Martensitic Steel Research Articles

Effect of pre-strain on hydrogen-induced delayed cracking and hydrogen trapping behavior in high-strength martensitic steels

Pre-strain is a key factor affecting the critical conditions for hydrogen-induced delayed cracking (HIDC). In this study, the threshold stress and critical hydrogen concentration for HIDC of MS1300 and MS1500 steels with different pre-strains were measured by constant load tensile (CLT) tests. The results demonstrated that although MS1500 has higher strength, its safe service strength is lower than that of MS1300 when the hydrogen content exceeds 0.5 wppm. Additionally, the hydrogen penetration, thermal desorption spectroscopy, and hydrogen microprinting methods were also used to analyze the hydrogen-induced failure mechanism. These studies provide an effective data reference for improving the industrial production process.

Physical Heat Cycle Measurement of Resistance Spot Welding

Resistance spot welding (RSW) is still the ideal joining method in the automotive industry. Mostly steel sheets are used in the car body, so overlap and layering are required for welding or riveting, as spot welding provides simultaneous clamping force with interfacial welding to ensure the required strength and quality. A fundamental understanding of heating and cooling rates in thermal distributions is essential for predicting microstructure formation in the weld and the heat-affected zones (HAZ) of RSW joints. The ability to measure the heat cycle in the RSW process can be valuable in weld control and welding parameter optimization. RSW parameters can be optimized through tensile shear tests and microscopic investigations. Heat cycle measurement (HCM) demonstrates the welding consequences in terms of the change in mechanical properties and microstructural formations. The accuracy of cooling rate measurements including t8/5 cooling time is very important to predict the microstructural evolution in the HAZ, however, the thermocouple measurement raises numerous challenges due to the high temperature gradient and small weld and HAZ size. During our investigations heat cycle measurement has been conducted experimentally by a K-type thermocouple. The data logger is connected to the output of the thermocouple for recording the voltage to measure the temperature distributions as a function of both time and position during the welding process. Measurement results of 1 mm thick martensitic MS1400 steel overlapped RSW joints are discussed, and the HCM curve of heating and cooling rates of the spot-welding process is presented. The heat cycle during RSW was measured with two different welding parameter combinations. In addition to welding current, welding time, and electrode force, pulsation has shown disparate curves. Numerous experiments have been attempted to measure the heat cycle in HAZ sub-zones due to the difficulty of positioning the thermocouple accurately, uppercritical HAZ, intercritical HAZ, and subcritical HAZ were investigated and measured in both welding parameter combinations. Difficulties were encountered in the experimental work as a result of the instantaneous welding time and the vibration resulting from the passage of alternating electrical current between the two electrodes. A magnetic field is generated that affects the thermocouple measurement and appears as a noisy curve that is filtered out and smoothed. Joule heat, interfacial heat generation, and cooling effects of electrodes are also considered in the experiment.

Corrosion Resistance and Fracture Toughness of Cryogenic-Treated X153CrMoV12 Tool Steel

Abstract Cryogenic treatment can be employed as an additional heat treatment step for martensitic steels, particularly high-carbon and high-alloy tool steels, to improve their mechanical properties and wear resistance. This enhancement results from a transformation of retained austenite and precipitation of finely distributed secondary carbides. The present study examines the impact of a shallow cryogenic treatment, performed between the quenching and tempering processes, on the corrosion resistance and fracture toughness of cold work tool steel X153CrMoV12. The influence of the shallow cryogenic treatment was evaluated using potentiodynamic polarization test, salt spray tests and three-point bending tests in various hydrogen charging conditions. In addition, the microstructure and phase transformation of the tool steel were investigated using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and dilatometer tests. The results suggest that the shallow cryogenic treatment followed by a single tempering cycle can slightly enhance the corrosion resistance of the steel. More importantly, the shallow cryogenic treatment positively affects fracture toughness and reduces hydrogen susceptibility. It is discussed how these improvements in the properties of the X153CrMoV12 steel are linked to the microstructural changes induced by the shallow cryogenic treatment.

Method of Magnetic Control of Percentage of Ferrite and Strain-Induced Martensite in Stainless Steels

Method of Magnetic Control of Percentage of Ferrite and Strain-Induced Martensite in Stainless Steels

Variations in the Structure and Magnetic Parameters of Martensitic Steel Induced by Plastic Deformation

Variations in the Structure and Magnetic Parameters of Martensitic Steel Induced by Plastic Deformation

Real-time Observation of Stress-strain Behavior beyond Necking in Martensitic Steel by <i>in-situ</i> Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction

Real-time Observation of Stress-strain Behavior beyond Necking in Martensitic Steel by <i>in-situ</i> Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction

On the role of the retained porosity on the shock response of additively manufactured high-performance steel: Experiments, constitutive model and finite-element predictions

Experiments have shown that for quasi-static and moderate strain-rates (of the order of 102–103/s) the mechanical response of additively manufactured (AM) and traditionally processed high-strength steels is similar whereas the impact behavior is markedly different. In this paper, we reveal that the main reason for this difference is the retained porosity in the AM material. Fully-implicit finite element calculations are presented in which we simulate both the launching of the impact plate and the impact between the two plates. The constitutive model used is the elastic/plastic model for porous ductile materials with matrix displaying tension-compression asymmetry and Johnson-Cook hardening law that accounts for both strain-rate effects and plastic history. It is shown that even a very small initial porosity changes the wave front, decreases the Hugoniot while increasing the shock rise time, when compared to a void free material. Furthermore, quantitative comparisons between simulation results and plate impact data for both the AM and the wrought AF9628 steel are provided. The good agreement show that the model captures the impact response and illustrates the model capabilities to provide information on field variables that cannot be directly measured.Additive manufacturing (AM) of metals is rapidly advancing as a robust method for production of geometrically complex parts. To enhance understanding of material performance and open up additional application opportunities, dynamic characterization of newly printed alloys is required to validate their effectiveness. In this paper, we present results from plate impact testing of AF9628 steel, a newly developed high-strength low alloy martensitic steel for structural applications which require resistance to high-rate deformation. We put into evidence differences in the shock structure between the AM and the traditionally processed material. To gain understanding, we conduct fully-implicit finite element (FE) calculations in which we model both the launching of the impact plate and the impact between the two plates, respectively. An elastic/plastic damage model that accounts for the effects of the tension-compression asymmetry in plastic deformation and its influence on porosity evolution is used. The FE results reveal that even a very small amount of initial porosity leads to an increase in the shock rise time, explaining the observed trends. Furthermore, quantitative comparisons between simulation results and plate impact data for both the AM and the wrought AF9628 are provided. The good agreement show that the model captures the impact response and illustrates the model capabilities to provide information on field variables that cannot be directly measured.

Role of Coalesced Bainite in Hydrogen Embrittlement of Tempered Martensitic Steels

This study investigates the role of coalesced bainite in enhancing the hydrogen embrittlement resistance of tempered martensitic steels. By analyzing the microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties under varying cooling rates, it was found that the presence of coalesced bainite significantly impedes hydrogen accumulation at prior austenite grain boundaries. This leads to a transition in the fracture mode from intergranular to transgranular, thereby improving the overall resistance to hydrogen embrittlement in steels. Slow strain rate tests (SSRTs) on both smooth and notched specimens further confirmed that steels cooled at lower rates, which form a higher fraction of coalesced bainite, exhibiting superior hydrogen embrittlement resistance. These findings suggest that optimizing the cooling process to promote coalesced bainite formation could be a valuable strategy for enhancing the performance of tempered martensitic steels in hydrogen-rich environments.

Friction Stir Welding of 1.4 GPa-Grade Tempered Martensitic Steel

Friction Stir Welding of 1.4 GPa-Grade Tempered Martensitic Steel

Erosion Wear Behavior of HVAF-Sprayed WC/Cr3C2-Based Cermet and Martensitic Stainless Steel Coatings on AlSi7Mg0.3 Alloy: A Comparative Study

The paper presents a comparative study of the erosion wear resistance of WC-10Co4Cr, Cr3C2-25NiCr and martensitic stainless steel (SS) coatings deposited onto an AlSi7Mg0.3 (Al) alloy substrate by high-velocity air‒fuel (HVAF) spraying. The influence of the abrasive type (quartz sand or granite gravel), erodent attack angle, thickness, and microhardness of the coatings on their and Al substrate’s wear resistance was comprehensively investigated under dry erosion conditions typical for fan blades. The HVAF-spraying process did not affect the Al substrate’s structure, except for when the near-surface layer was 20‒40 μm thick. This was attributed to the formation of a modified Al-Si eutectic with enhanced microhardness and strength in the near-substrate area. Mechanical characterization revealed significantly higher microhardness values for the cermet WC-10Co4Cr (~12 GPa) and Cr3C2-25NiCr (~9 GPa) coatings, while for the SS coating, the value was ~5.7 GPa. Erosion wear tests established that while Cr3C2-25NiCr and SS coatings were more sensitive to abrasive type, the WC-10Co4Cr coating exhibited significantly higher wear resistance, outperforming the alternatives by 2‒17 times under high abrasive intensity. These findings highlight the potential of HVAF-sprayed WC-10Co4Cr coatings for extending the service life of AlSi7Mg0.3-based fan blades exposed to erosion wear at normal temperatures.

Microstructure and Fatigue Behavior of PM-HIPed Ni-Based Superalloys and Martensitic Tool Steels: A Review

Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) is a near-net shape powder metallurgy (PM) technique, which has emerged as an efficient technique, offering precise control over the microstructure and properties of materials, particularly in high-performance alloys. This technology finds applications across a wide range of industries, such as aerospace, automotive, marine, oil and gas, medical, and tooling. This paper provides an overview of powder metallurgy and hot isostatic pressing, covering their principles, process parameters, and applications. Additionally, it conducts an analysis of PM-HIPed alloys, focusing on their microstructure and fatigue behavior to illustrate their potential in diverse engineering applications. Specifically, this paper focuses on nickel-based superalloys and martensitic tool steels. The diverse microstructural characteristics of these alloys provide valuable insights into the PM-HIP-induced fatigue defects and properties.

THE MODERN AND PROSPECTIVE STRUCTURAL MATERIALS` FOR WHEELED ARMORED VEHICLES STRENGTH CHARACTERISTICS ANALYSIS

The article presents the results of research in those the modern structural materials` strength characteristics for wheeled armored vehicles (WAV) production, as well as the technical requirements for them, were analyzed. It has been established that ordinary structural steels are used for armored car frames, and special armored steels with high strength and hardness characteristics are used for armored plating. It is expedient to use new promising materials - martensitic steels, which are characterized by extremely high strength, new ceramic materials and glass, and the latest nanomaterials - for the WAV armoring. A military vehicles protection promising direction is modern modular armor protection with the use of various materials.

Assessing strength of ferrite and martensite in five dual phase and two martensitic steels via high throughput nanoindentation to elucidate origins of strength

This paper describes the main findings from an experimental investigation into overall and local strength of four dual-phase (DP) steels classified based on their tensile strength (TS) levels from DP590, to 780, to 980, to 1180, a martensitic steel (MS) 1700, and a high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel in rolled and additively manufactured (AM) conditions. The DP steels and the MS steel consist of ferrite and martensite, while the HSLA steel is solely martensitic. High throughput nanoindentation mapping is employed to measure the mechanical hardness of individual phases contributing to strength of the steels. A clustering methodology for correlating measured hardness and phase maps is conceived to infer hardness per phase. With increasing fractions of martensite, the hardness values of both ferrite and martensite are found to increase with more rapid increase in the hardness of ferrite than martensite. The phases increasingly dislocate with the fraction of martensite as rationalized by crystal plasticity modeling of strength of the steels. Initial slip resistances and a set of hardening parameters associated with the slip in ferrite and martensite are established to model the flow stress behavior of the steels. In modeling the co-dependent nature of crystallographic slip in ferrite and martensite, the initial dislocation densities are inferred and correlated with the measured hardness values. The hardness of martensite in the rolled HSLA steel is comparable to the hardness of martensite in the MS steel, while martensite in the AM HSLA steel is softer owing to the tempering occurring during the AM process.

Effect of H2S on the corrosion behavior of austenitic and martensitic steels in supercritical CO2 at 550 °C and 20 MPa for Brayton cycle system

Corrosion of alloy materials significantly influences the stability and efficiency of the supercritical carbon dioxide (S-CO2) Brayton cycle. In this study, we investigated the corrosion behavior of the austenitic alloy SP2215 and the martensitic alloy X19CrMoNbVN11-19 (X19) in S-CO2 at 550°C and 20 MPa. The effect of impurities, H2S, on corrosion behavior was studied. After 900 hours, SP2215 formed a 1.1 μm thick oxide layer (Cr2O3). X19 formed a loose and porous double oxide layer of 4.1 μm (outer: Fe3O4, inner: FeCr2O4). After H2S doping, SP2215 had an oxide layer of 6.2 μm (FeS, SiO2, and Cr2O3), while X19 was 9.8 μm (outer: Fe3O4, SiO2, FexSy and Fe2O3, inner: FeCr2O4, Fe2SiO4 and Cr2S3). Metal sulfides formed and the corrosion layer thickened. This indicates that H2S not only changes the corrosion mechanism but also aggravates the corrosion. However, the corrosion of CO2 is dominant. SP2215 has better corrosion resistance than X19.

Unveiling the cellular microstructure–property relations in martensitic stainless steel via laser powder bed fusion

Unveiling the cellular microstructure–property relations in martensitic stainless steel via laser powder bed fusion

Enhancing mechanical properties of dissimilar steel A-TIG weld joint by in-situ induction post-heating

An approach is proposed to enhance the mechanical properties (ductility and impact toughness) of dissimilar martensitic steel-austenitic stainless steel joint by ‘A-TIG welding with induction post-heating (A-TIG(I) welding)’. The A-TIG(I) welding mitigates the martensite formation and promotes the ferrite formation within the weld zone (WZ) by retarding the cooling rate (from 9.83 °C/s to 0.8 °C/s). Microstructural transformations enabled in achieving the improved ductility (44.9 %) without significant loss of strength (665.75 MPa). Overmatched impact toughness (103 ± 2) J of WZ was also obtained.

Optimization method of parameters inverse identification for hot deformation constitutive model of 2Cr13 martensitic stainless steel using genetic algorithm

Constitutive models are considered a key prerequisite to investigate the thermal deformation behavior of materials. Accurate identification of their parameters is crucial for enhancing the predictive precision of the models. A novel optimization method for accurate inverse identification of parameters using the genetic algorithm (GA) in the Modified Zerilli-Armstrong (MZA) model was proposed in this work. Under conditions of temperatures ranging from 1223 K to 1473 K at intervals of 50 K and strain rates of 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 5 s−1, uniaxial isothermal hot compression tests were performed on 2Cr13 martensitic stainless steel (MSS) employing a Gleeble-1500D thermal simulation test machine. Based on the experimental data, the conventional linear regression method was utilized to solve the MZA model of 2Cr13 MSS. Initial values for the material constants I1, S1, C5, and C6 to be optimized were assigned drawing from the calculated results. The GA-based iteratively optimized MZA (G-ZA) model was established by minimizing the mean squared error as an objective function between the experimental and predicted flow stress values. Compared to the MZA model, a significant enhancement in predictive performance was achieved with the G-ZA model, while good generalization was also demonstrated. Both models were successfully integrated into the Forge® finite element analysis software through the secondary development of user subroutines. Numerical simulation results indicated that the G-ZA model demonstrated a better agreement with the experimental data in predicting the load-displacement curve. This validated that a more accurate constitutive model for the hot deformation of 2Cr13 MSS can be effectively constructed using the GA-based parameter inverse identification strategy.

Effect of Cerium on Solidification Structure and Eutectic Precipitates in Electroslag Remelted Cr–W–Co Martensitic Heat-Resistant Steel

Effect of Cerium on Solidification Structure and Eutectic Precipitates in Electroslag Remelted Cr–W–Co Martensitic Heat-Resistant Steel

Rapid reversion of martensite in low-alloy steel under electropulsing treatment: Exploring feasibility of reversible transformation

Reversibility is an essential feature of martensitic transformation but is always believed impossible in FeC alloys since martensite (α') is unstable, which decomposes and forms cementite (θ) before reversion begins. Here we used electropulsing treatment (EPT) to inhibit θ precipitation and explored the feasibility of reversible transformation without α' decomposition in low-alloy steels (22MnB5 and 35CrMo steels). The reversion behaviors of the electropulsed specimens were analyzed by morphology, orientation, elemental distribution, and final microstructure. The result shows that in low carbon, low-alloy steel (22MnB5 steel), acicular γ abruptly grows through the whole pack without composition change. The prior γ grains are reproduced with the same grain size, shape, and orientation, indicating that inhibiting the θ precipitation does make steels with low carbon content achieve the reversibility of martensitic transformation. This phenomenon mainly results from reducing the effective driving force for θ precipitation by the current. However, in low-alloy steel with higher carbon content (35CrMo steel), 3D orientation distributions reveal that the prior γ grain is divided into equiaxed grains with various orientations and irregular grains with slightly changed orientations. This result suggests that when carbon content increases above a limit, high dislocation densities lead to recrystallization and destroy the original orientation relationship.

Effect of Boronizing on the Corrosion Resistance of Martensitic Stainless Steels

Effect of Boronizing on the Corrosion Resistance of Martensitic Stainless Steels