The Effect of Time, Temperature, and Relative Humidity on the Relief of Casehardening Stresses

This study gives indications of the relative effects of time, temperature, and relative humidity on the relief of case hardening. Time is an important factor in the relief of stresses. The magnitude of stress relief due to time was not determined, but its interaction with relative humidity and temperature was of obvious importance. In some instances, temperature alone rendered the stock stress free. In all instances it was an important factor. This is attributed to the strength-reducing and plasticizing qualities of heat, plus thermal expansion. Sufficient relative humidity may also relieve casehardening, but excess relative humidity will cause reverse casehardening. Best results were obtained with moderate relative humidity and high temperatures.

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