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Failure Analysis of a Steel Motorcycle Kickstand

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Abstract

A fractured steel motorcycle kickstand was metallurgically investigated using a range of failure analysis tools [visual examination, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, electron microprobe analysis (EPMA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fractography, optical microscopy, hardness testing and non-destructive testing (NDT)]. The steel kickstand’s composition, its microstructure, electron fractographs, and mechanical test results have been critically interpreted. Some evidence of wear damage, in the failed kickstand, was observed. The microstructural and fractographic analyses showed pre-existing micro-cracks which were believed to have grown to result in ductile failure followed by acceleration of corrosion. Recommendations have been made to avoid the failure of the motorcycle kickstand.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Malaya (UM) to allow Metallurgy Lab and SEM facilities. The permission to use EPMA/SEM granted by Geology Department of UM is also acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Zainul Huda & Koh Wen Shi

  2. Experimental Techniques Centre, Brunel University of West London, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, UK

    Robert Bulpett

Authors
  1. Zainul Huda
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  2. Koh Wen Shi
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  3. Robert Bulpett
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Correspondence to Zainul Huda.

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Huda, Z., Shi, K.W. & Bulpett, R. Failure Analysis of a Steel Motorcycle Kickstand. J Fail. Anal. and Preven. 9, 305–309 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11668-009-9260-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11668-009-9260-z

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