Unexpected EDS Results
Unexpected EDS Results
(OP)
I'm finishing a failure analysis on some broken 302 stainless springs that were used in an animal watering system. The springs were exposed to well water and had a nice uniform coating of rust. There was a prominent sulfur peak--this did not surprise me, as sulfur in well water is not unknown. What WAS a surprise were peaks for strontium and barium. I would be interested in your thoughts about possible sources of these two elements. They appear to be incidental, playing no role in the failure (which was fatigue).





RE: Unexpected EDS Results
RE: Unexpected EDS Results
RE: Unexpected EDS Results
BaS is nearly insoluble once formed.
Unless you see a lot of biofouling and micropitting I would say that they had no roll in the failure.
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Plymouth Tube
RE: Unexpected EDS Results
Maui
www.EngineeringMetallurgy.com
RE: Unexpected EDS Results
RE: Unexpected EDS Results
IIRC, the characteristic x-ray spectrum is not affected by isotopes, so EDS wouldn't tell you, other than being able to detect a beta emitter.
rp
RE: Unexpected EDS Results
www.EngineeringMetallurgy.com
RE: Unexpected EDS Results
One option is to view them with a microscope equipped to measure the optical properties such as index of refraction.
Another option is to weigh them, then was with various solutions (water, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and so on).
You can reference a mineralogical handbook for solubility of various compounds/phases.
As far as the failure goes I would be much more concerned about signs of corrosion than the actual surface films.
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Plymouth Tube
RE: Unexpected EDS Results