Abstract
Two ultrahigh carbon steels containing 1.3 and 1.5 pet carbon have been tested for their plane-strain (Chevron-notch) fracture toughness using Barker tests. The microstructure of these two materials consisted of fine carbides dispersed in a ferrite matrix. Fracture toughness of UHC-1.3 C was twice that of UHC-1.5 C. This result can be readily explained by means of the difference in size of the carbide particles found in each microstructure. The crack growth mechanism consisted of ductile tearing at the notch tip region followed by nucleation of a brittle crack at carbides. Crack propagation in the UHC-1.3 C specimen occurred unstably and smooth crack growth behavior was observed in UHC-1.5 C. The difference in crack growth behavior was attributed to the elastic energy stored in the grips, which was higher for the UHC-1.3 C test than for the UHC-1.5 C test.
Highlights
Summary
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
