Three-dimensional fractal analysis of fracture surfaces in a titanium alloy for biomedical applications

The purpose of this study was to establish relationships between the tensile properties and fractal dimension of the fracture surfaces of Ti-6Al-4V extra-low interstitial alloy using scanning electron microscopy stereoscopy coupled with three-dimensional surface measurements. The fractal dimension was observed to be proportional to the fracture surface roughness. Both yield strength and ultimate tensile strength decreased, while ductility increased with increasing fractal dimension due to the change in the fracture mode depending on the microstructure induced by the heat treatment. (C) 2008 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.