Influence of hardened layer structure and coating-substrate interface geometry on plastic deformation pattern of structural steels at mesolevel

Using the television-optical measuring technique, TOMSC-1, investigations of mesoscale deformation patterns of surface-hardened structural steels were carried out. Surface hardening was performed by diffusion boriding to produce a hardened layer with a discrete structure and complex interface profile. Mesoband length, as well as the character of mesostructure formed in the substrate, are defined by crack relative position that, in turn, depends on interface profile.