Influence of the packing-defect energy on the abrasive wear resistance of Fe–12Mn–1.2C steel castings cooled at different rates

Abstract

The influence of the cooling rate of castings on the abrasive wear resistance is considered. It is shown that the wear resistance depends on the layer hardened by deformational twinning at the wear surface. According to the results, the maximum thickness of the hardened layer on the casting is formed at both low and high cooling rates. This is associated with decrease in the packing-defect energy, which, in turn, depends on the concentration of manganese, chromium, and silicon. At a moderate cooling rate, the degree of alloying of the austenite is such that the packing-defect energy is increased. Deformation twinning (TWIP) is hindered, and the hardened layer is of minimal thickness, if it appears at all.