MEE557 Fall Semester 2013-14 Assignment 2 22 Aug 2013 0800-0850 hours Maximum marks: 5

1. Explain how a medium carbon (0.4% C) Ni-Cr-Mo low alloy steel is superior to a 0.40 carbon steel with reference to mechanical properties.

4340 steel (0.4%C,1.8%Ni, 0.8%Cr, 0.25%Mo)has a higher hardenability which enables slower quenching rates with less residual stresses. The ideal critical diameter for the 4340 steel 65 mm, as compared to 15 mm for a 1040 steel.

0.4% C steel, when quenched and tempered at 450C has the following properties: Y.S. 650 MPa T.S. 800 MPa %El 15 Izod Impact 30 J 4340 steel, when quenched and tempered for the same elongation and impact value, has the following strength properties:

Y.S. 1200 MPa T.S. 1350 MPa %El 15 Izod Impact 32 J It is clear that, for the same ductility and toughness, the low alloy steel possesses superior strength. Conversely, for the same strength, the low alloy steel would have larger ductility and toughness. 2. Steel grade 4130 was heat treated in the form of 200 mm diameter billets and tensile strength was measured. The billets were subsequently rolled down to 50 mm diameter bars. Tensile testing of the bars after heat treatment gave significantly higher tensile strength. Account for the difference in the strength levels. Steel grade 4130 has limited hardenability. At a diameter of 50 mm, it can be heat treated to high strength level, all over the cross section. At 200 mm size, however, because of the limited hardenability of this grade, tensile strength drops in a drastic way, as one moves from the surface towards the interior. The net result is reduced tensile strength at a larger size.