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.