Change of surface properties of high-chromium cast iron under conditions of laser treatment and wear in a pellet stream

Abstract

We investigate the influence of laser treatment on the formation of residual stresses relative to the changing structure-phase composition in the surface layers of high-chromium cast iron with 16% chromium. We show that appreciable tensile stresses are produced in the region of the laser action and that their distribution depends on whether the laser treatment was or was not accompanied by surface melting. The produced residual stresses are responsible for the formation of a large number of cracks. Preheating to 400°C lowers the level of the tensile residual stresses and prevents crack formation. A pellet stream acting on the surface produces cold-work hardening layers in which the tensile stresses change into compressive ones. The depth, hardness, and magnitude of the compressive residual stresses depend on the method used to work harden the cast iron and on the angle of attack of the pellet as it acts on the surface.