Influence of surface finish and notch on flexural strength and fracture of a high-performance alloy steel for innovative applications

In this article, the extrinsic influence of surface finish and notch on flexural strength and fracture behavior of the alloy steel, Pyrowear 53, when subjected to quasi-static bending is presented and discussed. The influence of surface finish on bevel-shaped samples of Pyrowear 53 revealed the isotropic surface finish to carry a higher maximum load during a flexural test. However, from the standpoint of extension, the micromachine-processed samples revealed observable improvement in extension (mm) capability when subjected to static bending. Samples of this alloy steel having a funnel notch had a lower maximum-load-carrying capability when compared one-on-one with the bevel-shaped sample. The macroscopic fracture mode and the microscopic features on the fracture surface are presented and discussed in light of shape of the test specimen. The key microscopic mechanisms governing fracture behavior of this novel steel are discussed in light of the role played by intrinsic microstructural features, deformation characteristics of the microstructural constituents and nature of loading.