Austenite Decomposition Kinetics Research Articles

Microstructure and Decomposition Kinetics of Supercooled Austenite in Medium Carbon Steel 38G2F

Microstructure and Decomposition Kinetics of Supercooled Austenite in Medium Carbon Steel 38G2F

In situ measurement of austenite grain growth and recrystallization using laser ultrasonics

The development of next generation process models and advanced high-strength steel products for thin slab casting and direct rolling requires quantification of microstructure evolution during thermomechanical processing. Laser ultrasonics is a non-contact in-situ method to record grain growth, recrystallization and phase transformations in metals and alloys. Here, we will present an improved experimental design that facilitates a continuous microstructure measurement through the various stages of simulated hot rolling from reheating to runout table cooling using a Gleeble thermomechanical simulator equipped with a laser ultrasonics for metallurgy (LUMet) system. Austenite grain growth and static recrystallization after hot deformation are quantified based on attenuation of the ultrasound waves whereas austenite decomposition can be recorded with the changes in ultrasound velocity during the phase transformation. Further, the LUMet results for a microalloyed low carbon steel are validated with conventional techniques including optical and electron microscopy as well as double-hit tests. These experimental studies demonstrate the capabilities of laser ultrasonics in the identification of both normal and abnormal grain growth, non-recrystallization temperature, recrystallization, and austenite decomposition kinetics in a single test for a given processing path, as well as its potential for accelerated optimization of process control under industrial rolling conditions.

Kinetics of Austenite Decomposition in 54SiCr6 Steel during Continuous Slow Cooling Conditions

In this study, dilatometry and metallography were used to investigate the effect of silicon and copper alloying on the decomposition kinetics of 54SiCr6 steel during continuous slow cooling. It is different from the published literature for using the approach of the local activation energy of the austenite decomposition Ef and the local Avrami exponent n of the volume fraction of the transformed phase f to study the kinetics of austenite-pearlitic transformation in cooled 54SiCr steel at slow cooling rates. The Johnson–Mehl–Avrami equation was used to determine the dependence of the local activation energy for austenite decomposition Ef and the local Avrami exponent n on the volume fraction of the transformed phase f. The mechanism of the austenite decomposition was analysed based on the calculated values of n. Both the local and average activation energies were used to evaluate the alloying effect, and the results were compared with those obtained from other methods. The type of microstructure formed as a result of cooling at rates of 0.5 K/s, 0.3 K/s, 0.1 K/s and 0.05 K/s was determined. The effects of changes in the cooling rate and the content of silicon (1.5–2.5 wt.%) and copper (0.12–1.47 wt.%) on the dimension of nucleation and growth kinetics of the transformed phase were studied. It was revealed that the pearlite microstructure was formed predominantly in 54SiCr6 steel as a result of continuous cooling at slow cooling rates. It was also found that alloying this steel with copper led to a significant decrease in the value of Ef, as well as to a change in the mechanism of the kinetics of the austenite-pearlite transformation, which was realised in predominantly two- and three-dimensional nucleation and growth at a constant nucleation rate. At the same time, alloying this steel with silicon led only to a slight change in Ef. The results of the study of 54SiCr steel presented the dependence of the activation energy of transformation and the local Avrami exponent on the volume fraction of the transformed phase at a given cooling rate at different copper and silicon contents. In addition, the study provides insight into the mechanism of kinetics in cooled 54SiCr steel as a function of the cooling rate.

REGULATIONS OF THE FORMATION OF BAINETIC COMPONENT MATRIX IN ECONOMY ALLOYED CHROMO-MANGANESE ALLOYS

Purpose. The purpose of the investigation is to establish the regularities of the kinetics of supercooled austenite decomposition in the bainite temperature range (400−200 °C) in chromium-manganese cast iron for the development of thermal hardening regimes that increase the service life of products. Methodology. The object of the study are samples of research and industrial smelting of chrome-manganese cast iron containing 3,1 % carbon, 13,1 % chromium, and 15,75 % manganese. The study of the supercooled austenite decomposition kinetics was carried out by the dilatometric method in the temperature range of 400−200 °C, the study of the microstructure, phase composition, as well as the measurement of microhardness and hardness was carried out according to standard methods. Scientific novelty. The peculiarities of the supercooled austenite decomposition kinetics in the bainite temperature range (400−200 °С) in chromium-manganese cast iron were determined, the structure of the cast iron after aging consists of eutectic carbides Me (Cr, Mn, Fe)7C3, products of austenite decomposition, secondary carbides Me (Cr, Mn, Fe)7C3, Me (Cr, Mn, Fe)3C, as well as untransformed austenite in the amount of 70...75 %. The maximum hardness of the experimental cast iron was established during isothermal exposure at 350 °C for 35 hours. Practical value. The established regularities of the chromium-manganese cast iron structure formation and the determined and optimized temperature-time intervals of the supercooled austenite isothermal decomposition in cast iron are the basis for the development of heat treatment regimes to increase the strength, wear resistance of the material and the service life of its products.

Studying Phase and Structural Transformation Upon Formation of Weld Joint of Rail Steel. Report 2. Isothermal Diagram of Decomposition Kinetics of Overcooled Austenite of R350LHT Rail Steel

Studying Phase and Structural Transformation Upon Formation of Weld Joint of Rail Steel. Report 2. Isothermal Diagram of Decomposition Kinetics of Overcooled Austenite of R350LHT Rail Steel

Study of one-step and two-step quench and partition heat treatments on a medium carbon high silicon alloy using dilatometry

This study evaluated the microstructural evolution in a medium carbon high silicon steel during one-step, and two-step quench and partition (Q&P) processes using dilatometry experiments. The two-step Q&P process was carried out using different quench temperatures ranging from 180 to 260 °C. In the one-step process, Q&P heat treatment samples were held isothermally for ten minutes after quenching at specified temperatures ranging between 200 and 4°50 C. The two-step Q&P process yielded a higher fraction of retained austenite than a one-step Q&P process. During the isothermal hold step, the volume expansion due to carbon partitioning and austenite decomposition behavior was interpreted by experimentally determined strain values. For the one-step Q&P process, the austenite decomposition kinetics above and below the Ms temperature differed, as evidenced by the JMAK parameters. The TTT diagram generated for the one-step Q & P process showed a “swing back” at a temperature of around 355 °C.

Evaluation of the Role of Vanadium and Molybdenum in Changing the Kinetics of Austenite Decomposition and the Mechanical Properties of the Simulated Overheating Zone of Low-Carbon Niobium Steels

Evaluation of the Role of Vanadium and Molybdenum in Changing the Kinetics of Austenite Decomposition and the Mechanical Properties of the Simulated Overheating Zone of Low-Carbon Niobium Steels

In-Situ High-Energy X-ray Diffraction Study of Austenite Decomposition During Rapid Cooling and Isothermal Holding in Two HSLA Steels

In-situ high-energy X-ray diffraction experiments with high temporal resolution during rapid cooling (280 °C s−1) and isothermal heat treatments (at 450 °C, 500 °C, and 550 °C for 30 minutes) were performed to study austenite decomposition in two commercial high-strength low-alloy steels. The rapid phase transformations occurring in these types of steels are investigated for the first time in-situ, aiding a detailed analysis of the austenite decomposition kinetics. For the low hardenability steel with main composition Fe-0.08C-1.7Mn-0.403Si-0.303Cr in weight percent, austenite decomposition to polygonal ferrite and bainite occurs already during the initial cooling. However, for the high hardenability steel with main composition Fe-0.08C-1.79Mn-0.182Si-0.757Cr-0.094Mo in weight percent, the austenite decomposition kinetics is retarded, chiefly by the Mo addition, and therefore mainly bainitic transformation occurs during isothermal holding; the bainitic transformation rate at the isothermal holding is clearly enhanced by lowered temperature from 550 °C to 500 °C and 450 °C. During prolonged isothermal holding, carbide formation leads to decreased austenite carbon content and promotes continued bainitic ferrite formation. Moreover, at prolonged isothermal holding at higher temperatures some degenerate pearlite form.

Proposition of an Empirical Functional Equation to Predict the Kinetics of Austenite to Ferrite Transformation in a Continuous Cooled IF-Ti-Stabilized Steel

The kinetics of phase transformations in isothermal processes is well described by the classic JMAK model. However, it is known that most industrial facilities employ continuous cooling processes and, for this condition, the JMAK model is adapted but, sometimes, without success. Considering the importance to predict critical temperatures, the present work proposes an alternative empirical functional equation to describe the kinetics of steel phase transformation under continuous cooling, being useful when the JMAK use is not successful. In this study, the continuous cooling austenite to ferrite transformation was experimentally characterized by dilatometry for an IF-Ti-stabilized steel. The proposed equation was compared with the classic adapted JMAK model regarding to evaluate its efficacy to fit the dilatometric experimental data. Using the constants obtained by the both model fittings as input parameters, a computational simulation was performed to determine the CCT diagram of the IF-Ti steel. The proposed functional equation was efficient to predict the critical temperatures, the kinetics of austenite decomposition and the CCT diagram of the studied steel. The results predicted by the proposed model greatly met the experimental data measured by dilatometry.

Effect of deformation and grain size on austenite decomposition during quenching and partitioning of (high) silicon‑aluminum steels

The effect of austenite deformation on carbon partitioning and transformation to athermal and isothermal martensite, and bainite during quenching and partitioning (QP) is described for three steel compositions: Fe-0.3C-0.6Si-1.1Al, Fe-0.3C-1.0Si and Fe-0.3C-0.5Si-0.5Al. Microstructures were characterized using SEM-EBSD, TEM and XRD. Austenite decomposition kinetics was investigated using dilatometry. Deformation close to the no-recrystallization temperature refines the grain size, lowers the martensite start temperature and affects the stability of austenite during QP processing. The results in respect of dilatation measurements and retained austenite contents at room temperature corroborate the QP microstructures and their hardness and can help in designing optimal QP treatments for these novel steels.

Effects of Austenitization Temperature and Pre-Deformation on CCT Diagrams of 23MnNiCrMo5-3 Steel.

The combined effect of deformation temperature and strain value on the continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagram of low-alloy steel with 0.23% C, 1.17% Mn, 0.79% Ni, 0.44% Cr, and 0.22% Mo was studied. The deformation temperature (identical to the austenitization temperature) was in the range suitable for the wire rolling mill. The applied compressive deformation corresponded to the true strain values in an unusually wide range. Based on the dilatometric tests and metallographic analyses, a total of five different CCT diagrams were constructed. Pre-deformation corresponding to the true strain of 0.35 or even 1.0 had no clear effect on the austenite decomposition kinetics at the austenitization temperature of 880 °C. During the long-lasting cooling, recrystallization and probably coarsening of the new austenitic grains occurred, which almost eliminated the influence of pre-deformation on the temperatures of the diffusion-controlled phase transformations. Decreasing the deformation temperature to 830 °C led to the significant acceleration of the austenite → ferrite and austenite → pearlite transformations due to the applied strain of 1.0 only in the region of the cooling rate between 3 and 35 °C·s−1. The kinetics of the bainitic or martensitic transformation remained practically unaffected by the pre-deformation. The acceleration of the diffusion-controlled phase transformations resulted from the formation of an austenitic microstructure with a mean grain size of about 4 µm. As the analysis of the stress–strain curves showed, the grain refinement was carried out by dynamic and metadynamic recrystallization. At low cooling rates, the effect of plastic deformation on the kinetics of phase transformations was indistinct.

Magnetometric research of bainite transformation in Cr-Ni-Mo steels

In this work, Cr-Ni-Mo steel, additionally alloyed with aluminum and silicon, was investigated. Magnetometric research of the decomposition kinetics of supercooled austenite during bainitic transformation was carried out. The temperature-time interval of bainitic transformation of specified steels is determined. The C-curves of the intermediate transformation are constructed. The volume of retained austenite at all temperatures was measured. It was shown that the content of retained austenite increases with increasing temperature of the isothermal transformation. The influence of aluminum and silicon on the position of the region of the intermediate transformation is revealed. The temperature of the onset of martensitic and bainitic transformation was calculated taking into account the influence of aluminum and silicon. The calculated data showed a good correlation with the data obtained experimentally.

Phenomenological Model of Austenite Decomposition Kinetics in Low-Carbon Low-Alloy High-Strength Steels

A phenomenological model of the kinetics of austenite decomposition of low-carbon low-alloy high-strength steels is presented. The model is based on experimentally obtained empirical dependences linking the transformation rates with the specific power of the heat flux from the metal volume and with the temperature of this volume. This model was used to implement the finite-difference scheme to solve the problem of heat conduction in a medium with internal heat release sources. The digital twin of the cooling process, which includes the specified calculation procedure, is integrated into the TLS 5000 automation system of PAO Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works. The determined mass fractions of austenite decomposition products are used for both the design certification of the structural state of rolled products and the construction of statistical models to predict mechanical properties.

Development of methods for forecasting the microstructure of the welded joint with reference to the temperature-time modes of electron-beam welding

The research is devoted to the development of methods for forecasting microstructure of a welded joint in relation to the temperature-time modes of an electron-beam welding (EBW). The analysis of the simulation models and methods existing in the practice of thermal treatment and relating to austenite decomposition kinetics during cooling was carried out to choose methods for forecasting the forming microstructure in a welded joint at EBW. On the basis of these models one method for forecasting the microstructure of welded joints at EBW is offered in this work.

Modeling of the austenite decomposition kinetics in a low-alloyed steel enriched in carbon and nitrogen

A model predicting the effect of carbon (0.1–0.7%mC) and nitrogen (0.3–0.4%mN) enrichment of a low-alloyed steel (23MnCrMo5) on its austenite decomposition kinetics during cooling is introduced here. Its practical purpose concerns the simulation of microstructure evolutions after surface treatments of carburizing, nitriding or carbonitriding. Effects of nitrogen in solid solution in austenite are considered for the first time. Regarding the carbon, previous approaches from literature which estimate IT C curves displacements along time and temperature axes are adapted. Phase transformation kinetics are predicted from phenomenological rules (JMAK, Koistinen–Marburger). However, the number of empirical model parameters is reduced to a minimum thanks to thermodynamic calculations. JMAK kinetic parameters have to be established in one single reference steel composition. The model gathers, in one comprehensive framework, several phenomena which are generally considered separately, such as, e.g., the austenite stabilization after the proeutectoid ferrite transformation (by carbon enrichment) or after the bainite transformation. The kinetics simulations and the predicted final microstructures are critically compared to a large set of experiments carried out on dilatometry samples with different homogeneous C/N composition and samples with composition gradients. After carbonitriding, microstructure and hardness profiles differ strongly from the classical case of carburizing. This highlights the consequences of the previously reported, unexpected acceleration of the austenite decomposition when it has been enriched in nitrogen.

In Situ Quantitative Assessment of the Role of Silicon During the Quenching and Partitioning of a 0.2C Steel

Silicon is an essential alloying element added in quenching and partitioning (Q&P) steels to delay and/or suppress carbide precipitation. However, there is a strong industrial interest to reduce the silicon content as it has detrimental effects on the metallurgical route. This work investigates by means of in situ high-energy XRD (HEXRD) the effect of silicon on the microstructural evolution during quenching and partitioning of a commercial 0.2C-2.3Mn grade. The results of this study highlight the role of the bainite transformation during the reheating and partitioning steps for effective austenite retention. Silicon influences the kinetics of austenite decomposition into bainite and finally promotes the stabilization of austenite. This is explained by the ability of silicon to suppress carbide precipitation (i) at the interface between bainite and austenite and (ii) in the martensite matrix. Carbide precipitation at the bainite/austenite interface decreases the amount of carbon that diffuses from bainite to austenite, subsequently accelerating the bainite transformation kinetics and preventing austenite stabilization. Carbide precipitation in martensite reduces the amount of carbon available for partitioning in austenite, further preventing its stabilization. Additions of elements such as Cr or Mo could be therefore considered in order to reduce the austenite decomposition in low-silicon steel grades.

Austenite Decomposition Kinetics in Laser-Hybrid Welding of Steel of Strength Class K52

A modern technology for joining materials welding is commonly used in various industries. It is a process of interaction of thermal, mechanical and metallurgical properties and behaviors. Complex phenomena, such as solidification, microstructural changes and defect formation, have a great impact on the quality of welded joints. This article presents the results of studying the features of the austenite decomposition kinetics in the application of laser-hybrid welding technology, in a combination with multi-arc automatic submerged arc welding. The cooling rates are determined, affecting the change in properties of HAZ of welded joints on pipe steel of strength class K52. Using the dilatometric method, studies were conducted and thermo-kinetic and structural diagrams were constructed. Analysis of diagrams and microstructures showed that, as a result of the impact of the laser-hybrid welding process in the area of HAZ, the decomposition of austenite occurs mainly in the martensitic zone, followed by the formation of a bainite-perlite structure, due to recrystallization from the heat generated by the facing seams.

Influence of Stress on Kinetics and Transformation Plasticity of Ferrite Transformation Based on Hysteresis Effects

Transformation plasticity and kinetics play an essential role in the prediction of residual stresses resulting from transformation. This paper is devoted to the investigation of the influence of stress on the kinetics and transformation plasticity of ferrite for H420LA steel. It has been shown that under small external stresses, lower than the yield stress of the weaker phase, the ferrite transformation is inhibited at the beginning of the transformation in the continuous cooling process and the mechanical stabilization of austenite is observed, due to transformation hysteresis effects. This phenomenon affects the metallurgical and mechanical behaviors of the transformation progress. However, most existing models ignore these effects, leading to deviations in the description of transformation plasticity during the transformation progress. Considering the hysteresis effects, the micromechanical model for kinetics and transformation plasticity is reexamined. A general formulation of austenite decomposition kinetics accounting for these effects is developed to better describe the phase transformation under a continuous cooling process. In addition, the influence of hysteresis effects on the evolution of transformation plasticity is analyzed. Consideration of the hysteresis effects decreases the discrepancy between the calculated and experimental values. This will allow better prediction of residual stresses in the thermomechanically controlled processes.

Determination of Mode Switching in Cyclic Partial Phase Transformation in Fe-0.1C-xMn Alloys as a Function of the Mn Concentration

Controlling the kinetics of austenite decomposition by controlled partitioning of alloying elements, in particular carbon and manganese, is the key factor for optimizing the microstructures of advanced high-strength steels. In this study, a systematic set of computational and experimental cyclic partial phase transformations in low to medium manganese steels revealed a critical manganese concentration range of 1.5–2.5 mass% at which designated manganese partitioning at moving austenite–ferrite interfaces can be used to locally increase the effective Mn concentration and temporarily suspend further transformation during subsequent cooling. Most interestingly, this critical concentration only becomes visible in cases of reversed partial transformations in the intercritical regime and is un-noticeable in continuous cooling or conventional isothermal treatments.

Characterization of Austenite Decomposition in Steels with Different Chemical Concepts and High Potential to Manufacture Seamed Pipes for Oil and Gas Industry

This work presents the characterization of austenite decomposition kinetics in two steels during continuous cooling considering non-deformed austenite grains. Two different chemical concepts of steels were evaluated: low carbon - high manganese and a relatively new concept based on low carbon - low manganese - high niobium contents. Dilatometric experiments, microstructural characterization procedures and microhardness tests were carried out. Experimental and calculated CCT diagrams were plotted and the adapted JMAK model was applied aiming to predict the austenite decomposition kinetics. The low carbon - high manganese steel was the most sensitive to the applied cooling rates and, due to that, presented the higher grain refinement and hardness increasing after continuous cooling. These results highlight that the Mn content decreasing may promote a potential loss of grain refinement in procedures of continuous cooling where the structure recrystallization does not occur, as in some welding procedures or conventional heat treatments applied in the seamed pipe manufacturing process.