Engineering Mechanical Engineering

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Steels

Description

This cluster of papers focuses on the advancements in high-strength steel materials, particularly related to microstructure, martensite transformation, austenite stability, strain hardening, TRIP/TWIP steels, dislocation density, nanoprecipitation, bainite formation, and grain refinement.

Keywords

High-Strength Steels; Microstructure; Martensite Transformation; Austenite Stability; Strain Hardening; TRIP/TWIP Steels; Dislocation Density; Nanoprecipitation; Bainite Formation; Grain Refinement

Iron and its interstitial solid solutions * The strengthening of iron and its alloys * The iron-carbon equilibrium diagram and plain carbon steels * The effects of alloying elements in … Iron and its interstitial solid solutions * The strengthening of iron and its alloys * The iron-carbon equilibrium diagram and plain carbon steels * The effects of alloying elements in iron-carbon alloys * Formation of martensite * The bainite reaction * Acicular ferrite * The heat treatment of steels - hardenability * The tempering of martensite * Commercial Steels: New material to include Nanostructured Steels, Steels for the Energy and Automobile Industries * The embrittlement and fracture of steels * Stainless steel * Weld microstructures * Modelling of microstructure and properties *
In this Second Edition, new information and references are integrated into chapters. Emphasis is still on processing, alloying, microstructure, deformation, fracture and properties of major steel types ranging from low-carbon … In this Second Edition, new information and references are integrated into chapters. Emphasis is still on processing, alloying, microstructure, deformation, fracture and properties of major steel types ranging from low-carbon sheet steels, pearlitic rail and wire steels, to quench and tempered medium- and high-carbon martensitic steels. Microstructural aspects of steelmaking, hardenability, tempering, surface hardening, and embrittlement phenomena are updated, and chapters on stainless and tool steels remain in the Second edition. The work is intended to be tutorial and is an essential state-of-the-art reference for anyone that makes, uses, studies and designs with steel.
This volume provides a substantial background to microalloyed steels with a wide selection of applications, some of which are very recent. A well-illustrated practical guide, this book acts as a … This volume provides a substantial background to microalloyed steels with a wide selection of applications, some of which are very recent. A well-illustrated practical guide, this book acts as a useful source of data and a concise account of the theoretical aspects of the subject. Both academic institutions and the world-wide steel industry will find it indispensable.
With modern experimental technique, it is possible to measure a peak shape with sufficient accuracy to justify an interpretation based on the precise shape of the reflection. The corrected shape … With modern experimental technique, it is possible to measure a peak shape with sufficient accuracy to justify an interpretation based on the precise shape of the reflection. The corrected shape is represented by a cosine Fourier series and a set of An coefficients determined. A plot of the An coefficients vs. n will distinguish between distortion and particle size broadening. From the An coefficients, root mean square values of strain averaged over lengths na3 are obtained. The decrease in these values for increasing length na3 is a direct indication of the non-uniform nature of the strains in cold-worked metal. By measuring several orders of a given plane, it is theoretically possible to obtain a distribution function of the strains directly from a Fourier transform of the An coefficients.
The microstructural properties of advanced high strength and supra-ductile TRIP and TWIP steels with high-manganese concentrations (15 to 25 mass%) and additions of aluminum and silicon (2 to 4mass%) were … The microstructural properties of advanced high strength and supra-ductile TRIP and TWIP steels with high-manganese concentrations (15 to 25 mass%) and additions of aluminum and silicon (2 to 4mass%) were investigated as a function of temperature (−196 to 400°C) and strain rate (10−4≤ε≤103 s−1). Multiple martensitic γfcc (austenie)→εhcpMs (hcp-martensite)→αbccMs (bcc-martensite)-transformations occurred in the TRIP steel when deformed at higher strain rates and ambient temperatures. This mechanism leads to a pronounced strain hardening and high tensile strength (>1 000 MPa) with improved elongations to failure of >50%. The austenitic TWIP steel reveals extensive twin formation when deformed below 150°C at low and high strain rates. Under these conditions extremely high tensile ductility (>80%) and energy absorption is achieved and no brittle fracture transition temperature occurs. The governing microstructural parameter is the stacking fault energy Γfcc of the fcc austenite and the phase stability determined by the Gibbs free energy ΔGγ→ε. These factors are strongly influenced by the manganese content and additions of aluminum and silicon.The stacking fault energy Γfcc and the Gibbs free energy G were calculated using the regular solution model. The results show that aluminum increases Γfcc and suppresses the γfcc→εhcpMs transformation, whereas silicon sustains the γfcc→εhcpMs transformation and decreases the stacking fault energy. At the critical value of Γfcc≈25 mJ/mol and for ΔGγ→ε>0, the twinning mechanism is favored. At lower stacking fault energy of (Γfcc<16 mJ/mol and for ΔGγ→ε>0, martensitic phase transformation will be the governing deformation mechanism.The excellent ductility and the enhanced impact properties enable complex deep drawing or stretch forming operations of sheets and the fabrication of crash absorbing frame structures.
Following upon the general theory in Part I, a considerable simplification is here introduced in the treatment of the case where the grain centers of the new phase are randomly … Following upon the general theory in Part I, a considerable simplification is here introduced in the treatment of the case where the grain centers of the new phase are randomly distributed. Also, the kinetics of the main types of crystalline growth, such as result in polyhedral, plate-like and lineal grains, are studied. A relation between the actual transformed volume V and a related extended volume V1 ex is derived upon statistical considerations. A rough approximation to this relation is shown to lead, under the proper conditions, to the empirical formula of Austin and Rickett. The exact relation is used to reduce the entire problem to the determination of V1 ex, in terms of which all other quantities are expressed. The approximate treatment of the beginning of transformation in the isokinetic range is shown to lead to the empirical formula of Krainer and to account quantitatively for certain relations observed in recrystallization phenomena. It is shown that the predicted shapes for isothermal transformation-time curves correspond well with the experimental data.
The mechanism of the bainite transformation in steels is reviewed, beginning with a summary of the early research and finishing with an assessment of the transformation in the context of … The mechanism of the bainite transformation in steels is reviewed, beginning with a summary of the early research and finishing with an assessment of the transformation in the context of the other reactions which occur as austenite is cooled to temperatures where it is no longer the stable phase. The review includes a detailed account of the microstructure, chemistry, and crystallography of bainitic ferrite and of the variety of carbide precipitation reactions associated with the bainite transformation. This is followed by an assessment of the thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics of the reaction and by a consideration of the reverse transformation from bainite to austenite. It is argued that there are useful mechanistic distinctions to be made between the coherent growth of ferrite initially supersaturated with carbon (bainite), coherent growth of Widmanstatten ferrite under paraequilibrium conditions, and incoherent growth of ferrite under local equilibrium or paraequilibrium conditions. The nature of the so-called acicular ferrite is also discussed.
The use of the Voigt function for the analysis of the integral breadths of broadened X-ray diffraction line profiles forms the basis of a rapid and powerful single-line method of … The use of the Voigt function for the analysis of the integral breadths of broadened X-ray diffraction line profiles forms the basis of a rapid and powerful single-line method of crystallite-size and strain determination which is easy to apply. To avoid graphical methods or interpolation from tables, empirical formulae of high accuracy are used and an estimation of errors is presented, including the influence of line-profile asymmetry. The method is applied to four practical cases of size-strain broadening: (i) cold-worked nickel, (ii) a nitrided steel, (iii) an electrodeposited nickel layer and (iv) a liquid-quenched AlSi alloy.
A systems approach that integrates processing, structure, property, and performance relations has been used in the conceptual design of multilevel-structured materials. For high-performance alloy steels, numerical implementation of materials science … A systems approach that integrates processing, structure, property, and performance relations has been used in the conceptual design of multilevel-structured materials. For high-performance alloy steels, numerical implementation of materials science principles provides a hierarchy of computational models defining subsystem design parameters that are integrated, through computational thermodynamics, in the comprehensive design of materials as interactive systems. Designed properties combine strength, toughness, and resistance to impurity embrittlement. The methods have also been applied to nonferrous metals, ceramics, and polymers.
An attempt is made here to explain the observed phenomena in the yielding and ageing of mild steel, described in two previous papers, in the general terms of a grain-boundary … An attempt is made here to explain the observed phenomena in the yielding and ageing of mild steel, described in two previous papers, in the general terms of a grain-boundary theory. On this hypothesis, a satisfactory explanation of the variation of the lower yield point with grain size may be developed. It is shown that strain-ageing must involve two processes: a healing of the grain-boundary films, coupled with a hardening in the grains themselves. A discussion of the possible nature of the grain-boundary film is also undertaken.
Abstract The results of a study of cyclic strain and fatigue failure arising from cyclic thermal stresses are reported. By means of a test apparatus described in a companion paper, … Abstract The results of a study of cyclic strain and fatigue failure arising from cyclic thermal stresses are reported. By means of a test apparatus described in a companion paper, a cyclic temperature is imposed on a thin tubular test specimen subjected to complete longitudinal constraint. Hence, the cyclic strain is the independent variable. The following studies are reported: (a) Effect of thermal-stress cycling on strain hardening and life-to-failure for a fixed mean temperature, (b) effect of degree and kind of previous cold work on strain hardening and cycles-to-failure, (c) effect of mean temperature on thermal-stress cycling, (d) effect of period of cycle on cycles-to-failure, and (e) effect of prior strain cycling on stress-strain characteristics. The significance of factors such as hysteresis, Bauschinger effect, strain hardening, strain aging, and fatigue-crack formation is discussed, and a mechanism is described to relate these factors. Evidence is presented to show that strain hardening is not an important factor in the problem. The concept of total plastic strain is discussed.
A wide variety of industrial applications require materials with high strength and ductility. Unfortunately, the strategies for increasing material strength, such as processing to create line defects (dislocations), tend to … A wide variety of industrial applications require materials with high strength and ductility. Unfortunately, the strategies for increasing material strength, such as processing to create line defects (dislocations), tend to decrease ductility. We developed a strategy to circumvent this in inexpensive, medium manganese steel. Cold rolling followed by low-temperature tempering developed steel with metastable austenite grains embedded in a highly dislocated martensite matrix. This deformed and partitioned (D and P) process produced dislocation hardening but retained high ductility, both through the glide of intensive mobile dislocations and by allowing us to control martensitic transformation. The D and P strategy should apply to any other alloy with deformation-induced martensitic transformation and provides a pathway for the development of high-strength, high-ductility materials.
Preface. Electrical noise associated with dislocations and plastic flow in metals (G. Bertotti, A. Ferro, F. Fiorillo, P. Mazetti). Mechanisms of dislocation drag (V.I. Alshits, V.L. Indenbom). Dislocations in covalent … Preface. Electrical noise associated with dislocations and plastic flow in metals (G. Bertotti, A. Ferro, F. Fiorillo, P. Mazetti). Mechanisms of dislocation drag (V.I. Alshits, V.L. Indenbom). Dislocations in covalent crystals (H. Alexander). Formation and evolution of dislocation structures during irradiation (B.O. Hall). Dislocation theory of martensitic transformations (G.B. Olsen, M. Cohen). Author index. Subject index. Cumulative index.
Hot‐rolled Fe‐20Mn‐9Al‐1.2C‐2Ni (wt%) lightweight steel undergoes solid solution treatment to enhance strength and ductility. The microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of the steels are analyzed at various solution treatment temperatures … Hot‐rolled Fe‐20Mn‐9Al‐1.2C‐2Ni (wt%) lightweight steel undergoes solid solution treatment to enhance strength and ductility. The microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of the steels are analyzed at various solution treatment temperatures ranging from 900 to 1050 °C. As the solid temperature increases, the intergranular precipitates (elongated coarse κ*‐carbides) gradually dissolve, and the proportion of “special boundaries” increases. This process allows strengthening elements to migrate into the austenite matrix, and refining the effective grain size. These coupling effects lead to a synergistic enhancement of strength and ductility. The sample S1000, treated at 1000 °C, demonstrates a remarkable mechanical performance with a yield strength of 937 MPa, an ultimate tensile strength of 1065 MPa, and a total elongation of 65.3%. This sample also shows a high special boundary fraction of 54.7%, and a fine effective grain size of 3.16 μm, accompanied by a uniform distribution of strengthening elements (C, Mn, and Ni) within the austenitic matrix. However, when the solid solution temperature increases to 1050 °C, rapid grain growth occurs, leading to a deterioration in the tensile properties. Calculation results indicate that the enhancing mechanisms include solid solution strengthening, fine‐grain strengthening, and dislocation strengthening.
The CASTRIP process is an innovative method for producing flat rolled low-carbon and low-alloy steel at very thin thicknesses. By casting steel close to its final dimensions, enormous savings in … The CASTRIP process is an innovative method for producing flat rolled low-carbon and low-alloy steel at very thin thicknesses. By casting steel close to its final dimensions, enormous savings in time and energy can be realized. In this paper, an ultra-high-strength low-alloy corrosion-resistant steel was produced through the CASTRIP process. Microstructure and properties were investigated by means of optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), laser confocal microscopy (LSCM), electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), and tensile testing. The results show that the microstructure is mainly composed of polygonal ferrite, bainite ferrite, and acicular ferrite. The bainite ferrite forms parallel lath bundles nucleating at austenite grain boundaries, propagating perpendicularly into the parent grains. The acicular ferrite exhibits a cross-interlocked morphology preferentially nucleating at oxide/sulfide inclusions. Microstructural characterization confirms that the phase transformation of acicular ferrite and bainite ferrite introduces high-density dislocations, identified as the primary strengthening mechanism. Under the CASTRIP process, corrosion-resistant elements such as Cu, P, Sb, and Nb are completely dissolved in the matrix without grain boundary segregation, thereby contributing to solid solution strengthening.
This study focuses on the element effects of Al and Si on the liquid metal embrittlement (LME) phenomenon. Four series of chemical compositions have been chosen for this research, which … This study focuses on the element effects of Al and Si on the liquid metal embrittlement (LME) phenomenon. Four series of chemical compositions have been chosen for this research, which are 20% higher Al DH780, 20% higher Si DH780, 20% higher Al DH980, and 20% higher Si DH980. The total LME crack length of the welding spot of each state sample has been statistically analysed. The high Al DH780 sample shows the lowest total crack length, whereas the high Si DH980 sample shows the highest total crack length. Then the semi-in situ tensile tests have also been employed to evaluate the mechanical properties of these four different chemical composition samples. The high Al sample shows less LME cracks and higher elongation compared with the high Si sample. The shoulder position transmission electron microscopy (TEM) sample has been cut by the focused ion beam. It could be seen from the TEM observation that the distribution of Si element is close to that of Zn. The Si and Al solute atoms would diffuse towards grain boundaries to form solute-rich clusters in the manner of solute-vacancies loops. The stronger Zn-Si adhesion bonding attracts Zn infiltrating deeper into substrate. The Zn-rich intermetallic phase nucleation on grain boundaries would further worsen the LME sensitivity. The enrichment of Al content would repel Zn on grain boundaries and also stabilise the Fe-Zn intermetallic phase. High Al could also reduce the austenite amount in steel. Thus, it mitigates the LME response of steel. The LME phenomenon of Zn would be severe for the higher Si sample.
The tensile deformation behavior of a C–Mn–Al–Si alloy system medium Mn steel (MMnS) is investigated in the intercritical annealing (IA) temperature range of 700 °C to 900 °C. The results … The tensile deformation behavior of a C–Mn–Al–Si alloy system medium Mn steel (MMnS) is investigated in the intercritical annealing (IA) temperature range of 700 °C to 900 °C. The results indicate that MMnS exhibits excellent mechanical properties with an ultimate tensile strength of 1105.62 MPa and a total elongation of 76.87% at an IA temperature of 800 °C. This is attributed to the austenite (γ) → deformation twins (DTs) → martensite (α′) sequential transformation mechanism, which involves both the twinning‐induced plasticity (TWIP) and transformation‐induced plasticity (TRIP) effects. However, the TWIP effect disappears when the IA temperature exceeds 850 °C. A kinetic model and a strength increment model for deformation‐induced martensitic transformation (DIMT) have been developed. Additionally, the fracture mode of the sample undergoes a ductile‐to‐brittle transition as the IA temperature increases. The crack in all the samples occurs at the α′/α interface. However, the martensitic brittleness enhancement alters the crack propagation mode with increasing IA temperature. The transition from interfacial cracking to transgranular cracking through the deformation martensite leads to the occurrence of a ductile‐brittle transition.
A novel ultrahigh-strength steel with Co and strengthened through nanoscale precipitation was developed. We found that the Co element had a synergistic effect on the precipitation process. The simulation results … A novel ultrahigh-strength steel with Co and strengthened through nanoscale precipitation was developed. We found that the Co element had a synergistic effect on the precipitation process. The simulation results indicate that adding Co to steel can suppress the tracer diffusion coefficients of all the elements in the steel, hindering the atomic self-diffusion rate and long-range diffusion effect. A decrease in the atomic diffusion rate of precipitations will affect the nucleation, distribution, and growth of precipitations. The Atom probe tomography (APT) results indicate that the Co element not only dispersed uniformly in the matrix itself but also induced the uniform distribution of the precipitation phases. During the nucleation process of the precipitation, the rejected Co atoms formed small regions of high Co concentrations around the precipitation, inhibiting the coarsening of the precipitation. Under the synergistic effect of Co, the high number density of nanoscale NiAl and M2C enhanced the strength of the steel.
This study investigated the application of neural network techniques to predict the mechanical properties of low-carbon hot-rolled steel strips using industrial data. A feedforward neural network (FFNN) model was developed … This study investigated the application of neural network techniques to predict the mechanical properties of low-carbon hot-rolled steel strips using industrial data. A feedforward neural network (FFNN) model was developed to predict the yield strength (YS), ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and elongation (%EL) based on the chemical composition and processing parameters. For the low-carbon hot-rolled steel strip (C: 0.02–0.06%, Mn: 0.17–0.38%), 435 datasets were utilized with 17 input parameters, including 15 composition elements, finish rolling temperature (FRT), and coil target temperature (CTT). The model was trained using 335 datasets and tested using 100 randomly selected datasets. The optimum network architecture consisted of two hidden layers with 34 neurons each, achieving a mean squared error of 0.014 after 200,000 iterations. The model predictions showed excellent agreement with the actual values, with mean percentage errors of 4.44%, 3.54%, and 4.84% for the YS, UTS, and %EL, respectively. The study further examined the influence of FRT and CTT on mechanical properties, demonstrating that FRT has more complex effects on mechanical properties than CTT. The model successfully predicted property variations with different processing parameters, thereby providing a valuable tool for alloy design and process optimization in steel manufacturing.
To solve the problem of inadequate plasticity of traditional processing routes in improving the plasticity of novel Co-saving 18Ni (300) maraging steel, a cold deformation-cycle solution treatment process was developed. … To solve the problem of inadequate plasticity of traditional processing routes in improving the plasticity of novel Co-saving 18Ni (300) maraging steel, a cold deformation-cycle solution treatment process was developed. Through systematic characterization and tensile property testing, the study focuses on elucidating the impact of the number of solution treatments on the microstructure and mechanical behavior. The results showed that with a 30% cold deformation, three times of solution treatment at 860 °C for 10 min refined the original austenite grains (equivalent circle radius: 3.3 μm) and martensite structure (length and width: 7 μm and 1.3 μm, respectively) to the utmost extent. The grains became uniformly equiaxed, and the texture was eliminated, and a moderate content (4.5%) of retained austenite was formed. At this time, the material achieves the best match between strength (tensile strength of 1240 MPa) and plasticity (elongation of 9.93%), which are increased by 15.3% and 94.3%, respectively, compared with the traditional process. Mechanistic analysis revealed that grain refinement and uniform equiaxialization were the primary drivers for enhancing strength and plasticity. This study has demonstrated that the cold deformation-cyclic solution treatment process is an effective methodology for tailoring the microstructure and mechanical properties of maraging steel.
In order to reduce the density and alloy cost of austenitic stainless steel, this study designed Fe-0.35C-12Cr-5Ni-(0,2,4)Al-(6,10)Mn (wt.%) stainless steels with different Al and Mn contents. The effects of Al … In order to reduce the density and alloy cost of austenitic stainless steel, this study designed Fe-0.35C-12Cr-5Ni-(0,2,4)Al-(6,10)Mn (wt.%) stainless steels with different Al and Mn contents. The effects of Al and Mn contents on the microstructure, deformation behavior, and mechanical properties were investigated using microstructural analyses, quasi-static tensile tests, and Charpy impact tests. The results showed that an increase in Al content led to the formation of austeniteferrite duplex microstructure, while an increase in Mn content reduced the ferrite fraction. In the Al-free steel, the deformation mechanism was deformation-induced α′-martensitic transformation. When the Al content increased to 2 wt.%, the deformation mechanism was primarily mechanical twinning due to the increased stacking fault energy caused by Al. This resulted in a lower tensile strength but better toughness. When the Al content was further increased to 4 wt.%, the proportion of mechanical twinning decreased. The presence of ferrite led to cleavage at the fracture surface. The cleavage fracture explained the low elongation and toughness of duplex stainless steels. However, the elongation and toughness were enhanced with the increase in Mn content.
ABSTRACT The fatigue behavior of a metastable austenitic Cr‐Ni‐Cu‐N steel and an austenitic AISI 316L steel was investigated with a focus on the effect of mechanically machined and formed notches, … ABSTRACT The fatigue behavior of a metastable austenitic Cr‐Ni‐Cu‐N steel and an austenitic AISI 316L steel was investigated with a focus on the effect of mechanically machined and formed notches, taking into account hardness and residual stress measurements. The highest fatigue strengths were achieved with the metastable austenitic steel and formed notches. Positive effects resulted from strain hardening, martensitic transformation, and residual compressive stress states. In addition, the formed notches showed a longer remaining lifetime after damage initiation. The mechanically machined notches of the metastable austenitic steel yielded pronounced martensitic transformation and very high residual compressive stresses in direct vicinity of the surface, which resulted in an improvement in the high‐cycle fatigue regime. A lifetime calculation was applied that takes the residual stresses of the formed notches into account.
20CrMnTi is widely employed in gear manufacturing owing to its excellent cutting performance, toughness, and carburizing ability. Nevertheless, this steel has a tendency to form a banded structure. Herein, thermal … 20CrMnTi is widely employed in gear manufacturing owing to its excellent cutting performance, toughness, and carburizing ability. Nevertheless, this steel has a tendency to form a banded structure. Herein, thermal expansion experiments are initially conducted. The results reveal that as the austenite grain size increases from 3.5 to 30 μm, the relative difference in the number of ferrite grains between the solute‐poor and solute‐rich regions diminishes from 91.9 to 25.6%. This indicates the similar nucleation behaviors of ferrite between two regions, thereby weakening banded phenomenon. Additionally, a phase‐field model and a nucleation model are established. It is found that a larger austenite grain size reduces carbon concentration in solute‐rich regions, which decreases the difference in the driving force for ferrite nucleation between the solute‐poor and solute‐rich regions. Consequently, the difference in the ferrite nucleation rate between two regions decreases, effectively inhibiting the formation of banded structure. Notably, the calculated results exhibit a high degree of consistency with the experimental data obtained. The innovative point of current findings lies in establishing the intrinsic relationship between austenite grain size and banded structure from the perspective of nucleation, enabling more accurate control over the formation of banded structure.
In this study, controlled rolling involving a relaxation process followed by accelerating cooling was applied for producing a V–N microalloyed pipeline steel during the industrial production process. The main objective … In this study, controlled rolling involving a relaxation process followed by accelerating cooling was applied for producing a V–N microalloyed pipeline steel during the industrial production process. The main objective of the research is to study the influence of the relaxation process on the microstructure and mechanical properties. The microstructure consisted of polygonal ferrite (PF), acicular ferrite (AF) and granular bainite in the experimental steels, while the volume fraction of PF and precipitates increased with the increasing air-cooling relaxation time. The yield strength, tensile strength, yield ratio, −20°C average impact energy and ductile–brittle transition temperatures are 535 ± 9 MPa, 602 ± 11 MPa, 0.89 ± 0.01, 263 ± 8 J and −81°C when the volume fraction of PF is 15.1 ± 0.3%, and 503 ± 8 MPa, 590 ± 9 MPa, 0.85 ± 0.02, 221 ± 10 J and −70°C when the volume fraction of PF increases to 30.4 ± 0.6%. The mechanical properties including strength and low-temperature toughness of V–N microalloyed steels meet X70 pipeline steel standards. The main strengthening mechanisms are grain boundary strengthening, dislocation strengthening and precipitation strengthening in this steel. In the process of plastic deformation, the non-uniformly distributed strain concentration regions could cause uneven distribution of deformation, which forms the nucleation of microcracks. AF and high-angle grain boundaries played an important role in improving the strength and toughness.
To investigate the effects of deformation parameters on the phase transformation of B1500HS high-strength steel, non-isothermal deformation tests were conducted on a Thermomaster-Z thermal mechanical simulator under different conditions in … To investigate the effects of deformation parameters on the phase transformation of B1500HS high-strength steel, non-isothermal deformation tests were conducted on a Thermomaster-Z thermal mechanical simulator under different conditions in this study. Qualitative and quantitative investigations were carried out by analyzing the dilatation curves, color metallograph, and hardness data of deformed specimens. The results indicate that deformation can promote the formation of non-martensite. Higher initial deformation temperature and lower strain are beneficial for obtaining more martensite in the deformed high-strength steel and leading to higher martensite transformation temperatures. Meanwhile, the variation of strain rate has relatively small effects on the content and transformation temperature of martensite, and the effects do not show a singular trend.
The Charpy impact toughness of single-phase austenitic Fe-32Mn-0.6C steel was systematically investigated across a wide temperature spectrum from 25 °C to -196 °C using Charpy V-notch impact tests. The material … The Charpy impact toughness of single-phase austenitic Fe-32Mn-0.6C steel was systematically investigated across a wide temperature spectrum from 25 °C to -196 °C using Charpy V-notch impact tests. The material exhibited a remarkable temperature dependence of impact energy, decreasing dramatically from 120 J at ambient temperature (25 °C) to 13 J under cryogenic conditions (-196 °C). Notably, a steep transition in impact energy occurred within the critical temperature window of -100 °C to -150 °C. Microstructural analysis revealed that synergistic effects of high strain rates and low temperatures significantly restrict dislocation slip and multiplication mechanisms, while also suppressing deformation twinning activation. This restricted plasticity accommodation mechanism fundamentally differs from the deformation characteristics reported in conventional low-carbon high-manganese steels and other face-centered cubic (FCC) alloy systems.
Recrystallization treatment in metallic materials introduces micro-stresses at the grain level and micro-micro-stresses at the crystalline lattice level, however, it relieves the residual macro-stresses. It is a subject of interest … Recrystallization treatment in metallic materials introduces micro-stresses at the grain level and micro-micro-stresses at the crystalline lattice level, however, it relieves the residual macro-stresses. It is a subject of interest in metallurgy and materials science, as an atomic-scale phenomenon. Since mechanical sciences treat materials as continuums, recrystallization works as a classic stress relief annealing treatment. In this context, in the present work the authors investigated the effect of recrystallization on the residual macro-stresses, in the thickness plane of cold-rolled steel sheets. The proposed method was a process simulation by a mathematical correlation proposed in a previous work, aided by numerical simulation of thermal behavior. It was found that tensile stresses were introduced at the surface and compressive stresses at the center of the sheet, contrarily to the original residual stress profile normally introduced by forming. The curves obtained analytically and numerically were compared with experimental and literature results, showing that the proposed method achieved satisfactory coincidence.
In this study, a strategy was adopted to promote the formation of NiAl precipitates with the aim of enhancing strength by incorporating a 0.2 wt.% Al into a traditional ultra-low … In this study, a strategy was adopted to promote the formation of NiAl precipitates with the aim of enhancing strength by incorporating a 0.2 wt.% Al into a traditional ultra-low carbon bainitic (ULCB) steel alloy. By integrating thermo-mechanical control processing (TMCP) and a tailored tempering process, a new-generation steel with an outstanding combination of properties has been successfully developed for shipbuilding and marine engineering equipment. It features a yield strength of 880 MPa, a yield ratio of 0.84, and an impact toughness of 175 J. The precipitation characteristics of nanoscale particles in this steel, including NiAl intermetallics and carbides, were systematically investigated. The results show that the alloy with low Al addition formed NiAl precipitates during tempering. The high-density distributions of NiAl, (Mo, V)C, and (Ti, V, Nb)C precipitates, which exhibit slow coarsening kinetics, played a dominant role in enhancing the strength of the tempered steel. In addition to precipitation, the microstructure before and after tempering was also analyzed. It was observed that a granular bainite morphology was favorable for decreasing the yield ratio. Additionally, the formation of reverse-transformed austenite during tempering was critical for retaining toughness despite substantial strength gains. Finally, theoretical modeling was employed to quantitatively assess the contributions of these microstructural modifications to yield strength enhancement of thermo-mechanical controlled processing (TMCP) and tempered steel. This study establishes a fundamental basis for subsequent industrial-scale development and practical engineering applications of novel products.
This paper presents an experimental study on the influence of solidification cooling rate on the evolutions of microstructural morphologies of a high strength low alloy steel. To this end, solidification … This paper presents an experimental study on the influence of solidification cooling rate on the evolutions of microstructural morphologies of a high strength low alloy steel. To this end, solidification samples (cylindrical form with 10 mm diameter and 120 mm length) were prepared from 30 cm below the ingot/hot-top interface, at the center, of a 40 MT (Metric Ton) ingot. Solidification experiments were carried out by using Gleeble ® 3800 thermo-mechanical simulator. Two solidification cooling rates of 1 and 50°C/s were chosen. For microstructural characterization, samples were prepared by mounting, polishing and etching with 3% Nital solution. Also, an optical microscope was employed for microstructural observations. The obtained results showed that for 1°C/s, the microstructure is composed with dendrites and grains. Here, the grain morphology is the dominant one. In the case of 50°C/s, the dendrites were localized at the sample surface and the grains were present more into the depth of the sample. Moreover, the increase of solidification cooling rate results in finer dendrites. The results are discussed in the framework of solidification mechanisms.
Abstract In order to gain insight into the bainitic transformation of carbon- and nitrogen (C + N)-alloyed steels, first investigations were conducted on the steel DIN EN X30CrMoN15-1. In particular, … Abstract In order to gain insight into the bainitic transformation of carbon- and nitrogen (C + N)-alloyed steels, first investigations were conducted on the steel DIN EN X30CrMoN15-1. In particular, the influence of C and N on the transformation characteristics, resulting microstructure and associated mechanical properties was subjected to detailed analysis. Quenching dilatometry was employed to conduct isothermal heat treatments, concurrently acquiring data on transformation behavior and assessing suitable heat treatment parameters for mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) studies demonstrate the presence of bainitic microstructures with retained austenite following isothermal heat treatments of 24 hours. Annealing temperatures of 200 °C yielded nanoscale plate-like bainite structures with plate widths below 40 nanometers and hardness exceeding 600 HV10. Wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (WDS) measurements were able to demonstrate that during bainite formation the N diffusion behavior is comparable to C. TEM studies were employed to examine the nanoscale microstructure in detail and revealed Fe 2 C and Cr 2 N precipitates. Graphical Abstract
Purpose A new magnetic data-driven approach for the assessment of microstructural properties of steel components in service is provided by deep learning modeling. Design/methodology/approach Based on the interrelated characteristics between … Purpose A new magnetic data-driven approach for the assessment of microstructural properties of steel components in service is provided by deep learning modeling. Design/methodology/approach Based on the interrelated characteristics between the microstructure and magnetic properties of ferromagnetic materials, a novel hardness prediction model based on generalized regression neural network (GRNN) and magnetic measurements are proposed in this paper. Findings Using the magnetic properties as training and testing sets, the GRNN-based model achieves high-precision estimation of the hardness of 35CrMo steel, which is significantly better than the linear regression method. Originality/value With the intrinsic relationship between the hardness and magnetic coercivity of 35CrMo steel, a hardness prediction model based on GRNN and magnetic data is proposed; the predictions of hardness are generally in line with the actual values, with an error of 1.18%.
Long- and short-range ordering (L/SRO) in low-cobalt iron-cobalt alloys significantly lead to notch and impact brittleness. High-temperature heat treatment suppresses LROs and SROs, but it suffers from rapid grain growth, … Long- and short-range ordering (L/SRO) in low-cobalt iron-cobalt alloys significantly lead to notch and impact brittleness. High-temperature heat treatment suppresses LROs and SROs, but it suffers from rapid grain growth, which also deteriorates mechanical properties. A critical challenge in developing low-cobalt Fe-Co alloys lies in suppressing both ordering-induced embrittlement and grain coarsening during high-temperature processing. In this work, effects of grain growth on the mechanical properties of γ -quenched Fe-23 wt.% Co alloy were studied (free of LROs and SROs). After heat treatment for different time, both the average grain size and size distribution increased with increasing holding time, resulting in impact brittleness characterized by a cleavage fracture mode. In comparison to tensile properties, the deformation and fracture behavior of impact samples is significantly influenced by grain growth. When the average grain diameter exceeds 100 μm, the impact property transitions from ductile fracture to brittle fracture. However, when the average grain size does not exceed 190 μm, the tensile properties continue to exhibit favorable strength and plasticity. Our findings indicate that the brittleness observed in Fe-23Co samples quenched from the γ phase region is mainly caused by the rapid grain growth. The Fe-23Co alloy, characterized by good impact toughness and tensile plasticity, can be achieved by quenching after a short holding time from the γ phase region.
This study investigates the hot deformation properties of four different copper content (1.3Cu, 2.3Cu, 3.1Cu, and 6.0Cu) steels. The relationship between copper content and machinability in steel is shown by … This study investigates the hot deformation properties of four different copper content (1.3Cu, 2.3Cu, 3.1Cu, and 6.0Cu) steels. The relationship between copper content and machinability in steel is shown by analyzing stress–strain curves, hot processing maps, and microstructures. An appropriate amount of copper (&lt;3.1 wt%) can effectively enhance the yield strength of steel while maintaining higher workability and has good deformation ability in the temperature range of 950 °C–1160 °C and the processing range of strain rate of 0.01s −1 –7s −1 . The 1.3Cu steel and 3.1Cu steel have a weaker solid solution strengthening effect of copper, resulting in smaller band structures during high‐temperature and high‐strain‐rate compression process, while 2.3Cu steel has a stronger solid solution strengthening effect of copper, resulting in coarser band structures. However, under high temperature and high strain rate conditions, excessive copper in 6Cu steel causes copper to melt, resulting in coarsened precipitated phases, which weakens the solid solution strengthening effect of copper. The melted copper fills and lubricates the grain boundaries, significantly reducing friction and resistance between grains, allowing them to move and rearrange freely under external stress, thereby promoting grain fusion and leading to the disappearance of band structure.