Influence of Martensite/Bainite Dual Phase-Content on the Mechanical Properties of EA4T High-Speed Axle Steel

In this work, we have investigated the effect of martensite/bainite dual phase content on the mechanical properties of EA4T high-speed axle steel. For evaluation and control of the strength, ductility, and toughness of steel, the microstructure of lath martensite (LM) and granular bainite (GB) was clarified through an optical microscope (OM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Besides, the tensile fracture morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For this purpose, this study conducted a quantitative analysis of the LM and GB fractions using the Pro Imaging software-2018 of OM. The remarkable effect of the LM/GB structure on mechanical properties is discussed. The results have shown that by increasing the volume fraction of the GB structure, the LM structure is refined and its microhardness and strength are improved. Meanwhile, the micro strength of LM follows the Hall–Petch relationship with the lath martensite packet size. Subsequently, the mechanical property prediction model of EA4T steel based on the LM/GB content was established by regression analysis of all experiment dates. When the LM fraction in the steel is about 40–70%, a superior combination of strength, ductility, and toughness can be obtained in EA4T steel.