FATIGUE LIFE STUDIES IN CARBON DUAL-PHASE STEELS

An investigation has been conducted to examine the morphological influ ence on fatigue life of low carbon steel with dual phase microstructur e. The results showed that dual-phase microstructure, composed by ferr ite and martensite had superior symmetrical bending fatigue strength w hen compared with ferrite-pearlite steel. Through those tests, evidenc es of different mechanisms were verified (such as ferrite cyclic harde ning, slip band formation and beginning of crack nucleation and propag ation). Based on the fatigue tests results, various mechanisms stages were discussed associated with different microstructure morphology. Co pyright (C) 1996 Published by Elsevier Science Limited.