Experimental investigation on the fatigue and fracture properties of a fine pearlitic rail steel

Journal article (2024)

Authors

D. Leonetti Eindhoven University of Technology
B. Schotsman ProRail, Team Maria Santofimia Navarro - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
Research Group
Team Maria Santofimia Navarro (Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering) (TU Delft)
Fatigue Crack Growth Fracture Toughness R350HT rail steel Rotating Bending
More Info
expand_more

Published Date

2024

Language

English

Faculty

Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

Department

Materials Science and Engineering

Research Group

Team Maria Santofimia Navarro

Abstract

This study reports an experimental investigation of the fatigue and fracture resistance of R350HT, a heat-treated pearlitic rail steel with refined microstructure used in rails. Monotonic tensile, rotating bending, linear elastic plane strain fracture toughness, and fatigue crack growth rate tests are presented. The results are used to outline the basic properties and are corroborated by fractographic investigation. This enables the identification of the dominant type of fracture. Regarding fatigue and fracture resistance, the investigated material shows similar properties as other pearlitic rail steels, such as R260. At room temperature, the dominating fracture is of brittle cleavage type, showing some ductile regions associated with pro-eutectoid.