Low-Cycle Fatigue Behavior and Fracture Mechanism of HS80H Steel at Different Strain Amplitudes and Mean Strains

Abstract

This work studied the low-cycle fatigue (LCF) behavior of HS80H steel at room temperature. LCF tests at strain amplitudes of 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.6, and 2.0% were conducted under constant mean strain. In addition, tests at mean strains of −0.8, −0.3, 0, 0.5, and 1.2% were conducted under constant strain amplitude. The microstructure and fracture surface of the material after the tests were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Results of LCF test demonstrate the hardening-softening transition of HS80H steel. And it is associated with strain amplitude and mean strain. In addition, LCF life is affected by strain amplitude and mean strain. In asymmetric fatigue, the maximum absolute value of strain and fatigue life displays a linear relationship in double logarithmic coordinates. Microscopic observation showed that fatigue crack propagates through transgranular propagation resulting from the interaction between dislocation pileup and precipitates.