Cyclic responses and microstructure sensitivity of Cr-based turbine steel under different strain ratios in low cycle fatigue regime

Abstract When turbine steel services, i.e., startup and shutdown processes, the cyclic mechanical stress caused by the asymmetry loading conditions is introduced. To study the effect of mean strain on the cycle response and microstructure-sensitive at room temperature, the low cycle fatigue under two strain ratios was used. Experimental results indicate that significant cyclic softening was observed for both modes. The cyclic strain ratio is independent of strain amplitude and strain ratio. The plastic strain, plastic strain energy density, and cumulative strain energy density at strain ratio of 0.1 are higher than that at strain ratio of −1. Therefore, applied stress amplitude and fatigue life fitted by Manson-Coffin formula under strain ratio of 0.1 is lower than that at strain ratio of −1. According to the evaluation of the internal stress variables, i.e., back stress, isotropic stress and viscous stress under both modes, the back stress is a critical part of the cyclic stress, which can directly control the cycle softening behavior. Besides, the fatigue life prediction model considering the strain ratio is constituted through hysteresis energy method. Finally, the mechanical results are linked to the microstructure observed by transmission electron microscopy. The microstructure sensitive was evaluated and deduced.