A REVIEW OF THE INFLUENCE OF NONMETALLIC INCLUSIONS ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF STEEL.
Abstract:
The literature regarding the influence of nonmetallic inclusions on the mechanical properties of steel is reviewed, with critical comments on the various studies. Brief descriptions of four types of inclusion counting methods encountered in these studies, and a synopsis of the effects of applied stress on inclusions in an isotropic, elastic matrix, are presented. The parameters reviewed are tensile strength, impact strength, reduction of area, fatigue properties and fracture toughness. It is concluded that nonmetallic inclusions have a greater, explicit, effect on low cycle fatigue than on high cycle fatigue. Also, the effects of inclusions on mechanical properties are governed by their shape, size, quantity, inter-spacing, distribution, orientation, and physical properties relative to the matrix. Due to this number of variables, any general correlation between nonmetallic inclusion and mechanical parameters is highly improbable. Author