Influence of Structural Changes on the Brittle Fracture Strength in Metal Springs of Kamaz Trucks Used in a Northern Environment

Abstract

To make structural components and vehicle parts reliable, it is necessary to study accumulated structural damage and its influence on the properties of materials, taking into account the operational environment. To discover the relation between structural changes in and brittle fracture strength of materials, we studied the degree and kind of structural damages, impact toughness, and microscale processes of destruction observed in the metal of springs mounted on Kamaz trucks driven in a northern environment. The techniques used in this article include optic and electron microscopy and structural statistical analysis of the microhardness and porosity according to which the structural damage was evaluated. New data are derived about accumulated fatigue damages and their influence on the brittle fracture resistance of the metal in springs used in a cold climate environment. The results can be used to extend the service life of elastic parts of automotive vehicles.