Journal Published Online: 01 September 1993
Volume 21, Issue 5

Embrittlement of an AISI 8640 Lower Bainite Steel

CODEN: JTEVAB

Abstract

A study was performed to determine the cause of an abnormally low fracture toughness of an AISI 8640 resulfurized steel. The embrittlement effects of phosphorus and arsenic on this steel heat-treated to a lower bainitic structure were studied by employing fracture toughness tests, Charpy impact tests, X-ray fluorescent spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the steel was embrittled by phosphorus at prior austenite gram boundaries in a manner similar to the tempered martensite embrittlement (TME) phenomenon. Arsenic is also believed to be involved in the embrittlement effect, specifically as related to producing a reduction in the upper shelf Charpy impact energy. Embrittlement was manifested by a reduced fracture toughness, an increase in the Charpy transition temperature, and intergranular fracture.

Author Information

Rinnovatore, JV
MTA, Inc., Mt. Arlington, NJ
Lukens, KF
U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ
Reinhold, J
U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ
Mahon, W
U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ
Pages: 10
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: JTE11775J
ISSN: 0090-3973
DOI: 10.1520/JTE11775J