Durability of X10CrMoVNb9-1 steel tubes under low-cycle fatigue and creep conditions after bending with local induction heating

The paper contains the results of theoretical and experimental research on the tube bending process used in the manufacturing of X10CrMoVNb9-1 steel tubes with dimensions 530 x 90 mm. An innovative technology in which the tube bending is coupled with local induction heating and the results of finite-element numerical modelling of tube bending using Simufact Forming 11.0 software are presented. A change of the geometry in the cross-section of the bend area was subjected to analysis, including the ovalization of the cross-section and the wall thickness in the regions subject to tension and compression. The geometrical features of the bend determined on the basis of numerical calculations were compared with the measurement results obtained in industrial conditions. Basic mechanical properties of the tube in the as-delivered condition and of the fabricated tube bend were determined using tensile, hardness, impact, low-cycle fatigue and creep tests. It was proved that the tube bend made of the X10CrMoVNb9-1 steel, obtained by the proposed technology, meets the requirements of the applicable standards.