372 



STRENGTH OF STEEL. 



194. Nickel Steel. A most valuable alloy is obtained 

 by adding a small portion of pure nickel to a low carbon 

 steel. It is found that up to a certain point the presence 

 of nickel increases the ultimate tensile strength of the 

 metal, and, still more, the elastic strength. 



The following figures, given by the Bethlehem Steel 

 Company, shows very clearly the effect of nickel on iron 

 containing a small percentage of carbon : 



STRENGTH OF NICKEL CARBON-IRON ALLOYS. 



Mr. Browne states that it may be taken that, compared 

 with simple steels having the same tensile strength, a 

 3 per cent, nickel steel will have 20 to 30 per cent, greater 

 elongation ; while, compared with simple steels of the 

 same carbon percentage, a nickel steel will have about 40 

 per cent, greater tensile strength. 



Where nickel is alloyed with iron almost pure, and 

 containing little or no carbon, the increase of nickel 

 increases the tensile strength, both ultimate and elastic, 

 but especially the latter, until a percentage of nickel of 

 about 8 is reached ; on further increase of nickel the 

 strength diminishes up to about 60 percent., when a small 

 increase again takes place. 



