Effect of rare earth element Ce on thermal fatigue properties of H13 steel

doi:10.13251/j.issn.0254-6051.2023.11.010

Abstract

Abstract: Thermal fatigue cycling tests were conducted on H13 steel with different Ce contents after oil quenching at 1040 ℃ and tempering twice at 580 ℃. The microstructure, crack morphology, and hardness of the tested steel under different thermal fatigue cycles were analyzed by means of optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, and hardness tester. The results indicate that after thermal fatigue cycle, the microstructure of the tested steel is tempered sorbite. Thermal fatigue cracks first initiate at the tip of the pre-treated notch, and the oxidation pits and inclusions that occur during the thermal fatigue cycle promote crack generation. The cracks continue to extend and increase in width. Rare earth Ce has a significant refining effect on the microstructure and grain size of the tested steel, improving the resistance to softening, inhibiting the growth of thermal fatigue cracks, and the optimal rare earth Ce content is 0.026%.

Key words: H13 steel, rare earth Ce, thermal fatigue, crack, softening

CLC Number:

TG142.1

Chen Xuemin, Yang Lilin, Xu Qihao, Chen Shuo, Zhao Liping. Effect of rare earth element Ce on thermal fatigue properties of H13 steel[J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2023, 48(11): 62-67.

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