Short Transverse Direction
The through-thickness direction of rolled plate, where properties are lowest and most variable.
Rolled plate is anisotropic: longitudinal properties are best, long transverse lower, short transverse lowest. A fitting machined so its principal stress runs through the plate thickness relies on the weakest direction, which is why specifications state the test direction and why thick-plate orders should state the intended grain orientation.
Related terms
Where this applies
aerospace-plates
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