Fracture failure analysis and finite element assessment of bridge detection vehicle

Abstract Microstructures and mechanical properties of the fractured bridge detection vehicle are investigated by scanning electron microscopy, and tensile tests in this paper. The finite element analysis shows that the maximum stress which is close to the material yield limit is near the fracture position. When the frame platform of the bridge detection vehicle bears a large combined load, it will cause the crack to propagate from inside to outside gradually, and finally, lead to the fracture of the weld of the frame platform. Microstructures show that there are a lot of gas holes in the weld and a long unwelded zone with the exception of ferrite and pearlite. Moreover, the layout of the accident vehicle frame platform is unreasonable, and the design and layout of the weld seam make the flange and frame platform weld unable to provide enough bearing capacity, thus leaving potential security risks for the accident.