TRIBOENGINEERING PROPERTIES OF AUSTENITIC MANGANESE STEELS AND CAST IRONS UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF SLIDING FRICTION

Abstract

We analyze the influence of parameters of the graphite phase on the ultimate strength in bending, deflection, and the intensity of fracture of manganese cast irons and steels. The least intensity of wear is exhibited by alloys with graphite inclusions 30–50 μm in length and a hardness of 250 HB. The decrease in the hardness of alloys, improvement of the parameters of the graphite phase, and increase in its amount (occupied area) to 6–10% lead to the disintegration of the metal matrix, decrease its strength characteristics, and promote the intensification of the fracture processes under the conditions of friction. It is shown that, unlike 40, 45, 45G2, and 20KhN hardened steels, the austenitic cold-worked manganese steel is capable of preserving the coating formed by the adsorbed layers of oil and graphite on the surface for 3–4 h under the conditions of shortage of oil.