Determination of continuous cooling transition curves and microstructure analysis of pearlitic rail steel

doi:10.13251/j.issn.0254-6051.2024.02.010

Abstract

Abstract: Continuous cooling transition curves of the supercooled austenite of the pearlitic rail steel was plotted by using the L78 quenching dilatometer. Combined with the metallographic structure analysis and hardness test results, the microstructure and mechanical properties of the pearlitic rail steel during continuous cooling were studied. The results show that the critical phase transition temperature of the test steel is as follows: Ac₁=735.3 ℃,Ac_cm=812.2 ℃, Ar₁=697.9 ℃, Ar_cm=773.8 ℃. The tested steel was heated to 860 ℃ at 10 ℃/s for 10 min to complete austenitization and then cooled. When the cooling rate is 3 ℃/s or below, the microstructure is pearlite and local ferrite. When the cooling rate is 4-8 ℃/s, the microstructure is pearlite and a little martensite. When the cooling rate is above 11 ℃/s, the microstructure is martensite and retained austenite. There is no bainite transition. To comprehensively analyze the microstructure and hardness of the rail steel, in order to form the refined pearlite microstructure and a small amount of martensitic microstructure, the cooling rate between 4-8 ℃/s should be selected.

Key words: pearlitic rail steel, continuous transformation curves, heat treatment process, microstructure, microhardness

CLC Number:

TG142.1

Zhang Le, Jiang Hongli, Xie Benchang, Wang Dongmei, Cen Yaodong, Chen Lin. Determination of continuous cooling transition curves and microstructure analysis of pearlitic rail steel[J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2024, 49(2): 66-70.

References

[1]郭俊. 轮轨滚动接触疲劳损伤机理研究[D]. 成都: 西南交通大学, 2006.
Guo Jun. Study on mechanism of wheel-rail rolling contact fatigue and damage[D]. Chengdu: Southwest Jiaotong University, 2006.
[2]Kang C, Schneider S, Wenner M, et al. Experimental investigation on the fatigue behaviour of rails in the transverse direction[J]. Construction and Building Materials, 2021, 272: 121666.
[3]张银花, 周清跃, 鲍磊, 等. 国内外高速铁路钢轨性能对比研究[J]. 中国铁道科学, 2015, 36(4): 20-26.
Zhang Yinhua, Zhou Qingyue, Bao Lei, et al. Comparative study on rail performance of high speed railway home and abroad[J]. China Railway Science, 2015, 36(4): 20-26.
[4]任安超. 高强度耐蚀钢轨的研究[D]. 武汉: 武汉科技大学, 2012.
Ren Anchao. Research on high-strength and resistance corrosion rail[D]. Wuhan: Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 2012.
[5]王东梅, 赵磊城, 陈林, 等. 淬火冷速对过共析轨钢中珠光体组织的影响[J]. 金属热处理, 2021, 46(3): 12-17.
Wang Dongmei, Zhao Leicheng, Chen Lin, et al. Effect of quenching cooling rate on pearlite microstructure of hypereutectoid rail steel[J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2021, 46(3): 12-17.
[6]刘宗昌, 计云萍, 任慧平. 金属固态相变教程[M]. 2版. 北京: 冶金工业出版社, 2011.
[7]姚冬. 不同强度等级珠光体钢轨韧性指标对比分析[J]. 铁道建筑, 2018, 58(7): 1-4.
Yao Dong. Comparative analysis on toughness properties for pearlite rails of various strength grades[J]. Railway Engineering, 2018, 58(7): 1-4.
[8]陈林, 王慧军, 郭飞翔. 淬火微观组织对重轨钢疲劳裂纹扩展速率的影响[J]. 材料导报, 2017, 31(14): 109-112.
Chen Lin, Wang Huijun, Guo Feixiang. Effect of quenching microstructure on fatigue crack growth rate of heavy rail steel[J]. Materials Reports, 2017, 31(14): 109-112.
[9]王明明. 高强度钢轨钢成分设计及组织、性能研究[D]. 秦皇岛: 燕山大学, 2018.
Wang Mingming. Investigation on composition design, microstructure and properties of high strength rail steels[D]. Qinhuangdao: Yanshan University, 2018.
[10]牛建宇. 高碳微合金珠光体钢轨钢热处理工艺及组织性能研究[D]. 包头: 内蒙古科技大学, 2021.
Niu Jianyu. The study of heat treatment process and organizational performance on high-carbon micro alloy pearlite rail steel[D]. Baotou: Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, 2021.
[11]罗德信, 朱敏, 覃之光. 高碳钢固态相变与组织[J]. 钢铁研究, 2008, 36(6): 14-16.
Luo Dexin, Zhu Min, Qin Zhiguang. Solid phase transformation and structure of high carbon steels[J]. Research on Iron and Steel, 2008, 36(6): 14-16.
[12]徐德祥, 尹锺大. 弹簧钢高强度化及合金元素的作用[J]. 金属热处理, 2003, 28(12): 30-36.
Xu Dexiang, Yin Zhongda. High strengthening spring steels and effect of alloying elements[J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2003, 28(12): 30-36.
[13]任安超, 吉玉, 赵隆崎, 等. U75V钢的连续冷却相变行为[J]. 机械工程材料, 2008(7): 15-17.
Ren Anchao, Ji Yu, Zhao Longqi, et al. Continuous cooling transformation behaviour of U75V steel[J]. Materials for Mechanical Engineering, 2008(7): 15-17.

[1]	Li Rongbin, Zong Zaikang, Zhang Zhixi, Zhang Rulin. Effect of Si addition on microstructure and properties of as-cast CoCrFeMnNi high entropy alloy [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2024, 49(2): 45-52.
[2]	Jiang Shichuan, Wang Xiaochuan, Tang Pingmei, Li Jing, Zhou Yang. Effect of La content on solidification process and as-cast microstructure of GH5188 alloy [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2024, 49(2): 71-76.
[3]	Yang Jie, Wang Decheng, Li Xianjun, Wu Xiaolin, Hou Junqing, Yang Tao, Zhang Sai. Influence of Q&P process on mechanical properties and microstructure of 38MnB5Nb ultra high strength steel [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2024, 49(2): 77-83.
[4]	Li Cheng, Peng Qichun, Tong Zhibo, Liang Liang, Qi Jianghua, Xiao Aida, Dong Changfu. Effects of different heat treatment processes on microstructure and properties of 9Ni cryogenic vessel steel [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2024, 49(2): 98-103.
[5]	Zhang Wei, Chen Zijian, Lin Yongcheng. Effect of heat treatment on microstructure of hot-rolled 4343/3003/4343 aluminum composite plate [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2024, 49(2): 113-119.
[6]	He Chengyu, Cai Chen, Gu Yu, Li Jingyuan. Effect of different cold rolling reduction on microstructure and properties of invar alloy [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2024, 49(2): 120-127.
[7]	Zhang Jiuxin, Ren Xiaojian, Jin Dongzheng, Tian Yong. Effect of deformation on microstructure and microhardness of EH47 crack arrest steel [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2024, 49(2): 128-134.
[8]	Cui Yi, Cao Wenquan, Wang Yan, Cui Jihong, Ma Chao, Tian Zhongjie, Zhang Yunfei. Influence of solution temperature and cooling method on microstructure and properties of 00Cr40Ni55Al3Ti alloy [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2024, 49(2): 142-148.
[9]	Liu Yang, Qi Haiquan, Qin Xiangzhi, Han Xiangnan, Li Tianran. Solution and aging behavior of Al-9.2Zn-2.4Mg-1.5Cu aluminum alloy extrusion sheet in hydrothermal environment [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2024, 49(2): 166-171.
[10]	Zhu He, Liu Yanmei, Zhao Dong, Yang Lixin, Lu Yingfeng, Zhao Hongbo. Effect of post weld heat treatment on bending property of welded joints of TA15 titanium alloy plate [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2024, 49(2): 179-182.
[11]	Cai Xiaoye, Cheng Zonghui, Dong Dingping, Bai Bin, Xie Suijie. Effect of heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy formed by laser powder bed fusion [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2024, 49(2): 183-189.
[12]	Hu Shengshuang, Chen Suming, Yan Jiawei, Yue Shan, Gao Xiaoying, Ouyang Delai. Effect of aging temperature on microstructure and mechanical properties of TB18 titanium alloy [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2024, 49(2): 190-194.
[13]	Zhang Zhi, Luo Dengchao, Li Xusheng, Li Qian, Liang Jiawei, Su Songlin, Ren Weining, Wang Sha. Effect of heat treatment temperature on microstructure and properties of TA15 titanium alloy pipe [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2024, 49(2): 195-198.
[14]	Li Dongyang, Li Yanxia. Homogenization annealing process of Al-Si-Mg-B-Sr alloy [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2024, 49(2): 199-202.
[15]	He Xiaoyong, Xing Shuqing, Lang Ruiqing, Liu Yongzhen, Chen Zhongyi, Ma Yonglin. Effect of pulsed magnetic field on microstructure and properties of TC18 titanium alloy during aging [J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2024, 49(2): 203-207.