Failure Analysis of a Structural Sub-assembly From a Slimes Filter Press
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Abstract
This paper presents results from a failure analysis investigation of a structural I-beam and supporting bolt of a slimes filter press. Metallurgical failure analysis techniques were employed to investigate the sequence of events leading up to final fracture. From analysis of the micrographs, it is concluded that the cyclic loading operating conditions of the filter press caused an initial fatigue crack on the bolt that propagated until the surrounding bolts failed, causing the last bolt to fracture by overload. Once this final bolt failed, a crack initiated at the weld interface where defects were observed and was the cause for final failure of the filter press.
Keywords
Cyclic loading Failure analysis Low carbon steelNotes
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge Freeport McMoran, Inc. in El Paso, Texas for the opportunity to examine this failure. Brad Westrom of Freeport McMoran was helpful in providing background information for use in this project. We would also like to acknowledge Dr. Stephen Stafford at the University of Texas at El Paso for his guidance throughout the analysis.
References
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