Influence of inclusions on bending fatigue strength coefficient the medium carbon steel melted in an electric furnace

The parameters of high-grade steel are influenced by a combination of factors, including chemical composition and production technology. The impurity content is also a key determinant of the quality of high-grade steel. Inclusions may also play an important role, subject to their type and shape. Inclusions may increase the strength of steel by inhibiting the development of micro-cracks. The analyzed material was one grade of medium-carbon structural steel. The study was performed on 6 heats produced in an industrial plant in 140 ton electric furnaces. The experimental variants were compared in view of the five heat treatment options. The results were presented to account for the correlations between the fatigue strength coefficient during rotary bending, the diameter of and spacing between impurities. The relationship between the fatigue strength and hardness of high-grade steel vs. the quotient of the diameter of impurities and the spacing between impurities was determined. The proposed equations contribute to the existing knowledge base of practices impact of impurities with various diameters and spacing between non-metallic inclusion on fatigue strength.