Effect of EAM Pulsed Current on 1450 MPA Martensitic Steel

Martensitic steel is often used to fabricate parts that require high tensile strength. However, this quality, and the material’s low ductility, requires manufacturing equipment with higher tonnage capacity. This paper explores a potential way to reduce the tonnage requirement by temporarily reducing the steel’s required flow stress. Previous studies with other metals have shown that using a pulsed electric current will provide lower strength, as well as, an increase in ductility, without the sensitivity to temperature that heat treating has. This project investigates how martensitic steel reacts to pulsing electric current in terms of the tensile strength and elongation. The project consists of two studies. First, where the parameters considered were current density (CD), pulse duration (PD), pulse period (PP), and pressurized air (PA). Second is a series of tests where current duration was based off the material’s strength. The results from the first study show that the electricity can increase the material’s achievable elongation; the second study achieved reducing and limiting the material’s strength.