In-situ observation of microcrack initiation and damage nucleation modes on the HAZ of laser-welded DP1180 joint

In-situ SEM can intuitively observe the changes in microstructure and microcrack initiation during the deformation process of the specimen.In this paper,the microstructural evolution,mechanical properties,and damage nucleation modes of DP1180 laser welded joints were systematically discussed by the trans-mission electron microscope(TEM),focused ion beam(FIB),and in-situ tensile test.The precipitation of carbides and disappearance of dislocations tangles deteriorated the mechanical properties of tempered martensite in the sub-critical heat affected zone(SCHAZ),which caused its microhardness slightly de-creased(∼27 HV)and also called the softened zone.The joints fractured in the SCHAZ during the tensile and Erichsen cupping tests and microcracks initiated from the tempered martensite,while the microc-rack initiation of base material(BM)occurred at the ferrite/martensite interface.The dominant damage nucleation mode of the joint was tempered martensite cracking,and that of BM was ferrite/martensite interface decohesion during tests.

Nucleation of earthquakes and its implication to precursors

The recent argument about nucleation phase of earthquakes reminds us to completely study the concept of earthquake nucleation. The original meaning of nucleation includes concentration, nucleation and initiation of the eruptive processes. Thus, it is needed to discuss how to exactly translate the word 'nucleation' into Chinese in different fields. The basic concept of earthquake nucleation refers to microcrack concentration in rock. It causes local weakening and instability of the rock. The narrow sense of nucleation theory of friction constitutive is significant in friction of fault surfaces, but should not abuse everywhere unconditionally. In terms of thermodynamics, nucleation actually means the variety processes of multiple state parameters of rock. The nucleation is a project that covers multiple courses. In this paper, the studies of damage theory, fracture, earthquake rupture dynamics and constitutive of friction and their implication to earthquake nucleation are remarked. The recently developments are introduced, including the influence of tectonic on the earthquake nucleation process, the method of measuring medium anisotropy, especially shear wave splitting led by concentration and orientation of microcracks. and the experimental study of remote sensing of infrared and microwave radiation related to the nucleation, etc. This paper also discusses the characteristic of large earthquake nucleation, and the implication of above studies to precursors of Strong earthquakes.