Low-Cycle Fatigue of Steels After Ion Nitriding in Hydrogen-Free Atmospheres

We present the results of investigation of low-cycle fatigue in bending for different types of steel after ion nitriding in hydrogen-free saturating atmospheres. The recommendations concerning the field of applicability of this technology of surface hardening in the process of operation are given. We make a conclusion that the procedure of ionic hardening in hydrogen-free atmospheres makes it possible to change the physicomechanical properties of the surface layers in broad ranges and substantially increase the low-cycle fatigue strength of structural steels. The maximum durability is attained by optimizing the parameters of the process of diffusion saturation.