Hardenability

Hardenability is the ability of Fe-C alloy to harden by

forming martensite

Hardenability (not “hardness”): Qualitative measure of

rate at which hardness decreases with distance from
surface due to decreased martensite content

2
Production of uniform martensitic struc-
ture depends on

• composition
• quenching conditions
• size + shape of specimen
(1) Alloying element effect
enhanced hardenability
 8 00
• "Alloy Steels" T(°C) TE
(4140, 4340, 5140, 8640)
--contain Ni, Cr, Mo 6 00 shift from
(0.2 to 2wt%) A
--these elements shift
B A to B due
4 00 to alloying
the "nose".
--martensite is easier
to form. M(start)
200
M(90%)

0
10 -1 10 10 3 10 5 Time (s)
(2) Carbon content and Retained austenite
Influence of Quenching Medium, Specimen Size, and Geome-
try on Hardenability

Quenching medium: Cools faster in water than air or oil. Fast

cooling  warping and cracks, since it is accompanied by large
thermal gradients

Shape and size: Cooling rate depends upon extraction of heat to

surface. Greater the ratio of surface area to volume, deeper the
hardening effect

Radial
hardness
profiles of
cylindrical
steel bars

8
To reduce residual stresses and quench cracking
enhanced hardenability