Mechanical and fracture behavior of bainitic rail steel

Microstructural analysis of J6 bainitic rail steel was performed and the results compared with those for the microstructure of premium pearlitic rail steel. The mechanical properties, fracture behavior and fracture toughness of the J6 bainitic steel were evaluated and compared with those for a premium pearlitic rail steel. The microstructural origin of the strength and toughness of the bainitic steel was identified. It was found that bainitic steel has superior mechanical properties and fracture toughness in comparison with those of pearlitic rail steel. The failure mechanisms of bainitic steel were also identified.