Analysis of crystallographic orientation and crack behavior in armor wire with spheroidized pearlite: Simulation and modeling with linear elastic fracture mechanics

Abstract

This study investigates crack propagation in a pearlitic armor flexible riser subjected to CO2-rich marine environments, employing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD), and Finite Element Modeling (FEM). A gradient in mechanical properties across the material's depth reveals a balance between surface strength and inner shear stress resistance, transitioning from γ-fiber and (001) texture at the surface to {110〈uvw〉 texture deeper. Our study revealed that Mode I (KI) fracture predominantly influences the failure, emphasizing the critical role of tensile stress in crack resistance. Analysis shows that crack growth is most susceptible at the midsection pit (z/a = 0), with pit size significantly affecting stress intensity. The study highlights the importance of material processing and microstructural orientation in determining mechanical properties, contributing to the development of robust materials for challenging marine applications.