Constrained Thermal Fatigue Performance of Several Cast Ferrous Alloys

An experimental setup that was utilized to evaluate the constrained thermal fatigue (CTF) behavior of several cast ferrous alloys is described. The tests performed allowed the assessment of the relative performance of different materials in CTF loading. The stable hysteresis loop of the individual CTF tests further allowed the development of a unified parameter that determined the level of inelastic (plastic and creep) deformation and the CTF life under those conditions. A CTF life prediction methodology for cast ferrous alloys is outlined.