Investigation on Tensile Properties of Austempered SAE52100 Steel

The tensile test is an important test to determine several mechanical properties in which a sample is subjected to a constant strain rate until failure. Properties that are directly measured in a tensile test are ultimate tensile strength, breaking strength, maximum elongation, and reduction in area. The present research compared the tensile properties between austempered SAE52100 steel and quench-tempered SAE52100 steel under equivalent hardness. The experimental results showed that the ultimate tensile strength and yield strength of quench-tempered specimens was higher than austempered specimens. However, the total elongation and area reduction of quench-tempered specimens was lower than austempered specimens. Transgranular quasi-cleavage fracture was found on the austempered SAE52100 steel specimens. While using the austempering temperature of 288 °C, slight plastic deformation with existence of cleavage facets and ductile risers around the edges was obtained. However, while using the austempering temperature of 427 °C, the presence of tear marks on the cleavage facets surrounded by dimples indicated significant plastic deformation or ductile rupture. The fracture analysis could be correlated with the elongation obtained in tensile tests.