VARIABLE-AMPLITUDE FATIGUE CRACK INITIATION AND GROWTH OF FIVE CARBON OR LOW-ALLOY CAST STEELS AT ROOM AND LOW CLIMATIC TEMPERATURES.

Five common cast steels were subjected to SAE transmission history at room temperature and three low climatic temperatures using an as-drilled keyhole notched compact specimen. The three low temperatures were minus 34, minus 45, and minus 60 degree C. These temperatures were both above and below nil ductility transition temperatures. Three fatigue criteria were specifically monitored: crack initiation defined by the first visible surface crack and final fracture. All low-temperature total fatigue lives were equal to or better than at room temperature for four of the five cast steels