Rolling contact fatigue of Hadfield steel X120Mn12

Hadfield steel is well known for its high work hardening capacity and wear resistance. The alloy X120Mn12 is specifically used in railroad castings such as frogs and crossings in west European countries such as France. The influence of various contact parameters on the mechanical behaviour of this alloy was investigated by rolling contact tests. The results are described and discussed using micro-hardness measurements, optical and scanning electronic microscopy and EBSD analyses.

Research highlights▶ Rolling contact fatigue of Hadfield steel results in superficial hardening. ▶ The hardness increases as a function of cycle number and applied load. ▶ The strain hardening increases with strain rate.