In rolled plate stock, which type of discontinuity may occur?

In rolled plate stock, inclusions are a common type of discontinuity that can occur. Inclusions are non-metallic particles or impurities that become trapped within the metal during the manufacturing process. They can originate from various sources, such as slag, dirt, or other contaminants that are mixed in with the molten metal. As the metal is processed, these impurities may not be fully removed, leading to defects within the finished product.

Inclusions can affect the mechanical properties and overall integrity of the rolled plate. For engineers and quality assurance professionals, identifying and assessing these types of discontinuities is critical because they can lead to unexpected failures in structural applications.

While shrinkage cracks, forging laps, and blow holes are also discontinuities that can affect metals, they are generally associated with different processes or conditions. Shrinkage cracks typically occur during the solidification of castings, forging laps are associated with improper forging techniques, and blow holes usually arise due to trapped gas in the molten metal during casting. Each of these types of discontinuities has a specific context and is more relevant to different manufacturing processes than to rolled plate stock.