MECH 321

Practice question

March. 2012

These questions will be discussed on Friday March 9th and In-Tutorial Exercise will be on the March 23th.

Question 1
Calculate the fatigue crack propagation rate for a surface crack of length 2.0 mm when max =+150 MPa
and min = -50 MPa. The values for m and A are 3.0 and 1.8 x 10-7, respectively, for stress in MPa and
crack length in m, and which yields a crack propagation rate in mm/cycle. Assume that the dimensionless
parameter Y has a value of 1.5.
Question 2
Three identical fatigue specimens (denoted A, B, and C) are fabricated from a nonferrous alloy. Each is
subjected to one of the maximumminimum stress cycles listed in the following table; the frequency is
the same for all three tests.

(a) Rank the fatigue lifetimes of these three specimens from the longest to the shortest.
(b) Now justify this ranking using a schematic SN plot.
Question 3
Using Larson-Miller parameter, calculate the rupture time of an alloy at T1= 600 C and under a stress of
50 MPa. We know that at T2= 800 C and under the same stress ( = 50 MPa) the specimen undergoes
failure at 100 hours. Assume that the constant C in Larson-Miller parameter is equal to 20.

Question 4
Steady-state creep data taken for an iron at a stress level of 140MPa are given here:
(h-1)
6.6x 10-4
8.8x10-2

T (K)
1090
1200

If it is known that the value of stress exponent n for this alloy is 8.5, compute the steady-state creep rate at
1300 K and a stress level of 83 MPa.
1

Question 5
a) Briefly explain the difference between oxidation and reduction. Which reaction occurs at the anode and which at
the cathode?
b) Describe the phenomenon of passivity and give names of alloy that exhibit passivity.
c) Why does chromium in stainless make them more corrosion resistant in many environments than plain carbon
steels.
e) Suggest an appropriate material for each of the following applications, and, if necessary, recommend corrosion
prevention measures that should be taken. Justify your suggestions.
- Laboratory bottles to contain relatively dilute solutions of nitric acid
- Barrels to contains benzene
- Pipe to transport hot alkaline (basic) solutions
- Underground tanks to store large quantities of high-purity water
- Architectural trim for high-rise building

Question 6
(a) A brass-plumbing fitting produced from a Cu - 30% Zn alloy operates in hot water system of building.
After some period of use, cracking and leaking occur, although on visual examination no metal appears to
have been corroded. Offer an explanation for why the fitting failed.
(b) A steel nut is very securely tightened onto a bolt used in a marine environment. After several months,
the nut contains numerous cracks. Explain why cracking might have occurred.