Generation of Constant Life Diagram under Elevated Temperature Ratcheting of 316LN Stainless Steel

Abstract Combined influence of mean stress and stress amplitude on the cyclic life under elevated temperature (823–923 K) ratcheting of 316LN austenitic stainless steel is discussed. Constant life Haigh diagrams have been generated, using different combinations of stress amplitude and mean stress. In the plastic domain, the allowable stress was found to increase or decrease with mean stress depending on the temperature and combination of mean stress – stress amplitude employed. Strong influence of dynamic strain aging (DSA) was found at 823 K which affected the mode of deformation of the material in comparison with 923 K. Failure mode expressed through a fracture mechanism map was found to change from fatigue to necking depending on the test temperature as well as combinations of mean stress and stress amplitude. Occurrence of DSA at 823 K proved to be beneficial by way of extending the safe zone of operation to higher R -ratios in comparison with 923 K.