Effects of laser carburised striation units on rail steel fatigue wear

Carburised striation units were prepared by laser processing on the surface of train rail steel specimens. The microstructures and microhardness of the units were then characterised utilising scanning electron microscopy and a hardness tester. The specimens were tested for rolling contact fatigue resistance. The test results were compared and pitting development trends were evaluated with a plotting curve. The resistance enhancement related to the addition of carbon and laser processing was examined, and specimens featuring treated units presented superior wear resistance over the untreated sample. The transformation of unit metallographic structure, grain refinement and alternating hardness distribution of the hard unit and soft substrate were determined to positively affect the resistance status.