Analysis of mechanical properties of medium carbon steel using various heat treatment processes

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effect of different austenitizing temperatures on the resistance to impact load
(or impact energy) and hardness of a medium carbon steel grade SAE 1040. Steel casting at a significant level
is done using heat treatment methods, including the study of mechanisms for improving mechanical properties.
Mechanical properties of steel at different temperatures for heat treatment are studied and the interaction between
the temperature, hardness, and strength of the material is observed. Specimen were heated to temperatures of
700C and 900C to obtain austenite phase at different fractions. After austenitization of 90 minutes, specimen
were quenched in water, cooled in air and furnace. Heat treatment at the temperature of 900C for 90 minutes,
then cooling in furnace resulted in the highest value of impact energy. Heat treatment at the temperature of
900C for 90 minutes, then quenching in water resulted in highest hardness value. It was observed that the best
combination mechanical properties were obtained by normalization at 900C. From the results, it is evident that
the heat treatment improves the mechanical properties of as-casted steel.