Microstructural Simulation of Heat-affected 20Mn2 Steel Chain Coupling Fracture

FENG Kuo; WANG Huiqiang; SHEN Ming; DENG Haonan; CUI Jianying; CHENG Mingming

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1674-6457.2026.06.019

PDF(12684 KB)

Journal of Netshape Forming Engineering ›› 2026, Vol. 18 ›› Issue (6) : 209-217. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-6457.2026.06.019

Iron and Steel Forming

Microstructural Simulation of Heat-affected 20Mn2 Steel Chain Coupling Fracture

FENG Kuo¹, WANG Huiqiang^1,*, SHEN Ming¹, DENG Haonan¹, CUI Jianying², CHENG Mingming³

Author information +

History +

Abstract

The work aims to investigate the microstructural evolution during heat treatment of 20Mn2 steel chains subject to service-induced fracture in a domestic factory, to identify the root causes of chain fracture. The 20Mn2 steel was treated by 800 ℃ medium-frequency induction quenching followed by approximately 200 ℃ low-temperature tempering. Non-metallic inclusions, hardness, microstructure, and fracture morphology of the fractured chains were systematically analyzed. A 20 mm diameter cylindrical sample was cut to examine its 90° sector surface. Initial temperature was set at 800 ℃, and the phase transformation process was simulated using three phase transformation models in COMSOL software. Results showed that the fundamental causes of 20Mn2 steel chain fracture were structural defects such as oxide inclusions, residual martensite, and unrefined ferrite. Oxide inclusions increased surface brittleness (measured hardness: 458.6HV), while residual martensite and unrefined ferrite (10% content) formed stress concentration zones due to their mechanical property differences with the matrix. Under service alternating loads, these defects induced fatigue crack initiation and accelerated propagation (with beadline features observed in fracture surfaces), accompanied by reduced fatigue limits and toughness, ultimately leading to chain fracture. This study innovatively employed COMSOL to simulate quenching phase transformation, providing an intuitive understanding of microstructural evolution and offering new insights for optimizing heat treatment processes and enhancing chain service reliability.

Key words

oxides / COMSOL / fracture / phase transformation / thermal effects

Cite this article

EndNote

Ris (Procite)

Bibtex

Download Citations

FENG Kuo, WANG Huiqiang, SHEN Ming, DENG Haonan, CUI Jianying, CHENG Mingming. Microstructural Simulation of Heat-affected 20Mn2 Steel Chain Coupling Fracture[J]. Journal of Netshape Forming Engineering. 2026, 18(6): 209-217 https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1674-6457.2026.06.019

References

[1] 李浦睿, 王子健, 齐佳林, 等. 热处理条件对20Mn2CrNb超高强度汽车钢组织和力学性能影响的研究[J]. 热加工工艺, 2022, 51(2): 145-148.
LI P R, WANG Z J, QI J L, et al.Study on Effects of Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ultra-High Strength 20Mn2CrNb Automotive Steel[J]. Hot Working Technology, 2022, 51(2): 145-148.
[2] 刘荣泉, 刘俊, 郑福胜. 20Mn2热轧圆钢表面裂纹成因分析及改进[J]. 甘肃冶金, 2024, 46(6): 116-119.
LIU R Q, LIU J, ZHENG F S.Cause Analysis and Improvement of Surface Crack of 20Mn2 Hot Rolled round Steel[J]. Gansu Metallurgy, 2024, 46(6): 116-119.
[3] 王少聪, 王会强, 崔建英, 等. 20Mn2钢链条断裂原因分析[J]. 热处理, 2024, 39(4): 49-51.
WANG S C, WANG H Q, CUI J Y, et al.Cause for 20Mn2 Steel Chain Breaking[J]. Heat Treatment, 2024, 39(4): 49-51.
[4] HU H M, LI J J, WU Y, et al.Revealing the Role and Working Mechanism of Confined Ionic Liquids in Solid Polymer Composite Electrolytes[J]. Journal of Energy Chemistry, 2024, 99: 110-119.
[5] 宫傲, 何伟, 郭乙龙, 等. 基于二氧化钒的可重构声表面波谐振器[J]. 压电与声光, 2025, 47(2): 203-208.
GONG A, HE W, GUO Y L, et al.Tunable Surface Acoustic Wave Resonators Based on Vanadium Dioxide[J]. Piezoelectrics & Acoustooptics, 2025, 47(2): 203-208.
[6] WANG T, HUANG W F, LIU Y, et al.A Homogeneous Phase Change Model for Two-Phase Mechanical Seals with Three-Dimensional Face Structures[J]. Journal of Tribology, 2014, 136(4): 041708.
[7] 刘聃, 陈剑垚, 侯岳, 等. 抗高温保温筒相变材料仿真特性研究[J]. 钻探工程, 2024, 51(6): 48-58.
LIU D, CHEN J Y, HOU Y, et al.Study on Simulation Characteristics of Phase Change Materials for High Temperature Resistant Vacuum Flask[J]. Drilling Engineering, 2024, 51(6): 48-58.
[8] 吴卫华, 马文静, 徐胜卿, 等. Ge2Sb2Te5相变存储单元电热耦合模型的构建及功耗分析[J]. 江苏理工学院学报, 2024, 30(6): 1-6.
WU W H, MA W J, XU S Q, et al.Construction and Power Consumption Analysis of Electrothermal Coupling Model of Phase-Change Storage Unit Based on Ge2Sb2Te5[J]. Journal of Jiangsu University of Technology, 2024, 30(6): 1-6.
[9] 李茂, 俞能福. 插值形函数在相变金属材料优化中的应用研究[J]. 佳木斯大学学报(自然科学版), 2024, 42(9): 177-180.
LI M, YU N F.Application of Interpolation Shape Function in Optimization of Phase Change Metal Materials[J]. Journal of Jiamusi University (Natural Science Edition), 2024, 42(9): 177-180.
[10] 田志平, 崔兴虎, 王浩伟, 等. 42CrMo钢缸筒开裂失效分析[J]. 热加工工艺, 2020, 49(18): 151-153.
TIAN Z P, CUI X H, WANG H W, et al.Cracking Failure Analysis of 42CrMo Steel Cylinder[J]. Hot Working Technology, 2020, 49(18): 151-153.
[11] DOMÍNGUEZ-NICOLÁS S M, GARCÍA-GONZÁLEZ L, DOMÍNGUEZ-LÓPEZ M, et al. A New Algorithm to Detect Small Indentations up to 10 gf, Optimizing Image Processing Time to Determine Vickers Hardness[J]. Measurement Science and Technology, 2025, 36(6): 065404.
[12] 陈晓梅, 王会强, 翟一潼, 等. GCr15SiMn滚动轴承钢的磨损失效分析[J]. 热加工工艺, 2021, 50(16): 159-162.
CHEN X M, WANG H Q, ZHAI Y T, et al.Analysis on Wear Failure of GCr15SiMn Rolling Bearing Steel[J]. Hot Working Technology, 2021, 50(16): 159-162.
[13] LI C B, ZHAO C, CAO P L, et al.Effect of Hot Deformation on Grain Structure and Quench Sensitivity in 7085 Aluminum Alloy[J]. Journal of Central South University, 2025, 32(4): 1223-1236.
[14] 何潇, 许鸿翔, 师陆冰, 等. 淬火工艺对渗碳18Cr2Ni4WA钢采煤机行走轮冲击性能的影响[J]. 金属热处理, 2025, 50(3): 69-73.
HE X, XU H X, SHI L B, et al.Effect of Quenching Process on Impact Property of Carburized 18Cr2Ni4WA Steel Shearer Walking Wheel[J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(3): 69-73.
[15] 薛彦均. 重载齿轮钢低压渗碳组织、疲劳性能及淬火变形研究[D]. 北京: 钢铁研究总院, 2024.
XUE Y J.Study on Microstructure, Fatigue Properties and Quenching Distortion of Heavy-Duty Gear Steel after Low-Pressure Carburizing[D]. Beijing: Central Iron and Steel Research Institute, 2024.
[16] 赵思源, 李喆, 唐建群, 等. 析出相对317L不锈钢力学性能的影响[J/OL]. 南京工业大学学报(自然科学版), 1-9[2026-05-06].
ZHAO S Y, LI Z, TANG J Q, et al.Effect of Precipitated Phases on Mechanical Properties of 317L Stainless Steel[J/OL]. Journal of Nanjing Tech University (Natural Science Edition), 1-9[2026-05-06].
[17] 周雨婷, 栾道成, 樊华, 等. 汽车用高强钢及其焊接研究进展[J]. 焊接技术, 2025, 54(10): 1-6.
ZHOU Y T, LUAN D C, FAN H, et al.Research Progress on High Strength Steel for Automobile and Its Welding[J]. Welding Technology, 2025, 54(10): 1-6.
[18] 赵永豪. 管道钢氢逸度等效与力学行为研究[D]. 北京: 北京化工大学, 2025.
ZHAO Y H.Study on Hydrogen Fugacity Equivalence and Mechanical Behavior of Pipeline Steels[D]. Beijing: Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 2025.
[19] 田恒, 路彭振, 吴业林, 等. 基于COMSOL的陶瓷电容器中三相点电场模拟研究[J]. 电子元件与材料, 2025, 44(2): 192-200.
TIAN H, LU P Z, WU Y L, et al.Research on Electric Field Simulation of Triple Junctions in Ceramic Capacitors Based on COMSOL Software[J]. Electronic Components and Materials, 2025, 44(2): 192-200.
[20] 王天乐, 刘峰. 耦合热-动力学协同效应的多尺度相场模拟辅助金属材料设计[J]. 西安工业大学学报, 2025, 45(5): 719-728.
WANG T L, LIU F.Metallic Material Design Assisted by Multiscale Phase-Field Simulations Coupled with Thermal-Kinetic Synergy[J]. Journal of Xi'an Technological University, 2025, 45(5): 719-728.
[21] 赵培林, 郑力, 刘超, 等. 船舶结构用Q420NE型钢的连续冷却相变行为及低温冲击韧性[J]. 材料热处理学报, 2025, 46(10): 108-116.
ZHAO P L, ZHENG L, LIU C, et al.Continuous Cooling Transformation Behavior and Low-Temperature Impact Toughness of Q420NE Section Steel for Ship Structures[J]. Transactions of Materials and Heat Treatment, 2025, 46(10): 108-116.
[22] 高菁, 王领, 王耀增, 等. 热处理方式对板锤用复合耐磨材料性能影响[J]. 冶金与材料, 2025, 17(9): 160-162.
GAO J, WANG L, WANG Y Z, et al.Effect of Heat Treatment Method on Properties of Composite Wear- Resistant Material for Plate Hammer[J]. Metallurgical and Materials, 2025, 17(9): 160-162.
[23] LI H H, ZHU L P, PANG X D, et al.Carburized Layer Microstructure and Tribological Properties of Cr-Co-Mo Bearing Steel[J]. Metal Heat Treatment, 2025, 50(4): 264-269.
[24] 黄博文, 耿纪华, 朱登辉, 等. 热锻CT20钛合金低温断裂韧性和失效机制研究[J]. 热加工工艺, 2025, 54(21): 123-130.
HUANG B W, GENG J H, ZHU D H, et al.Research on Low Temperature Fracture Toughness and Failure Mechanism of CT20 Titanium Alloy by Hot Forging[J]. Hot Working Technology, 2025, 54(21): 123-130.

Funding

Hebei Province Science and Technology Program (20312201D); Hebei Province Major Achievement Transformation Project (21287001Z); Baoding City Science and Technology Program (2494G005)