Cyclic Strength of Nonmagnetic Vanadium-Containing Aging Steels

Abstract—The influence of alloying elements and surface treatment (turning, grinding, shot peening, roller burnishing) on the cyclic strength of precipitation-hardening nonmagnetic vanadium-containing steels has been studied. Significant strengthening of the steels is achieved due to the precipitation of fine VC, VN, M6C, and NiAl particles at a small interparticle distance (0.05–0.10 μm), which hinders fatigue crack nucleation and growth. Fine carbide and nitride particles mainly increase the cyclic strength at room temperature. At cryogenic temperatures, deformation twinning plays a significant role in the resistance to fatigue failure.