Fatigue strength and notch sensitivity of high-manganese flake graphite cast iron

Abstract

To increase the recovery rate of high-tensile-strength steel (HTSS) scrap, the effect of manganese (0.5% and 2.0% Mn) on the fatigue properties of several flake graphite cast iron (FGI) samples is investigated, along with the thickness and notch sensitivity of high-manganese (Hi-Mn) FGIs. The results reveal an increase in the pearlite fraction, an increase in the crystallization of Type-A graphite, and a decrease in the interlamellar spacing owing to the addition of Mn, which results in a significant increase in fatigue strength. Moreover, Mn does not worsen the notch sensitivity of the Hi-Mn FGIs. However, Hi-Mn FGIs have a higher thickness sensitivity because a longer cooling time results in wider interlamellar spacing and increased graphite length. Overall, HTSS can be recycled as a raw material for Hi-Mn FGIs without removing Mn, and Hi-Mn FGIs can be used for thinner parts with high-fatigue-strength requirements.

Keywords

• Flake graphite cast iron
• Fatigue strength
• Notch sensitivity
• Manganese
• Interlamellar spacing