18CrNiMo7-6 with TRIP-Effect for Increasing the Damage Tolerance of Gear Components — Part II: Microstructure and Mechanical Properties

Abstract

High performance components such as gear wheels shall be resistant to rolling-contact fatigue. This type of failure is usually caused by effects occurring on a microscopic scale, such as crack initiation at non-metallic inclusions. Much effort has been invested so far in improving the steel cleanliness. However, these high performance components often do not reach the desired service life. Preliminary failure within the guarantee terms still occurs which leads to high warranty costs. Alternative to improving steel cleanliness, the damage tolerance of high performance components could be increased by inducing the TRIP-effect around the crack tip. Due to high local strain hardening, martensite transformation occurs. The high compressive stresses related to it could delay or stop crack propagation by reducing stress concentrations via plastic deformation. In part II of this study, the microstructures and mechanical properties of the steels modified via Al-alloying and heat treated in process routes according to part I are compared to conventional 18CrNiMo7-6. Special interest is paid to the stability of the residual austenite as well as to the change in strain hardening rate under tension.