Influence mechanism of large inclusion on wheel fatigue crack

Abstract

In this paper, the formation mechanism of wheel rim crack and control technique was investigated. Feature of wheel rim crack and aggregated attachments on the inner wall of nozzle were examined through scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometer. Metal rheological test of round billet rolling was conducted to investigate the corresponding location of large inclusions in the round billet and in the wheel. It was found that the rim crack of wheels during service is caused by large inclusions that originated from the aggregated inclusions on the inner wall of the nozzle. According to Murakami’s modelling, the critical size of the inclusions that initiate cracks relates to the depth from the tread. The critical sizes of the inclusions for cracks initiation at 10 mm, 14 mm, 16 mm and 20 mm below the tread are about 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, respectively. Process optimization was made with combination of a series methods. Dispersed annular venting stopper was adopted to block the aggregation and attachment of inclusions on the inner wall of nozzle. Current and frequency of electromagnetic stirring in mold were increased to restrain the impact depth of molten steel flow and inclusions. Cooling intensity of the secondary cooling was decreased to reduce the probability of inclusions captured at the solidification front. After optimization, the number of large inclusions was greatly reduced by more than 80%, and the number of inclusions larger than 1 mm is greatly reduced from 35% to 8%. The risk of wheel rim cracks occurrence could be reduced greatly.