

& presence of MnS Inclusion resulted in cracks after blanking.

Prepared By: Verified by:

Vinodhini.R Venkkateesh.P.P
Deputy Manager, Manager,
Corporate Technology Center Corporate Technology Center

Page 4 of 4