EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON THE EFFECT OF CONTROLLED HEATING AND COOLING PROCESSES IN AISI 1040 STEEL

In this research, the changes in the Microstructure and mechanical characteristics of AISI 1040 were evaluated under various cooling and heating conditions. Controlled heating and cooling improve strength, hardness, wear resistance, softness and yield strength, and ductility. The primary application of the material is in the manufacturing of crankshafts, couplings, and railway wheels, tracks. To examine the effect of various heat treatment processes, AISI 1040 was heat treated in a furnace using various heat treatment techniques such as annealing, normalizing, and hardening at a temperature of 910 degrees c, and tempering at 450 degrees c. The structural behavior of AISI 1040 was examined with an optical microscope at various heat-treating conditions. Mechanical properties were studied through tensile and hardness tests. From the experimental analysis, the microstructure and mechanical characteristics of AISI 1040 can be changed and greatly enhanced by controlled heating and cooling. After experimental investigation, the changes in mechanical behavior and structure of AISI 1040 before and after heat treatment were compared. Results showed that the mechanical and microstructural characteristics of AISI 1040 were altered and improved by various heat treatment methods.