Environmental sensitivity of structural metals: liquid metal embrittlement. Annual technical progress report No. 4, 1 Jun 1972--31 May 1973

The phenomenon of LME is being investigated on levels from the atomic through bulk specimen and structural properties, and is being considered from both experimental and theoretical viewpoints. The research is aimed at elucidating the three important aspects of LME, namely, the mechanism by which embrittlement takes place at a crack, or potential crack, site; the mechanism by which the embrittling species is transported to this site; and various metallurgical, physical, and mechanical factors which have a significant influence on the severity of the embrittlement. (GRA)