Metals are used after being conditioned (e.g. by heat treatment) so that they exhibit optimal properties at the time of initial use. At room temperature, properties do not change because atoms do not move, but at high temperatures, properties change because atoms difuse to an energetically stable state. This change is often inconvenient in use (for example, decreases in material strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance) and can cause accidents after long-term use. This property deterioration is called property (metallurgical) deterioration.
Countermeasures
After a certain period of use, it is necessary to perform the following inspections and evaluations to prevent fracture:
- Subcategory: Property deterioration
- Damage mode: Deterioration of Properties
- Inspection: Inspect based on the deterioration mechanism within each detail category.
- Evaluation: Evaluate based on the deterioration mechanism within each detail category.
- Actions: Establish criteria for repair, component replacement, material change, and conduct restorative heat treatment as necessary, depending on the assessment.