Fractuuroppervlak

Fractuuroppervlak is the surface left by a fracture in a solid material. It marks the boundary between the fractured portion and the remaining structure. In Dutch-language literature the term fractuuroppervlak is common; fractuuroppervlak is sometimes used as well. The analysis of fracture surfaces, or fractography, aims to determine how and why a component failed by inspecting surface features and patterns at micro- and macro-scales.

The appearance and features of a fractuuroppervlak depend on the fracture mode. Brittle fractures tend to produce flat, faceted surfaces with little plastic deformation, while ductile fractures show dimples, ligaments, and evidence of substantial plastic flow. Fatigue fractures may exhibit origin marks, striations, and beach marks indicating progressive crack growth. Corrosion-assisted fractures can show intergranular or transgranular attack and may display corrosion products along the fracture path. In polymers, crazing and fibrous remnants can dominate the surface.

Analysis methods for fractuuroppervlak include optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to characterize morphology, roughness, and feature size. Three-dimensional profilometry can map surface topography. Techniques such as electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) can relate fracture features to grain orientation, while energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) can identify surface composition.

Applications of fractuuroppervlak analysis include root-cause failure analysis, design improvement, material selection, and reliability assessment. It is widely used in engineering fields such as aerospace, automotive, civil engineering, and consumer products to understand failures and prevent recurrence.