A CVN-K(K_{IC) correlation for H13 tool steels

Fracture is the most common cause of die failure in hot extrusion. Prediction of fracture life requires a reasonably accurate determination of plane-strain fracture toughness (KIC). Standard K(KIC) testing is difficult, time-consuming, and costly. Charpy impact energy (CVN) is often used as an indirect measure of fracture toughness. Published CVN-K(KIC) correlations do not generally apply to tool steels, and are not suitable for high temperature predictions. This paper is part of a study aimed at the development of a reasonable CVN-K(KIC) correlation for the hot work tool steel H13, subjected to various tempering cycles and tested at different elevated temperatures, based on hardness and impact energy data.