Liquid metal embrittlement in solids

Liquid metal embrittlement phenomena in solid metals are widely represented under the processes of their deformation and fracture in surface active media. This overview covers the following topics related to LME effect. At first the thermodynamic approach would be discussed. Then we will analyze the results of the experiments with the most important constructive materials such as steels, iron, copper, aluminium and their alloys, transition and refractory metals. In every part firstly we will observe the experimental works of general character, and secondary the typical examples of positive and negative applications in mechanical engineering and in the processing industry will be examined. After that we shall discuss the influence of the structural and kinetic factors upon the typical forms and the intensity of the manifestation of LME-effect. Among the structural factors the linear and point defects, grain boundaries and impurities will be taken into account. The kinetic factors will include test temperature, stress state, velocity of deforming, time exposure, ets. Also the main micromechanisms, theoretical models and schemes of the LME-effect will be described briefly.