Abstract
The effects of changing the carburizing variables to alter the final carbon profile obtained and of the use of vacuum carburizing, which prevents the occurrence of internal oxidation, on the unidirectional-bending fatigue strength of plain and notched specimens of the low-alloy steel 635A 14 have been studied. Minimum stress/maximum stress ratios of 0·1-0·7 were used in the tests and a Gerber-type diagram was established for one of the carburizing conditions. The effects of residual stress and carbon profile on the notch sensitivity have been considered.