Effects of Mn and Cu on the mechanical properties of a high strength low alloy NiCrMoV steel

The present study focuses on the effects of Mn and Cu on the mechanical properties, in particular, strength and toughness of a low alloy steel containing Ni, Cr, Mo and V. Specimens with different amounts of Mn (0.23%similar to 0.85%) and Cu (0.15%similar to 0.45%) were cast and forged, and then austenitized at 870 degrees C for 1 h, followed by oil quenching. All specimens were tempered at 650 degrees C for 1 h. The results show that as the amounts of Mn and Cu increase respectively from 0.35% to 0.85% and from 0.15% to 0.45%, the yield and tensile strength increase. The highest impact energies were observed in the specimen with 0.35% Mn and in the specimen with 0.25% Cu. The impact energy decreases with increasing the Mn and Cu from 0.35% to 0.85% and from 0.25% to 0.45%, respectively. Furthermore, the variation of Mn and Cu does not cause a considerable change in the tempered martensite microstructure. The optimum strength and toughness is observed in 0.35% Mn containing steel and in the 0.25% Cu containing steel.