Investigation of the high-menganese steel weldability

Abstract

These presented work is dealing with a specific structural changes of the Hadfielďs steel caused by the thermal and stress influence after used welding technology crossing parts to carbon steel rail. The target of the performed analyses was to find out the source of damage along weld lines, which are explored on the surface of the welded rail profiles by capillary test, performed after machining weld joints. Hadfielďs high manganese steel is unique in the fact that it combines high toughness and ductility with great work-hardening capacity. The wear resistance in rail-wheel contact depends on the surface hardening intensity before operation, and hardening process during operation consequently. Abrasion resistance tends to increase with carbon, but above 1.4% causes a difficulty with obtaining a homogeneous austenitic structure which would be sufficiently free of carbides bordered grains. They are detrimental to strength and ductility.