Cracking of a metal due to stress relaxation during PWHT or in service at elevated temperatures is called ______. It is most often found in heavy wall sections.

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Reheat cracking, also known as delayed cracking or stress relief cracking, is a type of cracking that occurs due to stress relaxation during post-weld heat treatment or service at elevated temperatures. It is commonly seen in heavy wall sections of steel structures, especially those that have been welded. Thermal cracking, on the other hand, refers to cracking that occurs due to rapid cooling or heating of metals, and step-like cracking is not a commonly recognized term in metallurgy.

Cracking of a Metal Due to Stress Relaxation During PWHT