The effect of austenitizing temperature on the fracture initiation toughness of As- quenched hp9- 4- 20 steel

The mechanical properties of a heat of HP9-4-20 steel in the as-quenched condition have been determined as a function of austenitizing temperature. The mechanical properties determined included smooth axisymmetric and plane strain tensile properties, the Charpy impact energy, and the fracture initiation toughness. Austenitizing temperatures of 840 °, 1050 °, and 1200 ° were utilized. The effects of austenitizing temperature on the characteristics of the primary and secondary particle distributions and on other microstructural features were quantified. For this material the results suggested that the increased fracture toughness resulting from higher austenitizing temperatures was due to both an increase in the primary particle spacing and to increased resistance to void sheet formation. The increased resistance to void sheet resistance is attributed to changes in the characteristics of the secondary particle distributions.     

The effect of retained austenite on the fracture toughness of high-speed steels

The aim of this work was to find the quantitative dependences between fracture toughness K_lc and the volume fraction of retained austenite in the matrix of quenched high-speed steels. The tests were carried out on three model alloys of a different content quotient of Mo: W which, after quenching, were gradually supercooled up to ? 196°C and then tempered at 450°C. Also the measurements of the content of retained austenite in the vicinity of the surface of a sample fracture were carried out. It was determined that after tempering at 450°C the fracture toughness of the matrix of high-speed steels is directly proportional to the content of retained austenite in it. Every 1 % by volume of retained austenite increases the fracture toughness K_lc of the matrix by about 5%, despite the fact that most probably it is completely transformed into fresh martensite in front of a propagating crack. Higher fracture toughness of the matrix of high-speed steels rich in molybdenum should be explained exlusively by a larger content of retained austenite. Transformations in the martensitic part of the matrix of the alloys richer in molybdenum clearly reduce the advantageous effect of retained austenite on this steel feature.     

Effect of molybdenum on the fracture toughness of high-speed steel quenched matrix

Differences in the fracture toughness K_lc and bending strength of the model alloys imitating by their chemical composition the matrixes of quenched high-speed steels of various Mo:W relations. The relationship of the thoughness and kinetics of the carbides precipitation at tempering. Quantitative estimation of the toughness increase caused by the substitution of tungsten by molybdenum.     

The effect of low-temperature coagulation of carbides on fracture toughness of high-speed steels

It was observed that scratches on the surface of high-speed steel tools constitute the more probable crack nucleus than fractured carbides. The undissolved carbides, however, affect strongly the process of crack development. It was proved that a decrease in the dispersion degree of carbides undissolved in high-speed steels leads to the growth of fracture toughness. During low-temperature coagulation, however, there are changes in the chemical composition of carbides which alter their stability during austenitizing.     

Correlation of microstructure and fracture toughness in three high-speed steel rolls

The objective of this study is to clarify the fracture characteristics of high-speed steel (HSS) rolls in terms of microstructural factors such as matrix phase and primary carbide particles. Three HSS rolls with different chromium contents were fabricated by centrifugal casting, and the effect of the chromium addition was investigated through microstructural analysis, fracture-mechanism study, and toughness measurement. The hard and brittle primary carbides, as well as the eutectic carbides (ledeburites), were segregated in the intercellular regions and dominated overall properties. Observation of the fracture process revealed that these primary carbides cleaved first to form microcracks at low stress-intensity factor levels and that the microcracks then readily propagated along the intercellular networks. The addition of chromium to a certain level yielded microstructural modification, including the homogeneous distribution of primary carbides, thereby leading to enhancement of fracture toughness of the HSS rolls.     

The effect of step quenching on the microstructure and fracture toughness of aisi 4340 steel

The microstructure and fracture toughness of AISI 4340 steel in the direct and in the step quenched and tempered condition has been studied. Austenitizing temperatures of 1473 K followed by step quenching to either 1373 or 1143 K prior to oil quenching have been employed. A consistent drop in the fracture toughness values was observed as the intermediate holding temperature decreased or the holding time at this temperature in-creased. A concurrent increase in the amount of twinning was seen without any change in the amount and/or distribution of retained austenite. While direct evidence for segre-gation has not been found, the observed facts are consistent with segregation effects during the austenitizing treatment.     

The effect of rolling at different temperatures on the fracture toughness anisotropy of a C-Mn structural steel

Abstract

The toughness of rolled plates of a plain C-Mn steel was evaluated for three sections, at different temperatures, by means of small-scale Wedge Open Loading (WOL) specimens. These were machined to orient the fracture plane parallel to the rolling plane, the transverse plane or the longitudinal plane which, according to the ASTM Standards code (12) are termed the S-L, the L-T and the T-L orientations, respectively. In addition, small tensile specimens having the tensile axis perpendicular to the rolling plane were tested at different temperatures.

The plates had been soaked at various temperatures between 1200°C and 680°C (finishing temperatures ～980°C to ～680°C) and then continuously rolled to the final thickness of 3/4-in. (10). The observed toughness depended on finishing temperature and also on specimen orientation; the S-L orientation being the least and the L-T orientation the most tough in any given plate. Brittle fractures were observed on the rolling-plane (S-L orientation) of WOL specimens made from. plates that had been soaked at temperatures ≤800°C (finishing temperatures ≤760°C) and these were attributed to the microstructure and texture. Scanning electron micrographs disclosed that elongated MnS inclusions were principally responsible for the fracture toughness anisotropy for higher soaking and finishing temperatures.

Résumé

La résistance de plaques laminées d'un acier au carbone et manganèse fut évaluée à differentes températures, selon les trois orientations possibles du plan de rupture par rapport au plan de laminage. Les éprouvettes ont été usinées conformément à une homothétie: reduite de la géométrie WOL (wedge open loading) et de sorte que le plan de rupture soit parallèle au plan de laminage, au plan transversal ou au plan longitudinal Ces orientations sont appelées S-L, L-T, et T-L respectivement, suivant les normes de l'ASTM (12). De plus, de petites éprouvettes de traction dont les axes de traction sont perpendiculaires au plan de laminage, furent expérimentées a differentes températures.

Les plaques ont été maintenues à differentes températures entre 1200°C et 680°C (températures finales de 980°C a 680°C), puis laminées en continue jusqu'à une épaisseur finale de 3/4 po. (10). On trouve que la resilience observee depend de la température finale et de 1'orientation de l'eprouvette. L'orientation S-L a été la moins résiliente tandis que 1'orientation L-T a été la plus résiliente de toutes les plaques expérimentées. Des cas de rupture fragile ont été observés sur le plan de laminage (orientation S-L) d' éprouvettes WOL obtenues de plaques ayant été maintenues à des températures ≤ 800°C (températures finales ≤760°C), et ceux-ci sont attribués à la microstructure et la tex ture du rnateriau. Des micrographics obtenues du microscope électronique a balayage révélèrent que des inclusions allongées de MnS étaient en grande partie responsables de l'anisotropie de la résistance a la rupture pour de plus hautes températures de maintien et températures finales.     

The effects of surface hardening on fracture toughness of carburized steel

This research program was carried out to evaluate the effects of surface hardening on the fracture toughness of carburized steel. The materials AISI 8620 steel was machined into compact-tension (CT) specimens. The specimens were pack carburized at 930°C (1706°F) for different periods of time, cooled to ambient temperature and subsequently tempered at various temperatures for one hour. The fractured specimens were examined by hardness tests, metallography, X-ray diffraction analysis for retained austenite in the case, and scanning electron microscope fractographic analysis of the fracture surfaces. The experimental results revealed that theKIC values of the carburized, AISI 8620 steels were improved by the increase in case depth. Martensitic/tempered-martensitic structure in the case was the major constituent contributing to the improved toughness. The amount of retained austenite at the case increased as the thickness of the hardened layer increased. But retained austenite as well as large grain size were found to have adverse effects on fracture toughness of the carburized steel. The tempering temperature of 500°C (932°F) provided maximumKIC values. Higher tempering temperatures resulted in sharp decrease of fracture, toughness values. W{upeio}-Y{upoue} H{upo}, formerly a Graduate Student, in the Department of Materials Engineering Tatung Institute of Technology, is in compulsory 0 ROTC military service of Republic of China.     

The effect of austenitizing temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of as-quenched 4340 steel

The effect of austenitizing temperature on both the plane strain fracture toughness,K _IC , and the microstructure of AISI 4340 was studied. Austenitizing temperatures of 870 and 1200°C were employed. All specimens austenitized at 1200°C were furnace cooled from the higher austenitizing temperature and then oil quenched from 870°C. Transmission electron microscopy revealed an apparent large increase in the amount of retained austen-ite present in the specimens austenitized at the higher temperature. Austenitizing at 870°C resulted in virtually no retained austenite; only minor amounts were found sparsely scat-tered in those areas examined. A considerably altered microstructure was observed in specimens austenitized at 1200°C. Fairly continuous 100 to 200Å thick films of retained austenite were observed between the martensite laths throughout most of the area exam-ined. Additionally, specimens austenitized at 870°C contained twinned martensite plates while those austenitized at 1200°C showed no twinning. Plane strain fracture toughness measurements exhibited an approximate 80 pct increase in toughness for specimens austen-itized at 1200°C compared to those austenitized at 870°C. The yield strength was unaffected by austenitizing temperature. The possible role of retained austenite and the elimination of twinned martensite in the enhancement of the fracture toughness of those specimens austen-itized at the higher temperature will be discussed.     

Effects of alloying elements on microstructure,hardness, and fracture toughness of centrifugally cast high-speed steel rolls

A study was made of the effects of alloying elements on the microstructure, hardness, and fracture toughness of centrifugally cast high-speed steel (HSS) rolls. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of hard carbides located along solidification cell boundaries and the type of the tempered martensitic matrix. Microstructural observation, X-ray diffraction analysis, hardness and fracture-toughness measurements, and fractographic observations were conducted on the rolls. The constitution and morphology of carbides observed within the intercellular boundaries varied depending upon the predominant alloying elements that comprised them. These massive carbide formations strongly influenced the bulk material hardness and fracture toughness due to their high hardness. The effects of alloying elements were analyzed on the basis of the liquidus-surface diagram which and indicated that the proper contents of the carbon equivalent (CE), tungsten equivalent, and vanadium were 1.9 to 2.0, 10 to 11, and 5 to 6 pct, respectively. The roll material, containing a small amount of intercellular carbides and lath-type tempered martensitic matrix, had excellent fracture toughness, since carbides were well spaced. Therefore, it was suggested that the optimization of alloying elements was required to achieve the homogeneous distribution of carbides.     

The effect of double austenitization on the microstructure and fracture toughness of AISI M2 high speed steel

In this study, the effect of double austenitization on microstructure and toughness of AISI M2 high speed steel was investigated. For double austenitization treatment, the specimens, which are hardened initially at 1220°C and quenched in air, were hardened for a second time in the temperature range 1150 – 1050°C. For comparison purposes, another set of specimens is austenitized singly in the temperature range 1150 – 1050°C. Tempering process was carried out between 500 – 640°C. A double austenitization causes a fine carbide precipitation in the matrix, having sizes in the range of 0.10 ± 0.05 μm and volume fractions of between 1 and 6%. It is shown that a double austenitization treatment causes a decrease in fracture toughness (K_Ic), when compared with single austenitized ones. The reason for the lower K_Ic values of double austenitized specimens are attributed to these fine carbide precipitates: It is suggested that they limit the plastic deformation capability of the matrix and yield lower fracture toughness values.     

The effect of molybdenum upon the transformations in the matrix of high-speed steels during austenitizing and quenching

Analysis of the transformations during austenitizing and quenching on model alloys imitating, by means of chemical composition, the matrices of the quenched high-speed steels of various relations Mo/W. Analysis of the volume percentage of carbides, grain size, the temperature of the beginning of partial meltings and retained austenite. Results of the model alloy tests in comparison with the high-speed steels of the 18-0-1 and 6-5-2 types.     

The dependence of the fracture toughness of mi steel on temperature and crack velocity

The dependence of the dynamic plane-strain fracture toughness,K _Id, on temperature and crack velocity was measured for propagating cracks in 1020 steel. The dynamics of crack propagation in double-cantilevered specimens was recorded using electroresistivity techniques. The fracture surface energy was found by comparing the crack propagation to solutions of crack motion in wedged-open cantilevered specimens. The_KId behavior was investigated over a range of temperatures from —196° to —50°C and crack velocities of 3 × 10^-3 to 5 × 10^-2 of √E/p. The rate and temperature dependence ofK _Id over the range ofT and υ_c investigated is well described by:1/K _ld ²= υ₀ are experimental constants. A dynamic value ofK _Id was 70 pct ofK _Ic at the same temperature, although in the temperature and crack velocity range investigated the specific fracture surface energy varies by a factor of 6. The temperatureT _T =B/A in(υ _o/υ_c) for which1/K _Id ² = 0 is similar to Charpy impact transition temperature values whenυ _c = 3 × 10^-3√.E/p. If the plane-strain stress condition could be maintained, thenT _T would define a brittle-ductile transition temperature for dynamic plane-strain fracture toughness. The constantsA andB are interpreted by understanding the plastic energy dissipated by a moving crack. Formerly with Brown University, Providence, R. I.     

The effect of hydrogen on the fracture toughness of alloy X-750

The effect of hydrogen on the fracture toughness behavior of a nickel-base superalloy, Alloy X-750, in the solutionized and aged condition was investigated. Notched bend specimens were tested to determine if the fracture process was stress or strain controlled. The fracture was observed to initiate at a distance between the location of maximum stress and maximum strain, suggesting that fracture required both a critical stress and strain. The effect of hydrogen was further investigated and modeled using fracture toughness testing and fractographic examination. The fracture toughness of the non-charged specimen was 147 . Charging with hydrogen decreased the fracture toughness, K _lc, to 52 at a rapid loading rate and further decreased the toughness to 42 for a slow loading rate. This is consistent with the rate-limiting step forthe embrittlement process being hydrogen diffusion. The fracture morphology for the hydrogen-charged specimens was intergranular ductile dimple, while the fracture morphology of noncharged specimens was a mixture of large transgranular dimples and fine intergranular dimples. The intergranular failure mechanism in Alloy X-750 was a microvoid initiation process at grain boundary carbides followed by void growth and coalescence. One role of hydrogen was to reduce the void initiation strain for the fine intergranular carbides. Hydrogen may have also increased the rate of void growth. The conditions ahead of a crack satisfy the critical stress criterion at a much lower applied stress intensity factor than for the critical fracture strain criterion. A model based on a critical fracture strain criterion is shown to predict the fracture behavior.     

The effect of hydrogen on the fracture toughness of alloy X-750

The effect of hydrogen on the fracture toughness behavior of a nickel-base superalloy, Alloy X-750, in the solutionized and aged condition was investigated. Notched bend specimens were tested to determine if the fracture process was stress or strain controlled. The fracture was observed to initiate at a distance between the location of maximum stress and maximum strain, suggesting that fracture required both a critical stress and strain. The effect of hydrogen was further investigated and modeled using fracture toughness testing and fractographic examination. The fracture toughness of the non-charged specimen was 147 MPa√m. Charging with hydrogen decreased the fracture toughness, K _Ic , to 52 MPa√m at a rapid loading rate and further decreased the toughness to 42 MPa√m for a slow loading rate. This is consistent with the rate-limiting step for the embrittlement process being hydrogen diffusion. The fracture morphology for the hydrogen-charged specimens was intergranular ductile dimple, while the fracture morphology of noncharged specimens was a mixture of large transgranular dimples and fine intergranular dimples. The intergranular failure mechanism in Alloy X-750 was a microvoid initiation process at grain boundary carbides followed by void growth and coalescence. One role of hydrogen was to reduce the void initiation strain for the fine intergranular carbides. Hydrogen may have also increased the rate of void growth. The conditions ahead of a crack satisfy the critical stress criterion at a much lower applied stress intensity factor than for the critical fracture strain criterion. A model based on a critical fracture strain criterion is shown to predict the fracture behavior.     

高硅带钢激光焊缝抗断裂能力的研究

带钢在酸洗、轧制过程中带钢焊缝需承受很高的拉伸应力、弯曲应力和轧制力.在这些力的作用下,带钢焊缝内部的缺陷可能会扩展,从而造成断裂,严重影响线连续生产.因此希望能够找到一种有效的评价带钢焊缝抗断裂能力的方法.通过线切割缺口试样拉伸试验方法研究了带钢不同焊缝的抗断裂能力,并对焊缝抗断裂能力进行了评价.     

Fracture toughness of aisi M2 high-speed steel and corresponding matrix tool steel

The influence of microstructural variations on the fracture toughness of two tool steels with compositions 6 pct W-5 pct Mo-4 pct Cr-2 pct V-0.8 pct C (AISI M2 high-speed steel) and 2 pct W-2.75 pct Mo-4.5 pct Cr-1 pct V-0.5 pct C (VASCO-MA) was investigated. In the as-hardened condition, the M2 steel has a higher fracture toughness than the MA steel, although the latter steel is softer. In the tempered condition, MA is softer and has a higher fracture toughness than M2. When the hardening temperature is below 1095 °C (2000 °F), tempering of both steels causes embrittlement,i.e., a reduction of fracture toughness as well as hardness. The fracture toughness of both steels was enhanced by increasing the grain size. The steel samples with intercept grain size of 5 (average grain diameter of 30 microns) or coarser exhibit 2 to 3 MPa√m (2 to 3 ksi√in.) higher fracture toughness than samples with intercept grain size of 10 (average grain diameter of 15 microns) or finer. Tempering temperature has no effect on the fracture toughness of M2 and MA steels as long as the final tempered hardness of the steels is constant. Retained austenite has no influence on the fracture toughness of as-hardened MA steel, but a high content of retained austenite appears to raise the fracture toughness of as-hardened M2 steel. There is a temperature of austenitization for each tool steel at which the retained austenite content in the as-quenched samples is a maximum. The above described results were explained through changes in the microstructure and the fracture modes. CHONGMIN KIM, formerly with Climax Molybdenum Company of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.