Effect of Surface Finish on Fatigue Properties at Elevated Temperatures I : Low-carbon N-155 with Grain Size of A.S.T.M. 1

Effect of three surface finishes of roughness 4 to 5, 20 to 25, and 70 to 80 micro inches rms on fatigue properties were determined for low-carbon N-155 alloy of grain size A.S.T.M. 1 at temperatures of 80 , 1000, 1350, and 1500 F. The fatigue properties for the various finishes differed appreciably at room temperature; however, after short periods at 1000 F and for all periods investigated at temperatures above 1000 F, the specimen finishes had the same fatigue strength. It was concluded that the primary cause of the difference in room-temperature strength was due to compressive stresses set up in the surface and that at elevated temperatures these compressive stresses were relieved by annealing. Apparently, roughness alone did not significantly affect fatigue strength.