Popis: |
This study was conducted in order to improve the mechanical properties o f mild steel materials used as bolts and studs in coupling agricultural machinery fo llo wing their frequent failure in service. Heat treat ment at 900 0 C for four hours was done and six specimens of each were then quenched with different media used as the major source of strength enhancement. The universal testing machine (UTM) was utilized for the various mechanical tests. The results of the tests showed positive changes in the strength properties of the mild steel material, in terms of h igh tensile strength, toughness, ductility and hardness. Water quenched specimen has the highest tensile strength (497.76N/ mm 2 ), hardness value (138.27), toughness (168.38) and bending at yield (749.49N/ mm 2 ). It also recorded the lowest ductility of 28.36% when co mpared with ductility values for other quenchants. These desirable qualit ies are needed for durability in service, especially for rugged agricultural operations like tillage. Water proved to be the best quenchant for ach ieving these desirable qualit ies among the quenching media used. |