What type of fracture was seen in the 1045 sample that was water quenched from elevated temperature? Solution 1045 is a medium steel with carbon content between 0.40 to 0.50%. This steel when water quenched from elevated temperature exhibits a mechanical property which is initially ductile but later undergoes brittle fracture. This is due to the carbon atom / dislocation of martensite crystals to tensile loading..