Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM
Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM

Damage Investigation and Prevention

© Fraunhofer IWM
Leak, outside of the pipe.

Component damage typically results from the combined effects of the materials, the manufacturing process, and the operating conditions. To conduct a thorough root cause analysis, mechanical, thermal, corrosive, and tribological factors, as well as the influence of the operating medium and their interactions, must be analyzed. To prevent such damage in the long term, manufacturing defects must be eliminated, irregularities in the materials must be controlled, and, if necessary, the component design must be modified.

Examples of specific challenges we address in our projects:

  • Investigation of damage causes
  • Assessment of the susceptibility of materials to corrosion, fatigue, brittle fracture, …
  • Understanding corrosion mechanisms and selection of corrosion-resistant materials.
  • Identifying manufacturing defects and irregularities in materials
  • Determining the load limits of materials and components
  • Optimizing manufacturing processes to minimize defects

Damage Assessment and Prevention — Use Cases

We make materials predictable. In our application examples, we demonstrate how we work and how our various R&D services work together to create a comprehensive solution.

 

© Fraunhofer IWM

Understanding Corrosion Mechanisms in Molten Salts

Solar thermal power plants use molten salts as a medium for high-temperature storage and as heat transfer fluids. The materials used are subjected to complex and fluctuating mechanical, thermal, and chemical stresses that can lead to critical corrosion and degradation phenomena. To ensure reliable operation, the material’s resistance to these corrosion mechanisms in molten salts must be guaranteed. 

More
 

© Fraunhofer IWM

Damage Analysis of Heat Exchangers

Heat exchangers play a vital role in many products that are central to the energy transition, as they transfer heat from one substance to another. For example, they are found in exhaust gas/exhaust air heat recovery systems, in heat pumps (evaporators and condensers), and in storage boilers of solar thermal systems. Depending on the application, heat exchangers come into contact with various media (gaseous, liquid, and in some cases involving phase transitions).

More
 

© Fraunhofer IWM

Hydrogen-Induced Fractures in Bolts and Bolted Joints

In bolted joints using high-strength bolts (typically strength class 6.8 or higher), seemingly inexplicable, spontaneous fractures can occur, usually with a time delay — that is, not immediately after assembly, but during service. In such cases, hydrogen embrittlement is suspected as the cause of crack initiation, which ultimately leads to fracture. 

More