The Bauschinger Effect Magnitude Control in Ultra-Low Carbon Steel Wires

Abstract The cold roller die process increases the tensile strength and decreases the ductility of steel wire. Annealing heat treatment is applied to restore mechanical properties, but this is a costly process. This research shows that it is possible to control the mechanical properties of ultra-low carbon steel wire inducing the Bauschinger effect and relieving residual steel stresses. The present study uses several pulleys to promote and control the Bauschinger effect magnitude through alternated cyclic bending. A Completely Randomized Design, a regression study, and the Akaike Information Criterion were used to understand the relationship between the quantity and diameter of pulleys and the influence on the magnitude of the Bauschinger effect. Statistical models showed that it is possible to have a maximum increase of 103% in uniform elongation and a maximum decrease of 14% in yield strength. An interaction between the factors studied in controlling the Bauschinger effect magnitude was confirmed.