Flaking of heavy alloy steel sections

Abstract

In this investigation, potential antiflaking cycles were tested. A 15-ton experimental heat of Cr-Ni-Mo steel was produced in a basic electric furnace with an abnormally high hydrogen content. The proposed cycles were then applied to this steel. As a result, an antiflaking cycle which was primarily an isothermal transformation in the pearlite range produced flake-free steel forgings in spite of extremely high hydrogen content. Proposed cycles in the bainite range were not successful primarily because a 100 pct isothermal transformation in this range was not attained. Sound forgings from this experimental heat of steel that were previously produced flake-free by the use of appropriate antiflaking cycles were severely flaked by subjecting them to a subsequent heat treatment. Evidence is presented which shows the profound effect of transformation stress on the propensity to flaking.