Remaining Useful Life for Heavy-Duty Railway Cast Steel Knuckles Based on Crack Growth Behavior with Hypothetical Distributions

The current research on the integrity of critical structures of rail vehicles mainly focuses on the design stage,which needs an effective method for assessing the service state.This paper proposes a framework for predicting the remaining useful life(RUL)of in-service structures with and without visible cracks.The hypothetical distribution and delay time models were used to apply the equivalent crack growth life data of heavy-duty railway cast steel knuckles,which revealed the evolution characteristics of the crack length and life scores of the knuckle under different fracture failure modes.The results indicate that the method effectively predicts the RUL of service knuckles in different failure modes based on the cumulative failure probability curves for different locations and surface crack lengths.This study proposes an RUL prediction framework that supports the dynamic overhaul and state maintenance of knuckle fatigue cracks.

Micropores in G20Mn5N cast steel and their influence on stress distribution

To accurately analyze the impact of casting pores in steel,high-resolution 3D X-ray tomography technology was used to gather detailed statistical information about micropores.These micropores were classified as gas,shrinkage,and gas-shrinkage pores depending on their formation origin and morphology.Clustering tendencies and affinity parameters were defined to characterize the spatial correlations among these three types of pores.The 3D data from X-ray tomography scans were then integrated into finite element analysis(FEA)software to predict how micropore shape,size,and distribution influence stress distribution within the material.The results show that certain inflection points with small local radii within the cast pores are major contributors to stress concentration.Therefore,cast pores cannot be simply modeled as ideal spherical pores.The sphericity and volume of pores have a significant impact on the stress concentration of the model.Specifically,lower sphericity and larger pore volumes result in higher stress concentrations.Moreover,the internal pores of steel castings exhibit specific global distribution characteristics.Pores located on the surface of the specimen lead to significantly higher stress concentrations compared to those located inside the specimen.

Effect of Alloying Elements on Thermal Wear of Cast Hot-Forging Die Steels

The effect of main alloying elements on thermal wear of cast hot-forging die steels was studied. The wear mechanism was discussed. The results show that alloying elements have significant influences on the thermal wear of cast hot-forging die steels. The wear rates decrease with an increase in chromium content from 3% to 4% and molybdenum content from 2% to 3%, respectively. With further increase of chromium and molybdenum contents, chromium slightly reduces the wear resistance and molybdenum severely deteriorates the wear resistance with high wear rate. Lower vanadium/carbon ratio （1.5-2.5） leads to a lower wear resistance with higher wear rate. With an increase in vanadium/carbon ratio, the wear resistance of the cast steel substantially increases. When vanadium/carbon ratio is 3, the wear rate reaches the lowest value. The predominant mechanism of thermal wear of cast hot-forging die steels are oxidation wear and fatigue delamination. The Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 or lumps of brittle wear debris are formed on the wear surface.

Mechanical Properties of V-,Nb-,and Ti-bearing As-cast Microalloyed Steels

The influence of microalloying additions on the mechanical properties of a low-carbon cast steel containing combinations of V, Nb, and Ti in the as-cast condition was evaluated. Tensile and hardness test results indicated that good combinations of strength and ductility could be achieved by V and Nb additions. While the yield strength and UTS （ultimate tensile strength） increased up to the range of 378-435 MPa and 579- 590 MPa, respectively in the microalloyed heats, their total elongation ranged from 18% to 23%. The presence of Ti, however, led to some reduction in the strength. Microstructural studies including scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and optical microscopy revealed that coarse TiN particles were responsible for this behavior. The Charpy impact values of all compositions indicated that microalloying additions significantly decreased the impact energy and led to the dominance of cleavage facets on the fracture surfaces. It seems that the increase in the hardness of coarse ferrite grains due to the precipitation hardening is the main reason for brittle fracture.

Optimization of steel casting feeding system based on BP neural network and genetic algorithm

The trial-and-error method is widely used for the current optimization of the steel casting feeding system, which is highly random, subjective and thus ineff icient. In the present work, both the theoretical and the experimental research on the modeling and optimization methods of the process are studied. An approximate alternative model is established based on the Back Propagation(BP) neural network and experimental design. The process parameters of the feeding system are taken as the input, the volumes of shrinkage cavities and porosities calculated by simulation are simultaneously taken as the output. Thus, a mathematical model is established by the BP neural network to combine the input variables with the output response. Then, this model is optimized by the nonlinear optimization function of the genetic algorithm. Finally, a feeding system optimization of a steel traveling wheel is conducted. No shrinkage cavities and porosities are induced through the optimization. Compared to the initial design scheme, the process yield is increased by 4.1% and the volume of the riser is decreased by 5.48×10~6 mm3.

Review of production status of heavysteel castings and key technologies for their manufacture in China

This paper expatiates on domestic status of heavy steel casting production, with a special focus on hydraulicturbine castings for Three Gorges Project. In China, there is magnificent demand for heavy castings with the rapidgrowth of the national economy in recent years and the expected high growth in the coming 10 to 20 years. Someheavy and large castings such as mill housing and hydraulic turbine runner crown, blade and band for Three GorgesProject have been successfully made. However, the domestic production capability is still far from meeting the giganticrequirements. The domestic capability still lags behind the world class level, and a lot of heavy castings still dependon import. The paper also gives a particular introduction of the key technologies in the manufacturing of heavy steelcastings like metal melting, foundry technology, heat treatment technology and numerical simulation technique, etc.In addition, several case studies on the application of numerical simulation in the production of heavy steel castingsare presented.

Corrosion of two kinds of cast steels containing chromium in hot concentrated alkaline

A typical hot concentrated alkaline corrosion environment exists in alumina metallurgical industry, so that steel materials with outstanding alkaline corrosion resistance are strongly demanded for its processing equipment. In this paper, the corrosion resistance of two kinds of martensitic cast steels containing chromium in static 303g/L NaOH alkaline solution at 85℃ was studied through polarization and potential-time curves, corrosion weight loss and corrosion morphology analysis. Experimental results showed that protection effect by passive film of cast steel containing Cr was temporary. The low carbon steel without Cr content also exhibited chemical passivity in the same solution. The corrosion mode of the tested Cr-containing cast steel was composed of active dissolving corrosion and caustic embrittlement cracking. Dissolving corrosion was the primary mechanism for the induced weight loss, while severe caustic embrittlement cracking was secondary. With the increase of chromium content in the cast steel, the tendency of the caustic embrittlement cracking decreased, while the active dissolving corrosion increased.

Revealing effect of aluminum alloying on work hardening and impact behaviors of low-density Fe-18Mn-1.3C-2Cr-(4,11)Al casting steel

The present study designed two kinds of Fe-18Mn-1.3C-2Cr-(4,11)Al(wt.%)low-density steels.Tensile and impact tests were carried out to evaluate the work hardening and impact toughness properties via aluminum(Al)alloying control.Meanwhile,microstructure evolution and fracture morphology were investigated by X-ray diffraction(XRD),a scanning electron microscope(SEM)equipped with electron backscatter diffraction(EBSD),a transmission electron microscope(TEM),and a stereo-optical microscope(OM).It is found that the Al addition obviously promotes the dislocation planar slipping,resulting in cleavage and brittle impact fracture in 11wt.%Al steel.Besides,the microband-induced plasticity(MBIP)mechanism is found in 4wt.%Al containing steel,introducing considerable work hardening capacity and impact toughness of 156.8±17.4 J.The present study provides a direct illustration of the relationship between work hardening and impact toughness behaviors of these two low-density steels for potential application as impact-resistant components.

Isothermal oxidation behavior of Nb-bearing austenitic cast steels at 950℃

The oxidation behaviors of three austenitic cast steels with different morphologies of primary carbides at 950℃ in air were investigated using scanning electron microscopy,energy dispersive spectroscopy,and focused ion beam/transmission electron microscopy.Their oxidation kinetics followed a logarithmic law,and the oxidation rate can be significantly decreased as long as a continuous silica layer formed at the scale/substrate interface.When the local Si concentration was inadequate,internal oxidation occurred beneath the oxide scale.The spallation of oxides during cooling can be inhibited with the formation of internal oxidation,owing to the reduced mismatch stress between the oxide scale and the substrate.The“Chinese-script”primary Nb(C,N)was superior to the dispersed primary Nb(C,N)in suppressing the oxidation penetration in the interdendritic region by supplying a high density of quick-diffusion Cr channels.In addition,the innermost and outermost oxidation layers were enriched with Cr,whereas the Cr evaporation in the outermost layer was significant when the water vapor concentration in the environment was high enough.These findings further the understanding regarding the oxidation behavior of austenitic cast steels and will promote the alloy development for exhaust components.

The EVA plastic film for V-process and steel castings by V-process in China

EVA plastic film is the key material for V-process. Through decades of research, special EVA film for V-process has been produced. The film has adequate elongation; its maximum is about 800% in longitudinal direction and 750% in transversal direction. The single width of the film is 2.8 m and the double width is 5.6 m, which is the widest sheet film for V-process in China. Sheets with different thickness ranging from the thickest 0.35 mm to the thinnest 0.08 mm can meet different demands in China. The film can be used not only for V-process of iron castings, but also for the manganese steel railway frog, steel rocking support and side frame castings for train and the steel bridge box for engine truck.

Advanced manufacturing technologies of large martensitic stainless steel castings with ultra low carbon and high cleanliness

The key manufacturing technologies associated with composition, microstructure, mechanical properties, casting quality and key process control for large martensitic stainless steel castings are involved in this paper. The achievements fully satisfeid the technical requirements of the large 700 MW stainless steel hydraulic turbine runner for the Three Gorges Hydropower Station, and become the major technical support for the design and manufacture of the largest 700 MW hydraulic turbine generator unit in the world developed through our own efforts. The characteristics of a new high yield to tensile strength (R p0.2/R m ) ratio and high obdurability martensitic stainless steel with ultra low carbon and high cleanliness are also described. Over the next ten years, the large martensitic stainless steel castings and advanced manufacturing technologies will see a huge demand in clean energy industry such as nuclear power, hydraulic power at home and abroad. Therefore, the new high yield o tensile strength (R p0.2/R m ) ratio and high obdurability martensitic stainless steel materials, the fast and flexible manufacturing technologies of large size castings, and new environment friendly sustainable process will face new challenges and opportunities.

Effects of Rare Earths on Toughness of 31Mn2SiRE Wear- Resistance Cast Steel

The toughness of 31Mn2SiRE wear-resistance cast steel were increased by means of RE compound modification and high temperature austenitizing. The results show that the microstructures can be refined, needle and network ferrite are eliminated, the dislocation density and the quantity of dislocated martensite are increased remarkably, and the shape and distribution of inclusions are improved by the addition of RE. Therefore, the mechanical properties of the modified steel can be greatly increased, especially the toughness (αK) by 44%, yield strength (σs) by 10%, and elongation (δ5) by 42%.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of a new type of austempered boron alloyed high silicon cast steel

In the present paper, a new type of austempered boron alloyed high silicon cast steel has been developed, and its microstructures and mechanical properties at different temperatures were investigated. The experimental results indicate that the boron alloyed high silicon cast steel comprises a dendritic matrix and interdendritic eutectic borides in as-cast condition. The dendritic matrix is made up of pearlite, ferrite, and the interdendritic eutectic boride is with a chemical formula of M2B （M represents Fe, Cr, Mn or Mo） which is much like that of carbide in high chromium white cast iron. Pure ausferrite structure that consists of bainitic ferrite and retained austenite can be obtained in the matrix by austempering treatment to the cast steel. No carbides precipitate in the ausferrite structure and the morphology of borides remains almost unchanged after austempering treatments. Secondary boride particles precipitate during the course of austenitizing. The hardness and tensile strength of the austempered cast steel decrease with the increase of the austempering temperature, from 250℃ to 400 ℃. The impact toughness is 4-11 J.cm^-2 at room temperature and the impact fracture fractogragh indicates that the fracture is caused by the brittle fracture of the borides.

Spheroidization and Ostwald Growth of Carbide in Isothermal Process of Hot-Deformed High Carbon Chromium Cast Steel

In isothermal spheroidizing process,the spheroidization and growth of the carbide formed in hot-deformed high-carbon chromium cast steel at high temperature were investigated.The results showed that the spheroidizing growth of carbide proceeds in such a way that the bigger carbide particles swallow the smaller ones,and the short rhabdoid carbides dissolve and are spheroidized by itself.When the samples were held at 720℃ for more than 3 h,the spheroidization is not obvious.The feature of the process is the size increment and the amount decrement of carbide particles.The empirical equation for growth rate of carbides was obtained.The volume fraction of carbides keeps constant.The growth process agrees well with Ostwald Ripening Law.

Research on Thermal Wear of Cast Hot Forging Die Steel Modified by Rare Earths

Thermal wear of cast hot-forging die steel modified by rare earths（RE） was studied and compared with commercially used die steels. The function of RE and the mechanism of thermal wear of cast steel modified by RE were discussed. The results showed that with increasing content of RE, the wear rate of cast steel reduced at first and then increased. By adding 0.05% （mass fraction） RE, the cast hot-forging die steel with optimum thermal wear resistance was obtained, which was better than that of H13 and 3Cr2WSV. The large amount of coarse inclusions, （RE）2O2S, resulted from excessive RE, which obviously deteriorated thermal wear resistance. The mechanism of thermal wear of the modified cast die steel is oxidation wear and oxide fatigue delamination. The wear debris are lumps of Fe2O3 and Fe3O4.

Precipitation and growth of titanium nitride during solidification of clean steel

With the help of solidification kinetics, precipitation and growth of TiNhave been studied theoretically and the effect of cooling rate on the growth of TiN has beendiscussed. Through induction electric furnace experiment and electroslag remelting experiment withdifferent cooling rates, the distribution and particle size of TiN were investigated. It is provedthat the higher cooling rate is, the smaller the final size of TiN is and the more TiN particles canbe found in the steel. That TiN can restrain the growth of columnar crystal and enhance theproportion of equiaxed crystals to refine solidification structure as the heterogeneous nucleationsites of δ-ferrite is confirmed preliminarily. A new method to reduce macrosegregation incontinuous cast steel is provided.

Microstructure and Property of High Carbonic-Chromium Cast Steel with Different Hot Deformation Ratio

The microstructure and properties of high carbonic-chromium cast steel subjected to different hot deformation ratios were studied.The experimental results show that the microstructure and properties of high carbonic-chromium cast steel are obviously improved after hot deformation,and the best mechanical properties of the cast steel can be obtained under hot deformation ratio of 40 %-50 %,which leads to the morphology change of eutectic carbide and the precipitation of granular carbides.

Study on Heterogeneous Nuclei in Cast H13 Steel Modified by Rare Earth

The dendrite segregation in cast H13 steel was weakened with RE modification treatment. Grain boundary carbide during quenching was also under control and impact toughness was improved greatly. By thermodynamic calculation, analysis of two-dimensional lattice misfitting and electron probe analysis, it is found that Ce2O3 may act as the heterogeneous nuclei of modified cast H13 steel.

Damage evolution analysis of cast steel GS-20Mn5V based on modified GTN model

A modified Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman （GTN） model that accounts for the mixed （isotropic and kinematic） hardening of cast steel GS-20Mn5V was developed and implemented in the finite dement program ABAQUS/Standard via a user-defined material subroutine UMAT. This model couples the stress state and damage evolution （pore volume fraction increase） by a classic method that assumes that the total void volume fraction is divided into a nucleation and a growth part. A parametric study was conducted to assess the effect of modified GTN model parameters on mechanical properties such as the nucleation, growth and coalescence of voids and to obtain the optimal parameter combination by the orthogonal test method. The predicted load-displacement curves of notched specimens with the optimal parameters are favorably compared to the experimental curves. Therefore, the modified GTN model can be used to predict the damage evaluation and fracture behavior of GS-20Mn5V.

Effects of Strain Ratio on Fatigue Behavior of G20Mn5QT Cast Steel

Due to traffic and wave actions, cast steel joints are subjected to variable-amplitude fatigue loading, which may cause fatigue problems. The ratio of the minimum strain to the maximum strain(strain ratio)can be employed to analyze the influence of variable-amplitude fatigue both in the elastic and plastic ranges. To evaluate the effect of the strain ratio on G20Mn5 QT cast steel, the fatigue tests of smooth specimens were carried out at the strain ratio of 0.1. The cyclic deformation and the relationships between the strain amplitude, the stress amplitude, the Smith, Watson and Topper(SWT)parameter and fatigue life were studied and compared with those at the strain ratio of-1. Compared with other methods, Basquin formula and Solonberg formula provide reliable and appropriate ranges of S-N curve and fatigue limit at different strain ratios respectively. The SWT parameter can be used to predict the fatigue life at other strain ratios accurately.