Abstract
The applicability of various micromechanistic models for cleavage initiation in tempered bainitic steels is tested. Two different bainitic microstructures were used as model materials (differing by packet size, distribution, shape, and amount of brittle particles). Various micromechanistic models are applied to experimentally determined cleavage fracture stresses to explain the metallurgical nature of cleavage fracture stress. The range of validity of these models for particular bainitic microstructures is discussed.

Key words
cleavage stress, brittle fracture, tempered bainite, carbidic nucleation of cleavage

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