Microstructure vs. near-threshold fatigue crack growth behavior of an heat-treated ductile iron

Abstract

Perferritic isothermal ductile iron (IDI®) is an intermediate grade between the low-strength grades of austempered ductile iron (ADI) and pearlitic ductile iron (DI) recently developed by Zanardi Fonderie Italy. IDI is produced by heattreating an unalloyed nodular cast iron. The specific matrix microstructure is called "Perferritic" and consists predominantly of ferrite and pearlite. Compared to the pearlitic grades of nodular ductile iron, IDI combines similar strength with higher toughness as a result of the isothermal heat treatment. In this contribution the fatigue crack growth resistance and Kath of IDI are investigated and correlated to mechanical properties and microstructural features. The threshold Ka was determined using the load shedding technique as per ASTM Standard E-647 using CT specimens extracted from a cast block. Tensile specimens were extracted from the broken CT halves and used to determine the static mechanical properties. A metallographic investigation was carried out to correlate structural features and mechanical properties.