Temperature-dependent evolution of the cyclic yield stress of railway wheel steels

The evolution of the cyclic yield stress for a railway wheel steel (UIC ER7T) during cyclic plastic straining has been characterized at different temperatures from −60 to 600 °C. Different constant strain amplitude levels were examined and for temperatures above 200 °C, hold periods were included to study stress relaxation during constant compressive strain. The results are of use in predicting material deformation and damage. This is demonstrated by the application to improve a criterion for surface initiated rolling contact fatigue damage.