Influence of build direction on the ratchetting-fatigue interaction of heat-treated additively manufactured 316L stainless steel

This study has investigated the cyclic deformation and ratchetting-fatigue interaction of 316L stainless steel fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and subjected to a 900 degrees C/2 h post-heat treatment, considering both the vertical and horizontal orientations. Strain- and stress-controlled low cycle fatigue (LCF) tests are conducted to explore the cyclic deformation and the effects of the mean stress and stress amplitude on the fatigue life and ratchetting deformation. A detailed analysis of the cyclic deformation mechanism is conducted through X-ray microtomography and transmission electron microscope (TEM) observations. The results show that post-heat treated LPBF 316L steel exhibits cyclic hardening followed by a non-saturated cyclic softening stage. This behavior is attributed to the evolution of dislocation density and dislocation patterns, and the formation of surface cracks. The ratchetting strain and its rate are sensitive to the mean stress and stress amplitude. The fatigue lives of vertically built specimens are slightly higher under strain-controlled loading conditions, but significantly lower under stress-controlled loading conditions than those of horizontally built ones. Furthermore, ratchetting deformation can promote fatigue damage, resulting in a reduction in fatigue life.