When a qualification test assembly is assessed by bend testing, what surface discontinuities constitute a failure in the bend specimen?

When a qualification test assembly is assessed by bend testing, what surface discontinuities constitute a failure in the bend specimen?

• A. Any Crack in the Bend Area
• B. Porosity Exceeding a Limit
• C. Lack of Fusion Only
• D. Excessive Undercut

Answer: (A)

Bend testing is about whether the weld can endure plastic deformation without cracking, showing the weld’s ductility and soundness under bending. If a crack appears in the bend area, it reveals that the weld cannot accommodate the bending stresses and is prone to fracture, which makes it an immediate failure in this test. Porosity, lack of fusion, or excessive undercut are surface flaws that may be assessed against stated limits, but they do not by themselves indicate failure in the bend test unless they meet specific defect criteria. The critical indicator here is any crack in the bend area, as that directly signals insufficient toughness and structural reliability under bend loading.

Bend testing is about whether the weld can endure plastic deformation without cracking, showing the weld’s ductility and soundness under bending. If a crack appears in the bend area, it reveals that the weld cannot accommodate the bending stresses and is prone to fracture, which makes it an immediate failure in this test.

Porosity, lack of fusion, or excessive undercut are surface flaws that may be assessed against stated limits, but they do not by themselves indicate failure in the bend test unless they meet specific defect criteria. The critical indicator here is any crack in the bend area, as that directly signals insufficient toughness and structural reliability under bend loading.