New Ways of Designing Super Strong Materials Based on Use of Alloyed Low Hardenability Steels

Abstract

Currently, metallurgists are trying to improve mechanical properties of steel by increasing alloy elements in it that require slow cooling in oils or high concentration of water polymers solutions. The paper discusses opposite way in increasing service life of machine components by cardinal decrease alloy elements in steel and providing intensive cooling in locally agitated plain water performed by moving sprayers. The proposed new approach is based on two fundamental phenomena which include creation of high surface compressive residual stresses after quenching and obtaining super - strengthened material in surface layers after intensive cooling. These two factors compensate decrease alloy elements in steel. The paper provides methodology of calculation for achieving maximal effect in residual surface compressive stress formation and super- strengthening of material depending on martensite finish temperature of steel. Effectiveness and benefits are considerable due to saving alloy elements, energy and increasing service life of products. A team of Ukrainian leading specialists is organized to design appropriate software for governing and optimizing hardening processes with the aim of achieving above benefits and make environment clean. New steel and technology of hardening is based on UA Patents No. 109577 and No. 114174