The Effect of Cadmium Plating on Aircraft Steels Under Stress Concentration at Elevated Temperatures

Book excerpt: A study was conducted of the effects of Cd plating on stressed steels at elevated temperatures. The experimental procedures involved several tests characterized as the stress-rupture, tensile, and fatigue tests. Materials studied consisted of several aircraft quality SAE steels; namely, 4340, 4130, 1095, 18-8, and H-13 hot work die steels. Strength levels from 180,000 to 300,000 psi, as suitable for the several steels, were evaluated for a variety of conditions of stress concentration. The steels examined, except the austenitic stainless steels, were susceptible to embrittlement by Cl plating at elevated temperatures. With decreasing temperatures, the noticeable effect of Cd plating on the properties of steels was correspondingly decreased. All the steels examined showing an effect on one property, showed similar effects on the other properties. (Author).