Experimental simulation of a martensitic stainless steel coating subjected to thermal fatigue

The purpose of this work was the experimental simulation of the thermal fatigue of mechanical components such as continuous casting rolls. In order to protect the roll against surface degradation due to thermal fatigue, a stainless steel coating was deposited. Initially a temperature map was constructed from experimental measurements. The coating microstructure was then characterized in its initial state and after a few thermal fatigue cycles. Isothermal mechanical tests were performed on the coating and on the base material in the temperature range 20-700 deg C. Residual stresses were shown to decrease rapidly with an increased number of thermal cycles. Decreases in hardness were also correlated with lower yield strengths. (authors)