A first report on fracture toughness of bcc iron alloys as influenced by solutes: opposite effects of silicon and cobalt

Abstract

The effect of solutes on resistance to fracture of body centred cubic iron single-phase solid-solution alloys has been investigated. The J-integral method has been used for the measurement of ductile fracture toughness. The J_IC values so determined quantitatively indicate the extent of degradation in fracture toughness due to the addition of hardening solute silicon. Cobalt addition results in alloy softening. The measured J_IC values clearly demonstrate the toughening effect of cobalt addition as a solute, which result renders the case of Fe-Co solid-solution alloys interesting.