Influence of Sulfur Content on the Fracture Toughness Properties of 2 1/4 Percent Cr-1 Percent Mo Steel

Abstract

The effects of sulfur content on the fracture toughness properties of 2 1/4Cr-1 Mo steel were evaluated at test temperatures above, at, and below the nil ductility transition temperature (NDTT) of −23°C (−10°F). Small, 12.7-mm (0.5-in.) thick compact tension specimen results were combined with J-integral, Equivalent Energy, and Crack Opening Displacement analytical techniques to provide KIc results up to 22°C (72°F). It was found that the sulfur content of this steel has a large detrimental effect on KIc at the NDTT and above, where microvoid coalescence is the fracture mode. Sulfur has no significant effect at −73°C (−100°F) where cleavage occurs. These results also indicate that the higher Charpy V-notch energy at NDTT, shown by lower sulfur steels, is translatable into increased fracture resistance.