Effect of Nb addition on fatigue properties of V-bearing medium carbon quenched and tempered steels

Year 2025, Volume: 9 Issue: 3, 153 - 161, 25.12.2025

Emre Alan

https://doi.org/10.35860/iarej.1703693

Abstract

Conventional Cr-V steel grades are commonly preferred for their decent mechanical properties. In applications demanding superior fatigue performance, Cr-Mo-V steels are typically used, or new alternative steel grades are developed instead of Cr-V steels. However, in many applications, the use of non-standard grades is generally not allowed. Additionally, the alloying costs of Mo-included standard steels are significantly higher than Cr-V steels due to the high price of Mo. In this study, the effect of Nb addition on microstructural and mechanical properties as well as fatigue performance of V-bearing medium carbon Q&T steel was investigated. The results indicate that adding an appropriate amount of Nb enhances fatigue endurance limits due to the improved combination of strength and toughness. The findings suggest that incorporating Nb into V-bearing medium carbon Q&T standard steel provides a cost-effective solution for achieving superior fatigue performance without altering the chemical composition ranges designated by international standards.

Keywords

Alloying design , Heat treatment , Medium carbon steel , Microalloying

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