Abstract
This study focussed on the work hardening behaviour and microstructure of austenitic manganese steel relative to premature failure of crusher jaws. Samples of sound and failed crusher jaws were taken, the change with depth from the working surface to the sample core was measured and their microstructures observed. The study revealed a sharp hardness gradient in the failed crusher jaws, and presence of large carbides at both the austenite grain boundaries and in the austenite matrix. The failure of crusher jaws was attributed to brittle fracture as a result of precipitates of carbides from the inability of precipitated carbides to absorb shock during impact working. Finally, we conclude that the failure occurred as a result of inadequate quenching operations during the manufacturing process that resulted in the formation of carbide precipitates which embrittle the austenitic manganese steel, reduce its ability to withstand shock and create a non uniform plastic flow as it is work hardening.
Highlights
Austenitic manganese steel, called Hadfield steel, after its inventor Sir Robert Hadfield who patented the steel in 1882, has the chemical composition of 1.2%C and 12%Mn
The chemical analysis of samples taken from the sound and failed crusher jaws revealed that their chemical compositions grade B4 (Table 1)[33]
The failure of crusher jaws can be attributed to brittle fracture as a result of precipitates of carbides at the grains boundaries and in the grains
Summary
Austenitic manganese steel, called Hadfield steel, after its inventor Sir Robert Hadfield who patented the steel in 1882, has the chemical composition of 1.2%C and 12%Mn. This alloy possesses unique resistance to impact and abrasion wear It exhibits high levels of ductility and toughness and slow crack propagation rates, in comparison to other potentially competitive materials. It is nonmagnetic and can work harden during service or can be surface-hardened to as high as 450 HB by mechanical or explosive means prior to service[1,2]. Work hardening is usually induced by impact, as from hammer blows. Heavy impact produces deeper hardening; usually with lower values of surface hardness[3]. The selected samples were sparked inside the spectrometer and the resultant elemental compositions of each of the samples were taken.
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