Failure Analysis of U71Mn Rail Welded Joints

Abstract

The fracture of U71Mn rail welded butt joints on flash welding was analyzed by using visual observation, metallographic microscope, SEM and EDS from macro to micro.The results show that, the transverse fracture is rail oval flaw and the fracture mechanism of the rail is fatigue-crack propagation. The fatigue cracking is caused by silicate-non-metallic inclusions which are residues in the welded joints after flash welding.