Changes in the mechanical properties of a pearlitic steel due to large shear deformation

The fully pearlitic rail steel R260 was deformed by equal channel angular pressing at room temperature. Changes in the microstructure as well as changes in mechanical properties were determined. With increasing predeformation significant changes of the tensile strength, the fatigue crack propagation rate and the fracture toughness occurred. Due to the alignment of the cementite lamellae, also a markedly anisotropy in all these properties evolved.