Abstract
Characterisation of microstructure and its effect on rolling contact fatigue of induction hardened medium carbon steels have been studied using 0.44C and 0.55C (wt-%) steels. Rolling contact fatigue tests were conducted under a maximum Hertzian contact stress of492 kg mm-2 with a rotating speed of 8000 rev min-1 and a constant supply of lubricant. Fine martensite was formed in the surface hardened layer of induction hardened 0.44C and 0.55C steels. The martensite in 0.55C steel was less decayed than that of 0.44C steel during rolling contact fatigue. Reliability and fatigue life of O.55C steel were higher than those of O.44C steel. Retardation of martensite decay during rolling contact fatigue is one of the main reasons for improved reliability and fatigue life in the 0.55C steel.
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