The effect of non-metallic inclusions on the mechanical properties of 32 CDV 13 steel and their mechanical stress analysis by numerical simulation

•The fracture behavior of the 32 CDV 13 steel was studied for different inclusion level.•The toughness was increased for the steel with the lowest inclusion level.•The inclusion level directly impacts the formation of brittle and ductile fracture.•The inclusion type determined in SEM analysis was analyzed numerically.•The inclusions presented in the three steels act like stress concentrator.