Microstructural evolution and dynamic strain-hardening in friction-induced deformation layers of 30CrMnSi steel

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the correlation between wear behavior and microstructure evolution in friction-induced deformation layers (FDL) of 30CrMnSi steel, especially the role of strain-hardening induced by plastic deformation in FDL, which accordingly alters the wear behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Dry sliding friction and wear behaviors of the 30CrMnSi steel against quenched and tempered GCr15 steel were studied using a pin-on-disc tester. The microstructure, hardness and plastic deformation of FDL were investigated.

Findings

It was found that the evolution of microstructure and strain-hardening induced by plastic deformation were occurred in the subsurface. When the microstructure, hardness and depth of the plastic deformation layer (PDL) reached a relatively steady state, the friction process transformed into stable-state stage. The wear loss and depth of the PDL was in dynamic equilibrium at stable wear stage.

Originality/value

In this paper, the correlation among the microstructure evolution, the strain-hardening and wear behavior were systemically analyzed. This paper could provide a theoretical reference for optimizing the microstructure and strain hardening properties of tribo-pairs materials.

Citation

Zhu, P., Liang, S., Yang, Y., Wei, X. and Wang, W. (2019), "Microstructural evolution and dynamic strain-hardening in friction-induced deformation layers of 30CrMnSi steel", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 71 No. 7, pp. 965-971. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-11-2018-0431