Effects of temperature and strain amplitude on low-cycle fatigue behavior of 12Cr13 martensitic stainless steel

12Cr13 martensitic stainless steel has been selected as the structural material for steam turbine blade which is frequently subjected to low-cycle fatigue (LCF) damage. The study involved conducting low-cycle fatigue (LCF) tests under strain control at various temperatures (25 °C, 250 °C, 350 °C, 450 °C) and strain amplitudes (±0.3 %, ±0.4 %, ±0.5 %, ±0.6 %). The cyclic deformation behavior, primarily indicating cyclic stress response and the Massing effect is thoroughly analyzed based on the characterization of dislocation microstructure and electron backscatter diffraction maps. The mechanism of crack initiation and the propagation behavior are discussed based on the SEM observations of microcracks on the specimen surface and the fracture surface morphology. The influence of temperature and strain amplitude on fatigue life behavior is determined, and the underlying mechanisms are revealed. Moreover, the life prediction is performed by using the classical Basquin-Coffin-Manson model at ambient temperature.