Bending strength and notched-sample fatigue life of hBN/TiC-reinforced steel 316 L: A numerical and experimental analysis

Abstract

Mechanical failure under cyclic and dynamic loading has always been a concern in engineering applications. Many different properties can be achieved by adding different materials to the metal matrix nanocomposites. In this study, steel 316 L is selected as the matrix, and the additive materials of titanium carbide and hexagonal boron nitride in 3.5 wt% for each one are added as the reinforcement particles. The samples are fabricated by powder metallurgy, compacted in pressure of 410 MPa, and sintered in temperature of 1375℃ for 4 h. In addition, some pure steel 316 L samples were provided for comparison purposes. Numerical simulation of bending strength and fatigue life of the notched samples were conducted and verified with experimental tests on the mechanical parts. It appeared that the nanocomposite specimens present a higher mechanical reliability relative to the pure 316 L as a result of adding nanoparticles. Steel 316 L S–N curves of the notched samples are also obtained from numerical analysis.