Heterogeneous case-carburised bearing steel microstructures

The aim of the project is the assess the local mechanics of case-carburised steel grades and microstructures for roller bearing applications, and to link in-service mechanical performance to Timken industrial parameters and alternative production routes.

Bearings are key precision components used in motion and load transmission in a wide range of equipment and industrial machinery.

Rings and rollers for bearings, esp. those with larger cross sections, are manufactured using low-carbon steel grades containing enhanced levels of solute elements such as Mn, Si or Ni to attain high steel hardenability and solid solution strengthening effects. The as-manufactured 'quenched & tempered' (QT) microstructure comprises a metastable austenite phase (