Effects of multiple laser shock processing (LSP) impacts on mechanical properties and wear behaviors of AISI 8620 steel

The aim of this paper was to address the effects of multiple laser shock processing (LSP) impacts with different pulse energy on mechanical properties and wear behaviors of AISI 8620 steel. Wear analyses were conducted by means of calculation of volume loss and scanning electron microscope (SEM) of the wear surface. Surface profiles, roughness and micro-hardness were measured. The micro-structures in the surface layer of the untreated and LSPed samples (treated by multiple LSP impacts) were investigated by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations. Experimental results and analyses indicated that multiple LSP impacts can remarkably improve the wear resistance of AISI 8620 steel, and the wear mechanism of multiple LSP impacts on AISI 8620 steel was also entirely revealed. The wear process of the unpolished sample subjected to multiple LSP impacts can be described as follows: the wear rate was big at the beginning of sliding dry wear, but then decreased after the micro-indention in the sample surface was polished to the disappear. This phenomenon can be attributed to the fact that multiple LSP impacts generate many micro-indents in the sample surface.

Tratamento superficial DUPLEX com TiN e CrN de aços ferramenta da classe AISI H13 para matrizes de injeção de ligas de alumínio

Este trabalho apresenta um estudo de camada “duplex” em aços para trabalho à quente da classe AISI H13, com enfoque em matrizes de injeção de ligas de alumínio, visando otimizar a vida das matrizes atuando tanto sobre os mecanismos de ataque superficial da matriz pelo alumínio como sobre a formação de trincas por fadiga térmica. O tratamento duplex consistiu em nitretação à plasma, com gás contendo 5% de nitrogênio e diferentes parâmetros de tempos e temperaturas, sendo as amostras posteriormente revestidas com nitreto de titânio (TiN) ou nitreto de cromo (CrN). As camadas nitretadas foram avaliadas através de análises metalográficas, perfis de dureza e difração de raios X, buscando caracterizar e qualificar a camada nitretada. Tendo sido observado na difração de raios X a presença de camada de compostos (nitretos de ferro ε e γ’) mesmo com a utilização de gás pobre em nitrogênio, foram também avaliados substratos nitretados sem a remoção mecânica dos nitretos e com um polimento para remoção destes antes da deposição. A rugosidade dos substratos nitretados com e sem a realização do polimento mecânico também foram determinados, buscando relação deste parâmetro com os resultados obtidos. O conjunto camada nitretada e depósitos (TiN ou CrN) com e sem o polimento mecânico após-nitretação foram avaliados em termos de adesão com ensaios de indentação Rockwell C com análise em microscopia eletrônica de varredura (qualitativamente) e com o teste do risco (quantitativamente) avaliando tanto as cargas críticas para a falha do filme como o modo de falha também em microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Além disso, foram realizados testes de fadiga térmica em banho de alumínio para simulação e avaliação do desempenho da camada “duplex” em condições de trabalho, bem como foram testadas duas condições de nitretação com TiN ou CrN em regime industrial. Os resultados mostram ganhos de adesão crescentes com o aumento dos tempos e das temperaturas de nitretação, além de maiores ganhos com a remoção mecânica (polimento) do substrato nitretado antes da deposição dos filmes. O comportamento, frente às condições de trabalho também foi superior para condições de nitretação com maiores tempos e temperaturas, tanto nos ensaios de laboratório com nos testes em regime industrial.

Effect of cooling rate on properties of plasma nitrided AISI 1010 steel

In this work, AISI 1010 steel samples were plasma nitrided into 20% N 2 100 Pa and 400 Pa for N 2 and H 2 , respectively), temperatures of 500 and 580 °C, during 2 h. Three different procedures for cooling were accomplished after nitriding. In the first procedure the cooling occurred naturally, that is, the sample was kept on substrate holder. In the second one the sample was pulled off and cooling in a cold surface. Finally, in the third cooling process the sample was pulled off the substrate holder down into special reservoir filled with oil held at ambient temperature. The properties of the AISI 1010 steel samples were characterized by optical and electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy and microhardness tests. Thermal gradient inside the sample kept on substrate holder during cooling process was measured by three inserted thermocouples at different depths. When samples were cooled rapidly the transformation of ϵ-Fe 2 − 3 N to γ′-Fe 4 N was inhibited. Such effect is indicated by the high concentration of ϵ-Fe compound zone. To get solid state solution of nitrogen in the diffusion zone, instead of precipitates of nitride phases, the cooling rate should be higher than a critical value of about 0.95 °C/s. When this value is reached at any depth of the diffusion zone, two distinct diffusion zones will appear. Temperature gradients were measured inside the samples as a consequence of the plasma treatment. It's suggested the need for standardization of the term “treatment temperature” for plasma treatment because different nitrided layer properties could be reported for the same “treatment temperature”.

Effect of electroless nickel interlayer on the fatigue strength of chromium electroplated AISI 4340 steel

Deposition of wear-resistant hard chromium plating leads to a decrease in the fatigue strength of the base material. Despite the effective protection against wear and corrosion, fatigue life and environmental requirements result in pressure to identify alternatives or to improve conventional chromium electroplating mechanical characteristics. An interesting, environmentally safer and cleaner alternative for the replacement of hard chronic plating is tungsten carbide thermal spray coating, applied by high velocity oxyfuel (HVOF) process.To improve the fatigue strength of aeronautical steel chromium electroplated, shot peening is a successfully used method. Multiple lacer systems of coatings are considered to have larger resistance to crack propagation in comparison with simple layer.The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of nickel underplate on the fatigue strength of hard chromium plated AISI 4340 steel in two mechanical conditions: HRc 39 and HRc 52.Rotating bending fatigue tests results indicate that the clectroless nickel plating underlayer is responsible for the increase in fatigue strength of AISI 4340 steel chromium electroplated. This behavior may be attributed to the largest toughness/ductility and compressive residual stresses which, probably, arrested or delayed the inicrocrack propagation from the hard chromium external layer. The compressive residual stress field (CRSF) induced by the electroplating process was determined by X-ray diffraction method. The evolution of fatigue strength compressive residual stress field CRSF and crack sources are discussed and analyzed by SEM. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of WC-17Co and WC-10Co-4Cr thermal spray coatings by HVOF on the fatigue and corrosion strength of AISI 4340 steel

It is known that chromium electroplating is related to the reduction in the fatigue strength of base metal. However, chromium results in protection against wear and corrosion combined with chemical resistance and good lubricity. Environmental requirements are an important point to be considered in the search for possible alternatives to hard chrome plating. Aircraft landing gear manufactures are considering WC thermal spray coating applied by the high-velocity oxygen-fuel (HVOF) process an alternative candidate, which shows performance at least comparable to results, obtained for hard chrome plating. The aim of this study is to compare the influence of WC-17Co and WC-10Co-4Cr coatings applied by HVOF process and hard chromium electroplating on the fatigue strength of AISI 4340 steel, with and without shot peening. S-N curves were obtained in axial fatigue test for base material, chromium plated and tungsten carbide coated specimens. Tungsten carbide thermal spray coating results in higher fatigue strength when compared to hard chromium electroplated. Shot peening prior to thermal spraying showed to be an excellent alternative to increase fatigue strength of AISI 4340 steel. Experimental data showed higher axial fatigue and corrosion resistance in salt fog exposure for samples WC-10Co-4Cr HVOF coated when compared with WC-17Co. Fracture surface analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated the existence of a uniform coverage of nearly all substrates. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fatigue strength of HVOF sprayed Cr(3)C(2)-25NiCr and WC-10Ni on AISI 4340 steel

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Evaluation on fatigue strength of AISI 4340 steel aluminum coated by electroplating and IVD processes

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Improvement in the fatigue strength of chromium electroplated AISI 4340 steel by shot peening

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Evaluation of WC-10Ni thermal spraying coating by HVOF on the fatigue and corrosion AISI 4340 steel

Shot peening is a surface process widely used to improve the fatigue strength of materials, through compressive residual stresses induced in their surface layers. Considering mechanical components for high responsible applications, wear and corrosion control is currently accomplished by the use of coated materials.In the case of chrome plating or hard anodizing, lower fatigue strength in comparison to uncoated parts are associated to high residual tensile stresses and microcracks density. Under constant or variable amplitude loading microcracks will propagate and cross the interface coating substrate without impediment.The aim of the present study is to analyze the influence of WC-10Ni coating applied by HVOF process on the axial fatigue strength of AISI 4340 steel. The shot peening effect on the fatigue performance of coated AISI 4340 steel was also evaluated. The fractured fatigue specimens were investigated using a scanning electron microscope in order to obtain information about the crack initiation points. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Evaluation of WC-10Ni thermal spray coating with shot peening on the fatigue strength of AISI 4340 steel

Fatigue failure is a result of a crack initiation and propagation, in consequence of a cyclical load. In aeronautical components as landing gear the fatigue strength is an important parameter to be considered in project, as well as the corrosion and wear resistance.The thermal sprayed HVOF technology it's normally used to protect components against wear and corrosion, and are being considerate an alternative to replace chromium by the aeronautical industry. With respect to fatigue life, the HVOF technique induces residual stress on the interface. In the case of tensile residual stresses, the initiation and propagation phases of fatigue process are accelerated; on the other hand, compressive residual stresses close to the surface may increase fatigue life. The technique to improve the coated materials fatigue strength is the shot peening process, which induces residual stress in the surface in order to delay the nucleation and propagation process.The aim of present study is to compare the influence of WC-10 Ni coating applied by HVOF on the fatigue strength of AISI 4340 steel, with and without shot peening. S-N curves were obtained in axial fatigue tests for material base, and tungsten carbide coated specimens. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Fatigue in AISI 4340 steel thermal spray coating by HVOF for aeronautic application

Currently, high-strength materials, particularly AISI 4340 steel, are used in several landing gear components. Due to the high resistance to wear and corrosion required, the components are usually coating by hard chromium. This treatment produces waste, such as Cr+ 6 (hexavalent chromium), generally after applying the coating of hard chromium which is harmful to health and the environment. The process HVOF (High-velocity-oxygen-fuel) is considered a promising technique for deposition of hard chromium alternative coatings, for example, coatings based on tungsten carbide. This technique provides high hardness and good wear strength and more resistance to fatigue when compared to AISI 4340 hard chromium coated. To minimize loss fatigue due to the process of deposition, shot peening is used to obtain a compressive residual stress. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of the tungsten carbide thermal spray coating applied by the HVOF, in comparison to the conventional hard chromium electroplating on the AISI 4340 high strength steel behavior in fatigue. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to observe crack origin sites, thickness and adhesion of the coating. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

An evaluation of shot peening, residual stress and stress relaxation on the fatigue life of AISI 4340 steel

Shot peening is a method widely used to improve the fatigue strength of materials. through the creation of a compressive residual stress field (CRSF) in their surface layers. In the present research the gain in fatigue life of AISI 4340 steel, Used in landing gear. is evaluated under four Shot peening conditions. Rotating bending fatigue tests were conducted and the CRSF was measured by an X-ray tensometry prior and during fatigue tests. It was observed that relaxation of the CRSF occurred due to the fatigue process. In addition, the fractured fatigue specimens were investigated using a scanning electron microscope in order to obtain information about the crack initiation points. The evaluation of fatigue life, relaxation of CRSF and crack sources are discussed. (C) 2002 Elsevier B.V. Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hydrogen embrittlement in an AISI 1045 steel component of the sugarcane industry

This paper will present a failure analysis of a chain component, manufactured with AISI 1045 steel and used for sugarcane transport. During the fabrication process, this component is submitted to induction hardening, just on one surface, before the galvanizing process. The occurrence of surface cracks, during storage, disables the usage of these components. Chemical and metallographic analyses, tensile, fracture toughness, and hardness tests, and fractography were conducted in order to determine the causes of failure. The steel chemical composition was in accordance with AISI 1045. The metallographic analyses and fractography did not exhibit the presence of zinc into the cracks; this is an indication that the cracks occurred after the galvanizing process. Tensile and fracture toughness test results are as expected. The crack surface and the fracture toughness specimen surfaces showed two different fracture micromechanisms: dimples and intergranular. The delayed fracture associated with the predominance of intergranular fracture micromechanism at the induction hardened layer and the high hardness level is a clear indication of the hydrogen embrittlement. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Plasma immersion ion implantation of nitrogen into H13 steel under moderate temperatures

Ion implantation of nitrogen into samples of tempered and quenched H13 steel was carried out by plasma immersion technique. A glow discharge plasma of nitrogen species was the ion source and the negative high voltage pulser provided 10-12 kV, 60 mu s duration and 1.0-2.0 kHz frequency, flat voltage pulses. The temperatures of the samples remained between 300 and 450 degrees C, sustained solely by the ion bombardment. In some of the discharges, we used a N-2 + H-2 gas mixture with 1:1 ratio. PIII treatments as long as 3, 6, 9 and up to 12 h were carried out to achieve as thickest treated layer as possible, and we were able to reach over 20 mu m treated layers, as a result of ion implantation and thermal (and possibly radiation enhanced) diffusion. The nitrogen depth profiles were obtained by GDOS (Glow Discharge Optical Spectroscopy) and the exact composition profiles by AES (Auger Electron Spectroscopy). The hardness of the treated surface was increased by more than 250%, reaching 18.8 GPa. No white layer was seen in this case. A hardness profile was obtained which corroborated a deep hardened layer, confirming the high efficacy of the moderate temperature PIII treatment of steels. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.