Which type of crack is most likely to be associated with improper cooling rates?

The type of crack most often associated with improper cooling rates is a transverse crack. Transverse cracks typically occur as a result of thermal stresses developed during the cooling of materials. When a material cools too quickly, differential thermal contraction can lead to tension, causing the material to crack transversely to the direction of the cooling.

In contrast, longitudinal cracks are generally related to tensile stresses rather than cooling processes, while shrinkage cracks are primarily due to the drying process, often seen in concrete as it cures. Crater cracks are less common and often arise from specific failure mechanisms in different materials or operational conditions rather than directly from cooling rates. Therefore, transverse cracks are the most significant indicator of thermal stress induced by improper cooling time or rates.