Investigations into the mechanical behaviour of grey cast iron

Cast iron is known to be a material which displaysan unconventional behaviour i.e. a behaviour not commonlyseen in other metals. This is usually attributed to itsinhomogeneous structure due to the presence of graphitein free and/or coopound state in a steel-like matrix.Although basic mechanical properties of cast ironare known, the actual behaviour and failure mechanisms,on both experimental and theoretical levels are stilllack further intensive investigations. In an endeavourtowards better understanding of failure mechanics ofcast iron, it has been herein decided, to study experi-mentally, the behaviour characteristics of grey castiroL under direct stresses; namely: tension, compression,also under bending and combined normal stresses.Moreover, special test procedures have been develo-ped to examine the fracture of plain and notched specimensof cast i~on. These have been planned to assess thefracture behaviour of grey cast iron when subjected todifferent modes of direct loads; fracture modes have beenanalysed theoretically adopting the Griffith approach.strength in compression far greaia situation which led to a at re ssa bending test describing non- Ijwi th the neutral axis departing jtowards the compression side. MEcast iron also confirm that f a i Liini tiation due to induced t ensf.Irflaw. In case of tensile load~to give a separation fracture onin compression the crack ceases .movement occurs to cause f rac turtUnder bending conditions, the crited at the tension side and its’d ependerrt on the magnitude and dlbending stress which determines’cast iron component.Present investigations conclude and confirm thatgrey cast iron represents a typical brittle material with)