Constant and Variable Amplitude Fatigue Behavior of Five Cast Steels at Room Temperature and −45°C

A comprehensive fatigue program was undertaken at room temperature and −45°C (−50°F) for five representative carbon or low alloy cast steels. Constant amplitude low and high cycle axial fatigue behavior, cyclic stress-strain behavior, constant-amplitude fatigue-crack-growth behavior and variable-amplitude fatigue-crack-initiation and -growth behavior were determined. The fatigue resistance at low temperature was usually equal to or better than at room temperature except for one material under variable amplitude fatigue crack growth conditions. SEM analysis revealed similar fatigue crack growth mechanisms at both room and low temperature, even though some tests were well below the NDT temperature. Most fatigue resistance for the five cast steels was consistent with that for wrought steels. Fatigue test procedures generally developed with wrought steels were completely satisfactory for these cast steels.