Microstructural effects on the cleavage fracture stress of fully pearlitic eutectoid steel

The microstructural parameter(s) controlling the critical cleavage fracture stress, σ_F, of fully pearlitic eutectoid steel have been investigated. Independent variation of the pearlite interlamellar spacing,S _p, and the prior austenite grain size were accomplished through heat treatment. Critical cleavage fracture stresses were measured on bluntly-notched bend specimens tested over the temperature range -125 °C to 23 °C. The cleavage fracture stress increased with decreasingS _p, and was independent of prior austenite grain size. Fine pearlitic microstructures exhibited temperature, strain-rate, and notched-bar geometry independent values for σ_F, consistent with propagation-controlled cleavage fracture. Coarse pearlitic specimens exhibited temperature-dependent values for σ_F over a similar temperature range. Inclusion-initiated fractures were generally located at or beyond the location of the peak normal stress in the bend bar, while cracking associated with pearlite colonies was observed to be closer to the notch than the predicted peak stress location. The calculated values for σ_F were independent of both the type and location of initiation site(e. g., inclusion, pearlite colony). Thus, although inclusions may provide potent fracture initiation sites, their presence or absence does not necessarily change σ_F in fully pearlitic microstructures. formerly Graduate Student, Carnegie Mellon University     

The effect of morphology on the strength of pearlite

The effects of various morphological features on the strength of high-purity pearlite were studied. A continuous-cooling mode of transformation from different austenitizing temperatures was used to produce variations in average nodule diameter and minimum interlamellar spacing. It was found that, for a constant transformation temperature, nodule size was directly related to prior austenite grain size. On the other hand, minimum interlamellar spacing is controlled by transformation temperature, independent of prior austenite grain size and nodule size. Both the yield strength and fracture stress of pearlite was found to be inversely proportional to interlamellar spacing and independent of prior austenite grain size and nodule size.     

The effect of morphology on the strength of pearlite

The effects of various morphological features on the strength of high-purity pearlite were studied. A continuous-cooling mode of transformation from different austenitizing temperatures was used to produce variations in average nodule diameter and minimum interlamellar spacing. It was found that, for a constant transformation temperature, nodule size was directly related to prior austenite grain size. On the other hand, minimum interlamellar spacing is controlled by transformation temperature, independent of prior austenite grain size and nodule size. Both the yield strength and fracture stress of pearlite was found to be inversely proportional to interlamellar spacing and independent of prior austenite grain size and nodule size.     

微观组织对高速车轮钢解理断裂应力的影响

利用不同奥氏体化温度和冷却速率对碳质量分数为0.54%高速车轮钢进行热处理,得到具有不同晶粒尺寸和珠光体片间距微观组织的试样.在-120~20℃温度下对具有不同微观组织的拉伸试样和三点弯曲（3PB）缺口试样进行测试;采用二维平面应变有限元计算三点弯曲缺口试样缺口前的应力分布;利用扫描电镜对3PB试样断口进行观察并测量解理起裂源的位置;测定不同微观组织车轮钢试样的解理断裂应力.在扩展控制断裂机制下,微观组织对车轮钢的解理断裂应力具有明显影响,晶粒尺寸和珠光体片间距越小解理断裂应力越高.细化晶粒使未扩展微裂纹的特征长度减小,细化珠光体片间距有助于提高珠光体的有效表面能,从而使得解理断裂应力提高.      

Influence of microstructure on fatigue crack initiation in fully pearlitic steels

The effect of microstructure on the fatigue crack initiation of fully pearlitic steels was studied through independent variation of the prior austenite grain size, pearlite colony size, and the pearlite interlamellar spacing. Increasing yield strength (controlled by decreasing the pearlite interlamellar spacing) was seen to increase the smooth and notched-bar crack initiation endurance limit. Grain and colony size variations, at constant yield strength, were seen to exhibit no effect on crack initiation. Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed smooth-bar cracks to have initiated at surface inclusions. The influence of the pearlite interlamellar spacing, reflecting a change in the effective slip length, and the differences between notched and smooth-bar fatigue specimens for studying the effects of microstructure on crack initiation are discussed. Formerly with Carnegie-Mellon University     

Effects of the prior austenite grain size on the ductility of fully pearlitic eutectoid steel

The role of large prior austenite grain sizes in promoting low ductility of fully pearlitic eutectoid steels has been investigated. Independent variation of the pearlite interlamellar spacing,S _p, and the prior austenite grain size enabled determination of the microstructural feature controlling ductility in these steels. Tests on a variety of specimens over the temperature range —196 °C to 310 °C showed that specimens heat treated to contain a large prior austenite grain size consistently exhibited lower fracture strains (i.e., ductility), regardless of the type of fracture present, than did fine grained specimens. It appears that the prior austenite grain size controls ductility through its influence prior to catastrophic failure. Formerly Graduate Student, Carnegie-Mellon University     

Influence of microstructure on fatigue behavior and surface fatigue crack growth of fully pearlitic steels

This work examined the influence of microstructure on the surface fatigue crack propagation behavior of pearlitic steels. In addition to endurance limit or S(stress amplitude)-N(life) tests, measurements of crack initiation and growth rates of surface cracks were conducted on hourglass specimens at 10 Hz and with aR ratio of 0.1. The microstructures of the two steels used in this work were characterized as to prior austenite grain size and pearlite spacing. The endurance tests showed that the fatigue strength was inversely proportional to yield strength. In crack growth, cracks favorably oriented to the load axis were nucleated (stage I) with a crack length of about one grain diameter. Those cracks grew at low ΔK values, with a relatively high propagation rate which decreased as the crack became longer. After passing a minimum, the crack growth rate increased again as cracks entered stage II. Many of the cracks stopped growing in the transition stage between stages I and II. Microstructure influenced crack propagation rate; the rate was faster for microstructures with coarse lamellar spacing than for microstructures with fine lamellar spacing, although changing the prior austenite grain size from 30 to 130 jμm had no significant influence on crack growth rate. The best combination of resistance to crack initiation and growth of short cracks was exhibited by microstructures with both a fine prior austenite grain size and a fine lamellar spacing. Formerly with Carnegie Mellon University     

The process of crack initiation and effective grain size for cleavage fracture in pearlitic eutectoid steel

The process of cleavage crack initiation and the character of the effective grain size which controls the fracture toughness of pearlitic eutectoid steel has been investigated using smooth tensile and precracked Charpy impact specimens. The results demonstrated that initial cracking in both specimens was largely the result of shear cracking of pearlite;i.e., localized slip bands in ferrite promoted cracking of the cementite plates, which was then followed by tearing of the adjacent ferrite laths. Such behavior initially results in a fibrous crack. In the tensile specimen, the initiation site was identified as a fibrous region which grew under the applied stress, eventually initiating an unstable cleavage crack. In precracked impact specimens, this critical crack size was much smaller due to the high state of stress near the precrack tip. Fracture mechanics analysis showed that the first one or two dimples formed by the shear cracking process can initiate a cleavage crack. Using thin foil transmission electron microscopy, a cleavage facet was found to be an orientation unit where the ferrites (and the cementites) of contiguous colonies share a common orientation. The size of this orientation unit, which is equal to the cleavage facet size, is controlled by the prior austenite grain size. The influence of austenite grain size on toughness is thus explained by the fact that the austenite grain structure can control the resultant orientation of ferrite and cementite in pearlitic structures. Y.J. PARK, formerly with Carnegie-Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA.     

Roughness-Induced Crack Closure: An Explanation for Microstructurally Sensitive Fatigue Crack Growth

The concept of roughness-induced crack closure is utilized to explain the role of prior austenite grain size and pearlite interlamellar spacing on near-threshold fatigue crack propagation in fully pearlitic eutectoid steel tested at low and high stress ratio in lab air and purified helium. It is shown that at low load ratios, near-threshold growth rates are significantly reduced for coarse-grained microstructures, compared to fine-grained at constant yield strength, due to roughness-induced crack closure. Using roughness-profile microscopy, it was found that fracture surface roughness near threshold scaled with grain size and inversely with yield strength, macroscopic roughnesses at threshold being considerably larger than the conventionally calculated cyclic crack tip opening displacement. Auger analysis of near-threshold corrosion products showed it to be iron oxide; the oxide thickness was seen to be decreased by increased stress ratio. The significance of this model to near-threshold fatigue crack growth behavior, in terms of load ratio, microstructure, and environment is discussed. Formerly with Carnegie-Mellon University.     

The effect of alloying elements and microstructure on the strength and fracture resistance of pearlitic steel

The processes of ductile and brittle fracture in fully pearlitic steel and their relation to both the scale of the microstructure and the presence of substitutional alloy elements have been investigated at room temperature using smooth tensile and over a range of temperatures using V-notched Charpy impact specimens. The results show that the early stages of cracking, revealed in both types of specimen, are largely the result of shear cracking of the pearlite lamellae. These cracks grow and can reach a size when they impinge upon the prior austenite boundary; afterward the character of fracture can be either microvoid coalescence or cleavage, depending on test conditions and metallurgical variables. Further, the carbide plates of the pearlite lamellae can act as barriers to the movement of dislocations as is the case normally with grain boundaries. For pearlite an optimum spacing of approximately 0.2 μm resulting from a balance between carbide plate thickness and interlamellar spacing was found to enhance toughness, although such changes are much smaller than corresponding changes due to varying alloy elements. Specific alloy elements used herein strengthened the lamellar ferrite in pearlite, inhibiting the movement of dislocations while also usually decreasing the lamellar cementite plate thickness for the same spacing. This dual behavior results in enhanced resistance to the initiation and propagation of microcracks leading to an improvement in strength, ductility, and toughness. The most effective alloy elements for the composition ranges studied in fully pearlitic steels are Si and Ni for strength improvement, and Ni and Mn for toughness.     

Microstructure property relationships and hydrogen effects in a particulate-reinforced aluminum composite

The relationship between the composite microstructure and tensile behavior of a 2124-SiC_P powder-formed composite was the subject of the present investigation. In particular, emphasis was placed on the role of the composite microstructure in determining the operative fracture processes. The susceptibility of the composite to hydrogen embrittlement was examined using straining electrode tests which involved simultaneous specimen straining and cathodic hydrogen charging. The behavior of the composite was compared to that reported for an unreinforced 2124 alloy. C.P. YOU, formerly Postdoctoral Associate, Carnegie Mellon University, CA. M. DOLLAR, formerly with Carnegie Mellon University. I.M. BERNSTEIN, formerly with Carnegie Mellon University 2450.     

Reheating Austenitizing Temperature of Spring Steel 60Si2MnA for Railway

The microsturctural transformation of austenite grain, pearlite interlamellar spacing, and lamellar cement ite thickness of spring steel 60Si2MnA for railway were studied in the hot-rolled and reheated states. Furthermore, the effect of microstructural characterization on its final mechanical properties was discussed. The results showed that as far as 60Si2MnA, the pearlite interlamellar spacing determined the hardness, whereas, the austenite grain determined the toughness. Compared with microstructure and mechanical properties in the hot rolled state, after reheating treatment at 950 ℃, its average grain sizes are apparently fine and the pearlite interlamellar spacing and lamellar cementite thickness coarsen to some extent, but both hardness and impact toughness increase to HRC 48 and 8.5 J, respectively. In the course of making spring, the optimum reheating austenitizing temperature for the 60Si2MnA steel is 950 ℃.     

Ductile fracture processes in 7075 aluminum

The ductile fracture of 7075 aluminum was examined as a function of aging condition, from underaged to overaged. Notched specimens allowed the triaxiality of stress to be varied. In-creasing triaxiality, which was due to increasing notch acuity, decreased ductility and increased nucleation of voids, in accord with expectations from ductile fracture models. Overaged ma-terial, which is generally resistant to environmental damage, was not susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement even with high triaxiality, but void sizes were increased by hydrogen. That in-crease suggested that void growth rates may be assisted by hydrogen in overaged 7075 aluminum. Formerly with Carnegie Mellon University. Formerly with Carnegie Mellon. University Formerly with Carnegie Mellon University.     

轧后热处理温度对热轧钢轨组织和性能的影响

 通过在Gleeble-1500热模拟试验机上对珠光体钢轨的轧后热处理模拟试验,研究了热轧后不同加热温度进行奥氏体化后,同一等温温度下得到的珠光体轨钢的显微组织和力学性能。试验结果表明：与热轧态相比,热处理后的钢轨钢在保持硬度稳定的基础上,冲击韧性随着奥氏体化温度降低得到明显改善。观察轧后热处理钢轨的组织,从原始奥氏体晶粒尺寸、相变后珠光体组织中珠光体域的尺寸和珠光体片层间距大小等方面,对轧后热处理温度对热轧钢轨性能的影响规律和原因进行了分析,阐明了轧后热处理温度对于控制珠光体钢轨的组织和性能的影响作用。     

Effect of Prior Austenite Grain Size on Pearlite Transformation in a Hypoeuctectoid Fe-C-Mn Steel

The aim of this work is to evaluate the influence of the prior austenite grain size (AGS) on the austenite-to-pearlite isothermal decomposition in a Fe-C-Mn hypoeutectoid steel. Due to the strong influence, grain boundaries have on pearlite transformation kinetics, morphological aspects of pearlite from two conditions with very different AGS were studied and characterized. Results allow us to conclude that the formation of pearlite and ferrite are favored for small AGS values, whereas a larger AGS led to an increase in the total amount of pearlite volume fraction. Furthermore, the average size of pearlitic colonies increased with increasing AGS, and it appears that the interlamellar spacing of the pearlite does not depend on AGS, but instead, is controlled by the isothermal decomposition temperature. Finally, it was observed that the ratio between lamellar thickness of ferrite and cementite depended on AGS.     

形变对共析钢连续冷却过程中珠光体相变的影响

摘要：为掌握形变对共析钢连续冷却过程中珠光体相变的影响,研究了共析钢在720～920℃温度范围内进行形变后,在连续冷却过程中奥氏体向珠光体相变的规律,建立了相变时的过冷度和珠光体片层间距的相互关系,并预测了试验钢的力学性能。结果表明：形变储存能促进共析钢在50℃/s高冷速下发生珠光体相变,形成片层间距为129～187 nm的超细片层珠光体,抗拉强度达到近1000MPa,且随着形变温度提高,形变储存能减小,珠光体相变温度降低,珠光体片层间距减小,屈服强度和抗拉强度提高。     

Pearlite spheroidization by thermomechanical treatment of directly charged thin slabs

Considering coarse initial austenite grain and the reduced thickness of directly charged thin slabs, a modified thermomechanical treatment was carried out on an unalloyed engineering steel with 0.66% C. For the laboratory simulation to determine the microstructural and mechanical properties a continuous casting simulator linked with the hot deformation simulator (Wumsi) were used. The aim of these tests was to study the process of the strain induced spheroidization of lamellar pearlite in order to improve the cold deformability of the steel, taking account of the particular conditions of direct charging. By the Variation of hot rolling deformation schedules, the influence of austenite grain size, pearlite interlamellar spacing as well as strain and strain temperature were investigated. The spheroidization process was mostly influenced by the strain applied just after finished pearlite transformation. Improving both strength and ductility by increasing fraction of spheroidized pearlite was supported by a smaller pearlite interlamellar spacing before deformation. A coarse austenite grain hardly affects the spheroidization process and brings about no impairment of mechanical properties, which makes this processing particularly attractive for direct charging of thin slabs. Moreover, a finely spheroidized pearlite exerts structural similarities to a tempered martensite, concerning distribution, shape and size of the cementite, accordingly leading to comparable mechanical properties. This justifies such modified hot rolling to be accepted as a potential substitution for the conventional post-rolling quench and tempering of high carbon steel products.     

Creep behavior of Ti-25Al-10Nb-3V-1Mo

A study has been made of the role of microstracture in room-temperature tensile properties as well as elevated-temperature creep behavior of an advanced Ti₃Al-base alloy, Ti-25Al-10Nb-3V-lMo (atomic percent). Creep studies have been performed on this alloy as a function of stress and temperature between 650 °C and 870 °C, since the use of conventional titanium alloys has generally been restricted to temperatures below 600 °C. A pronounced influence of microstructure on creep resistance was found. Generally, the β solution-treated colony-type (slow-cooled or SC) microstructure showed superior creep resistance. This improved creep resistance in β/SC is accompanied by lower room-temperature tensile strength and ductility. Study of the stress dependence of steady-state creep rate indicates that increasing temperature caused a gradual decrease in the stress exponentn and a transition in creep mechanism at 870 °C, depending on applied stress level. Transmission electron microscopy observations of deformed dislocation structures developed during steady-state creep and room-temperature tensile tests, as well as the corresponding fracture modes, were used to interpret properties as a function of temperature. Finally, creep behavior of the present Ti₃Al alloy was found to be superior to that of conventional near-α titanium alloys. WONSUK CHO, formerly with Carnegie Mellon University, is Senior Research Staff Member, Kia Technical Center, Yeoeuido, P.O. Box 560, Seoul, Korea. JAMES WILLIAMS, formerly Dean of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University.     

Pearlite in ultrahigh carbon steels: Heat treatments and mechanical properties

Two ultrahigh carbon steel (UHCS) alloys containing 1.5 and 1.8 wt pct carbon, respectively, were studied. These materials were processed into fully spheroidized microstructures and were then given heat treatments to form pearlite. The mechanical properties of the heat-treated materials were evaluated by tension tests at room temperature. Use of the hypereutectoid austenite-cementite to pearlite transformation enabled achievement of pearlitic microstructures with various interlamellar spacings. The yield strengths of the pearlitic steels are found to correlate with a predictive relation based on interlamellar spacing and pearlite colony size. Decreasing the pearlite interlamellar spacing increases the yield strength and the ultimate strength and decreases the tensile ductility. It is shown that solid solution alloying strongly influences the strength of pearlitic steels.     

Unidirectional transformation of Fe-0.8C-Co alloys: Part I. Process per structure relationships and the significance of pearlite interlamellar spacing measurements

Fe-0.8C-Co alloys have been unidirectionally transformed by translation through a temperature gradient which establishes a single interface between the austenite and pearlite phases. A comparison between the temperature gradient calculated to maintain a single planar interface by preventing nucleation ahead of the interface and that actually required in the experiment led to the conclusion that the temperature gradient must retard the nucleation of pearlite. The relationship between interface morphology and the resultant pearlitic microstructure was examined, and comparisons made with more familiar pearlite structures produced by conventional isothermal heat treatments. The degree of alignment of the pearlite lamellae was analyzed metallographically and found to be predominantly within 12 deg of the growth direction. A detailed analysis of interlamellar spacing measurements as a function of growth velocity established that pearlite can possess a wide range of interlamellar spacings at any constant growth velocity and that this range seems to be dependent on growth velocity. B. G. MELLOR, formerly Research Student, Department of Metallurgy and Materials Science, University of Cambridge, U. K., is now