Mechanical Properties and Microscopic Evaluation of Heat Treated D6A Ultra High-Strength Steel

Abstract

This investigation aims to evaluate the influence of heat treatment on the hardness and microscopic characteristics of a specific grade of medium carbon steel, namely, the American standard D6A Ultra High-Strength Steel, which contains 0.47% carbon in its composition. After preparation, specimens were heated in a muffle furnace at a temperature of 830°C and held for 90 minutes, followed by quenching. Subsequently, the specimens underwent tempering at a temperature of 600°C for 60 minutes. The hardness and microscopic evaluation of the heat-treated steel were determined. The results also indicate a rapid increase in hardness with a decrease in thickness for the heat-treated material. For HRA (Rockwell Hardness A Scale) times of 5s and 10s, the hardness enhancement percentages were 29% and 103%, respectively, compared to specimens without heat treatment. Furthermore, a chamber pressure test assessed the suitability and optimal design of Ultra High-Strength Steel for a pressure vessel in a mortar gun. As the outer radius increases, there is a corresponding decrease in axial stress, hoop stress, and the maximum limit of ultimate stress for both internal pressures within the pressure vessel. For internal pressures of 100 MPa and 85 MPa, the optimal inner radius for the pressure vessel is determined to be 0.053m and 0.051m, respectively.