The results of CAE-modeling of temperature fi elds during gas-laser cutting with nitrogen purge are presented. An experimental verifi cation of the simulation results on high-speed steel samples is carried out. It is shown that the research carried out can be useful for optimizing the modes of gas-laser cutting of high-speed steel.

The regularities of the formation of the surface micromorphology and structure in stainless steel prepared via the selective laser melting of CL20ES powder are investigated. It is demonstrated that samples with optimal microgeometric characteristics possess the largest values of the density and microhardness and a low level of imperfection.

The results of an investigation of the influence of intensive friction interactions upon the transformation of a 20Х13 steel structure using optic metallography, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray microanalysis have been described. It has been stated that, at a depth of 3 mm, structural changes connected with heating and intensive plastic deformation processes take place. Diagrams of chemical elements distribution show changes in the steel chemical composition in the surface layer up to 20 μm depth. An increase in microhardness to 5000 MPa has been observed at certain sections.

Specimens of high-alloyed steels for use in the brake-disk crowns of high-speed railway cars are subjected to tribotests. The surface-layer structure of a disk from steel 20Kh13 is studied. The wear-resistance features and temperature distribution in high-alloyed steels are described during braking. It is shown that within the range of moderate sliding velocities, alloyed high-chrome steels containing manganese and nickel are more wear-resistant and possess a lower friction coefficient, while in the range of fast sliding velocities steels free of alloying elements possess the maximum wear resistance.