Product Development of High Strength and Toughness Spring Flat Steel

With the continuous development of mechanical industry,higher requirements are put forward for the comprehensive properties of spring steel.The chemical composition and production process of spring flat steel are designed to meet the requirements of high strength and high toughness of spring flat steel,through the test,the product surface quality and internal quality all meet the national standards,the performance indicators to meet user requirements.

DYNAMIC FRACTURE TOUGHNESS OF ULTRASTRENGTH STEELS FOR AIRCRAFT

The plots of load vs deflection(P-D)for two ultra-strength steels 30CrMnSiNi2A and 300M has been examined on a Charpy impact tester with digital memory and microcomputer. A criterion was found to availably represent the dynamic fracture toughness,K_(Ic)~D ,of the steels under impact loading.The K_(Ic)~D,.can be calculated with suggesting that the turning point of change in compliance on the P-D plot is the point of destabilized crack propagation.The K_(Ic)~D of steel 300M,quenched at 870℃ ,separately tempered at 300℃ and 450℃,was esti- mated to be 55—70 MN/m^(3/2)and 54—67 MN/m^(3/2)respectively.The K_(Ic)calculated with accuracy about 20% seems to be available to the engineering evaluation.

Effect of heat treatment on stress corrosion cracking, fracture toughness and strength of 7085 aluminum alloy

The influences of heat treatment on stress corrosion cracking （SCC）, fracture toughness and strength of 7085 aluminum alloy were investigated by slow strain rate testing, Kahn tear testing combined with scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and transmission electron microscopy （TEM）. The results show that the fracture toughness of T74 overaging is increased by 22.9% at the expense of 13.6% strength, and retrogression and reaging （RRA） enhances fracture toughness 14.2% without reducing the strength compared with T6 temper. The fracture toughness of dual-retrogression and reaging （DRRA） is equivalent to that of T74 with an increased strength of 14.6%. The SCC resistance increases in the order： T6〈RRA〈DRRA≈T74. The differences of fracture toughness and SCC were explained on the basis of the role of matrix precipitates and grain boundary orecioitates.

Effect of Microstructure Refinement on the Strength and Toughness of Low Alloy Martensitic Steel

Martensitic microstructure in quenched and tempered 17CrNiMo6 steel with the prior austenite grain size ranging from 6 μm to 199 μm has been characterized by optical metallography （OM）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and transmission electron microscopy （TEM）. The yield strength and the toughness of the steel with various prior austenite grain sizes were tested and correlated with microstructure characteristics. Results show that both the prior austenite grain size and the martensitic packet size in the 17CrNiMo6 steel follow a HalI-Petch relation with the yield strength. When the prior austenite grain size was refined from 199 μm to 6 μm , the yield strength increased by 235 MPa, while the Charpy U-notch impact energy at 77 K improved more than 8 times, indicating that microstructure refinement is more effective in improving the resistance to cleavage fracture than in increasing the strength. The fracture surfaces implied that the unit crack path for cleavage fracture is identified as being the packet.

Improvement of Toughness of Ultrahigh Strength Steel Aermet 100

The influence of double aging on the microstructure and mechanical properties of ultrahigh strength steel Aermet 100 was analyzed. Under the double aging, there is no apparent decrease in the strength of steel. However, the impact fatigue life can be prolonged by 35.5% and dynamic fracture toughness be raised by 22.6% respectively, as compared with the normal aging. Based on the observation of microscopic structure, the physical mechanism of the prolongation of impact fatigue life and the enhancement of stability of the reverted austenite, AR, is analyzed further. The results show that this new technique is a breakthrough of combination optimization between strength and toughness for Aermet 100 steel. In the light of the current understanding on this subject, the volume fracture of soften and tough AR formed in process of heat preservation at higher temperature of double aging increases drastically. Moreover, during the treatment of lower temperature of double aging, the carbon separating from the martensitic ferrite will diffuse into AR, resulting that the martensitic brittleness decreases and the stability of AR increases.

Dynamic fracture toughness of high strength metals under impact loading:increase or decrease

An elusive phenomenon is observed in previous investigations on dynamic fracture that the dynamic fracture toughness （DFT） of high strength metals always increases with the loading rate on the order of TPa.m1/2.s-1. For the purpose of verification, variation of DFT with the loading rate for two high strength steels commonly used in the aviation industry, 30CrMnSiA and 40Cr, is studied in this work. Results of the experiments are compared, which were conducted on the modified split Hopkinson pressure bar （SHPB） apparatus, with striker velocities ranging from 9.2 to 24.1 m/s and a constant value of 16.3 m/s for 30CrMnSiA and 40Cr, respectively. It is observed that for 30CrMnSiA, the crack tip loading rate increases with the increase of the striker velocity, while the fracture initiation time and the DFT simultaneously decrease. However, in the tests of 40Cr, there is also an increasing tendency of DFT, similar to other reports. Through an in-depth investigation on the relationship between the dynamic stress intensity factor （DSIF） and the loading rate, it is concluded that the generally increasing tendency in previous studies could be false, which is induced from a limited striker velocity domain and the errors existing in the experimental and numerical processes. To disclose the real dependency of DFT on the loading rate, experimentsneed to be performed in a comparatively large striker velocity range.

Size effects on the tensile strength and fracture toughness of granitic rock in different tests

This study investigates the tensile failure mechanisms in granitic rock samples at different scales by means of different types of tests.To do that,we have selected a granitic rock type and obtained samples of different sizes with the diameter ranging from 30 mm to 84 mm.The samples have been subjected to direct tensile strength(DTS)tests,indirect Brazilian tensile strength(BTS)tests and to two fracture toughness testing approaches.Whereas DTS and fracture toughness were found to consistently grow with sample size,this trend was not clearly identified for BTS,where after an initial grow,a plateau of results was observed.This is a rather complete database of tensile related properties of a single rock type.Even if similar databases are rare,the obtained trends are generally consistent with previous scatter and partial experimental programs.However,different observations apply to different types of rocks and experimental approaches.The differences in variability and mean values of the measured parameters at different scales are critically analysed based on the heterogeneity,granular structure and fracture mechanics approaches.Some potential relations between parameters are revised and an indication is given on potential sample sizes for obtaining reliable results.Extending this database with different types of rocks is thought to be convenient to advance towards a better understanding of the tensile strength of rock materials.

A simple method for determining independent fracture toughness and tensile strength of rock

This paper develops a model that only requires two sets of small-size rock specimens with the ratio of the structural geometry parameter maximum to minimum ae,max:ae,min≥3:1 to determine the rock fracture and strength parameters without size effect and predict the actual structural performance of rock.Regardless of three-point-bending,four-point-bending,or a combination of the above two specimen types,fracture toughness KICand tensile strength ftof rock were determined using only two sets of specimens with ae,max:ae,min≥3:1.The values KICand ftwere consistent with those determined using multiple sets of specimens.The full structural failure curve constructed by two sets of small-size specimens with ae,max:ae,min≥3:1 can accurately predict large-size specimens fracture failure,and±10%upper and lower limits of the curve can encompass the test results of large-size specimens.The peak load prediction curve was constructed by two sets of specimens with ae,max:ae,min≥3:1,and±15%upper and lower limits of the peak load prediction curve can cover the small-size specimen tests data.The model and method proposed in this paper require only two sets of small-size specimens,and their selection is unaffected by the specimen type,geometry,and initial crack length.

Flexural response of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with post-poured ultra high toughness cementitious composites layer

Four-point bending tests were conducted up to failure on eleven reinforced concrete (RC) beams and strengthening beams to study the effectiveness of externally pouring ultra high toughness cementitious composites (UHTCC) on improving the flexural behavior of existing RC beams.The strengthening materials included UHTCC and high strength grade concrete.The parameters,such as thickness and length of strengthening layer and reinforcement in post-poured layer,were analyzed.The flexural behavior,failure mode and crack propagation of composite beams were investigated.The test results show that the strengthening layer improves the cracking and ultimate load by increasing the cross section area.Introducing UHTCC material into strengthening not only improves the bearing capacity of the original specimens,but also disperses larger cracks in upper concrete into multiple tightly-spaced fine cracks,thus prolonging the appearance of harm surface cracks and increasing the durability of existing structures.Compared with post-poured concrete,UHTCC is more suitable for working together with reinforcement.The load?deflection plots obtained from three-dimensional finite-element model (FEM) analyses are compared with those obtained from the experimental results,and show close correlation.

Determining role of heterogeneous microstructure in lowering yield ratio and enhancing impact toughness in high-strength low-alloy steel

Here we present a novel approach of intercritical heat treatment for microstructure tailoring,in which intercritical annealing is introduced between conventional quenching and tempering.This induced a heterogeneous microstructure consisting of soft intercritical ferrite and hard tempered martensite,resulting in a low yield ratio(YR)and high impact toughness in a high-strength low-alloy steel.The initial yielding and subsequent work hardening behavior of the steel during tensile deformation were modified by the presence of soft intercritical ferrite after intercritical annealing,in comparison to the steel with full martensitic microstructure.The increase in YR was related to the reduction in hardness difference between the soft and hard phases due to the precipitation of nano-carbides and the recovery of dislocations during tempering.The excellent low-temperature toughness was ascribed not only to the decrease in probability of microcrack initiation for the reduction of hardness difference between two phases,but also to the increase in resistance of microcrack propagation caused by the high density of high angle grain boundaries.

Effect of Plastic Deformation and H_2S on Dynamic Fracture Toughness of High Strength Casing Steel

The effects of plastic deformation and H2 S on fracture toughness of high strength casing steel（C110 steel） were investigated. The studied casing specimens are as follows： original casing, plastic deformation（PD） casing and PD casing after being immersed in NACE A solution saturated with H2S（PD＋H2S）. Instrumented impact method was employed to evaluate the impact behaviors of the specimens, meanwhile, dynamic fracture toughness（JId） was calculated by using Rice model and Schindler model. The experimental results show that dynamic fracture toughness of the casing decreases after plastic deformation. Compared with that of the original casing and PD casing, the dynamic fracture toughness decreases further when the PD casing immersed in H2 S, moreover, there are ridge-shaped feature and many secondary cracks present on the fracture surface of the specimens. Impact fracture mechanism of the casing is proposed as follows： the plastic deformation results in the increase of defect density of materials where the atomic hydrogen can accumulate in reversible or irreversible traps and even recombine to form molecular hydrogen, subsequently, the casing material toughness decreases greatly.

Low temperature impact toughness of laser hybrid welded joint of high strength low alloy steel

High strength low alloy steel with 16 mm thickness was welded by using high power laser hybrid welding. Microstrueture was characterized by using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy （ SEM ） , transmission electron microscopy （TEM） and selected area electron diffraction （SAED）. Low temperature impact toughness was estimated by using Charpy V-notch impact samples selected from the upper part and the lower part at the same heterogeneous joint. Results show that the low temperature impact absorbed energies of weld metal are （202,180,165 J） of upper samples and （178,145,160 J） of lower samples, respectively. All of them increase compared to base metal. The embrittlement of HAZ does not occur. Weld metal primarily consists of refined carbide free bainite and a little granular bainite since laser hybrid welding owns the character of low heat input. Retained austenite constituent film ＂locates among the lath structure of bainitie ferrite. Refined bainitic ferrite lath and retained austenite constituent film provide better low temperature impact toughness compared to base metal.

Effect of Grain Size of β-Si_3N_4 and Glassy Phase on Strength and Fracture Toughness of In-Situ Toughened Si_3N_4

An in-situ toughened Si_3N_4 ceramic is obtained by hot-pressing.Its flexural strength and fracture toughness are 960MPa,12.74MPa·m^(1/2)at room temperature and 720MPa,23.94 MPa·m~_(1/2)at 1350℃,respectively.The relation between grain size of β-Si_3N_4 and mechanical properties is investigated.The glassy phase containing Y and La plays an important role in increasing high-temperature mechanical properties because of its high viscosity and softening temperature.Crack deflection,crack branching and pullout of rodlike β-Si_3N_4 grains are ob- served in this material by SEM,and the toughening mechanisms are discussed.

A new step-cooling process for strength and toughness matching control of vanadium-containing railway wheels:effect of intragranular ferrite

To improve the competitive relationship between strength and toughness,the effect of low undercooling in austenite(γ)on the microstructure and mechanical properties of commercial vanadium-containing wheel steels was studied using an optical microscope(OM),a scanning electron microscope(SEM),a transmission electron microscope(TEM),and mechanical property tests.The results show that when the wheel steel is slightly cooled to an appropriate temperature above A c3 point for a short time after it has been austenitized at an elevated temperature,the solid-solved vanadium is pre-precipitated in the form of V(C,N)second phase semicoherent with the matrix in the originalγgrain.This phase hardly participates in matrix strengthening.Due to the small mismatch between V(C,N)and ferrite(α),during the subsequent-cooling phase transformation stage,the pre-precipitated second phase becomes theαnucleation point,causing granular and ellipsoidal intragranular ferrite(IGF,with an average size of 4-6μm)to nucleate in the originalγ.The IGF production and strength loss increases with the increasing undercooling degree.Based on this,Masteel Co.,Ltd.has developed a new heat-treatment step-cooling process that can promote the formation of IGF,considerably improving the level and uniformity of fracture toughness on the premise that the strength and hardness of the wheel are almost unchanged.

Effect of Environmental Conditions on Flexural Strength and Fracture Toughness of Particulate Filled Glass-Epoxy Hybrid Composites

Multifunctional hybrid polymer composites were projected as novel solutions to meet the demands in various industrial applications ranging from automotive to aerospace. This investigation focuses on processing, flexural strength and fracture toughness characterization of the glass fabric reinforced epoxy (G-E) composites and graphite/fly ash cenosphere (FAC) modified interface between the epoxy matrix and glass fabric. Hand lay-up followed by compression moulding method was used to fabricate the laminates. Flexural and fracture toughness tests at room temperature, elevated temperature and cryogenic temperature were conducted to assess the flexural strength (FS) and mode-I plane-strain fracture toughness (KIC). The experimental and characterization efforts suggest that both graphite and FAC fillers improve bonding at the interface. The study showed that the graphite is more favorable for enhancing FS and KIC of G-E composites. Graphite filled G-E hybrid composites with significant FS and KIC to that of unfilled and FA filled G-E were successfully achieved by incorporating 10 wt% graphite. The incorporation of fillers resulted in improvement of FS, which increased by 43% and 37.7% for 10Gr+G-E and 10FAC+G-E hybrid composites respectively. All composites show a 26% improvement in KIC at cryogenic temperature and a decrease of 12.5% at elevated temperature. According to the SEM observations, fiber debonding from the matrix is suppressed due to the presence and uniform distribution of graphite. In addition, micro-pores, matrix shearing, active toughening mechanisms induced by graphite, such as crack deflection, layer breakage and delamination of graphite layers contributed to the enhanced KIC of hybrid G-E composites.

A New Method for Determining J_(IC) of High StrengthHigh Fracture Toughness Steels by SingleThree Point Bend Specimen

A single three point bend specimen compliance method for determining JIC of high strength high fracture toughness steels is presented and a formula for calculatinff J-integral is proposed as follows.It is simple and valid for high strength high fracture toughness steels. The values of JIC and KIC measured by this method are in good agreement with those measured by standard test method.

Effect of microstructure on the low temperature toughness of high strength pipeline steels

Microstructure observations and drop-weight tear test were performed to study the microstructures and mechanical properties of two kinds of industrial X70 and two kinds of industrial X80 grade pipeline steels. The effective grain size and the fraction of high angle grain boundaries in the pipeline steels were investigated by electron backscatter diffraction analysis. It is found that the low temperature toughness of the pipeline steels depends not only on the effective grain size, but also on other microstructural factors such as martensite-austenite （MA） constituents and precipitates. The morphology and size of MA constituents significantly affect the mechanical properties of the pipeline steels. Nubby MA constituents with large size have significant negative effects on the toughness, while smaller granular MA constituents have less harmful effects. Similarly, larger Ti-rich nitrides with sharp corners have a strongly negative effect on the toughness, while fine, spherical Nb-rich carbides have a less deleterious effect. The low temperature toughness of the steels is independent of the fraction of high angle grain boundaries.

Mechanical properties and microstructure of an α+β titanium alloy with high strength and fracture toughness

The Ti-Al-Sn-Zr-Cr-Mo-V-Si （Ti-62A） alloy, an alpha-beta alloy with high strength and fracture toughness, is currently used as an advanced structural material in aerospace and non-aerospace applications. Thermo-mechanical processes can be used to optimize the relationship between its strength and fracture toughness. A Ti-62A alloy bar can be machined through a transus β-forged plus α＋β solution treated and aged specimen with a lamellar alpha microstructure. The effects of heat treatment on the mechanical properties were discussed. Heat treatment provided a practical balance of strength, fracture toughness, and fatigue crack growth resistance. A comparison of the Ti-62A alloy with the Ti-62222S alloy under the same thermo-mechanical processing conditions showed that their properties are at the same level.

Effect of Tempering Temperature on Strength and Toughness of Novel Carbide-Free Bainite/Martensite Duplex Phase Steel

The microstructure in the weld metals for HQ130+QJ63 high strength steels, which are welded by Ar CO 2 gas shielded metal arc welding, was analyzed by means of microscope and scan electron microscope (SEM). The relative content of different microstructure was evaluated with XQF 2000 micro image analyzer. The effect of acicular ferrite content on the impact toughness was also studied. The test results indicated that the main microstructure in the weld metals of HQ130+QJ63 high strength steels is acicular ferrite and a few pro eutectic ferrite on the boundary of original austenite grain. Near the fusion zone there are columnar grains whose direction coefficient (X) is 3 22, but the microstructure in the center of the weld metal is isometric grain, whose direction coefficient X=1 In order to avoid welding crack and improve welding technology the weld heat input should be strictly controlled in 10-16 kJ/cm. Thus, the main microstructure in the weld metals is fine acicular ferrite and the content of pro eutectic ferrite is limited. The impact toughness in the weld metals of HQ130+QJ63 steels can be ensured and can meet the requirements for application in engineering and machinery.

Mechanical properties and grain refinement by acicular ferrite in high strength high toughness weld metal

The volume fraction and morphology of acicular ferrite evolution in a high strength high toughness weld metal were studied and the mechanical properties of weld metal under heat input of 21 kJ/cm with and without fast cooling were tested. The results show the weld metal can obtain a large proportion of acicular ferrite during a wide range of cooling rate and the sizes of acicular ferrite in length and thickness decrease with cooling rate increasing. The weld metal exhibited high tensile strength （895 MPa and 870 MPa） and good low temperature toughness （average AKv-30℃ 104 J and 79. 2 J）. The higher tensile strength and better low temperature toughness of the weld metal under fast cooling are due to the more refined grain of acicular ferrite.