The Structure Dependence of Deformation Behavior of Transformation-Induced Plasticity–Assisted Steel Monitoring by In-Situ Neutron Diffraction

Tensile deformation behavior of two transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP)–assisted multiphase steels with slightly different microstructures due to different thermomechanical treatment conditions applied was investigated by in-situ neutron diffraction. The steel with lower austenite volume fraction (f ^γ  = 0.04) and higher volume fraction of needlelike bainite in the α-matrix exhibits higher yield stress (sample B, 600 MPa) but considerably lower elongation in comparison to the steel with higher austenite volume fraction (f ^γ  = 0.08), granular bainite, and polygonal ferrite matrix (sample A, 500 MPa). The neutron diffraction results have shown that the applied tensile load is redistributed at the yielding point in such a way that the retained austenite bears a significantly larger load than the α matrix during the TRIP-assisted steel deformation. This article is based on a presentation given in the symposium entitled “Neutron and X-Ray Studies for Probing Materials Behavior,” which occurred during the TMS Spring Meeting in New Orleans, LA, March 9–13, 2008, under the auspices of the National Science Foundation, TMS, the TMS Structural Materials Division, and the TMS Advanced Characterization, Testing, and Simulation Committee.     

Effects of Rare Earths on the Tempering Transformation Kinetics of High Carbon Steel

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Local and Global Stress–Strain Behaviors of Transformation-Induced Plasticity Steel Using the Combined Nanoindentation and Finite Element Analysis Method

Transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) steels have excellent strain hardening exponents and resistibility against tensile necking using the strain-induced martensite formation that occurs as a result of the plastic deformation and strain on the retained austenite phase. Detailed studies on the microstructures and local mechanical properties, as well as global mechanical properties, are necessary in order to thoroughly understand the properties of TRIP steels with multiple phases of ferrite, bainite, retained austenite, and martensite. However, methods for investigating the local properties of the various phases of the TRIP steel are limited due to the very complicated and fine microstructures present in TRIP steel. In this study, the experimental and numerical methods, i.e., the experimental nanoindenting results and the theoretical finite element analyses, were combined in order to extract the local stress–strain curves of each phase. The local stress–strain curves were in good agreement with the values presented in the literature. In particular, the global plastic stress–strain behavior of the TRIP steel was predicted using the multiple phase unit cell finite element analysis, and this demonstrated the validity of the obtained properties of each local phase. The method of extracting the local stress–strain curves from the nanoindenting curves and predicting the global stress–strain behavior assists in clarifying the smart design of multi-phase steels.     

Microstructural Evolution and Microstructure–Mechanical Property Correlation in Nano/ultrafine-Grained Fe-17Cr-6Ni Austenitic Steel

Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A - The effect of cold-rolled microstructures and subsequent reversion annealing on the microstructural characterization, reversion behavior, and...     

Influence of Holding Time After Deformation on Bainite Transformation in Niobium Microalloyed Steel

  Using Gleeble 1500 system, the influence of holding time on bainite transformation in deformed niobium microalloyed steel during continuous cooling was analyzed, and the carbides in upper bainite were also systematically researched. The results show that the occurrence of the static recrystallization decreases the amount of bainite with an increase in the holding time and the emergence of retained austenite (RA) with the longer holding time. Two types of carbides were observed in upper bainite with regard to their precipitation sites. They either existed between the bainite ferrite laths or co existed with RA. The formation mechanism of two kinds of carbides was analyzed by combining TEM micrographs with the model.     

Influence of Oxygen on the Kinetics of Omega and Alpha Phase Formation in Beta Ti–V

Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A - A detailed understanding of the kinetics of phase formation in $$beta $$ -stabilised titanium is of decisive importance for the applicability of these...     

Effect of Cr–Mo Addition on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Medium-Carbon Steel

Herein, the effects of Chromium–Molybdenum (Cr–Mo) addition on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of medium-carbon steel after spheroidization annealing are systematically studied through scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, and tensile testing. Cr–Mo addition hinders the proeutectoid ferrite + pearlite transformation, thereby promoting the bainite transformation. Moreover, it refines the pearlite lamellar spacing as well as decreases the average carbide diameter, increases the number of carbides per unit area, and hinders ferrite recrystallization. Compared with those in the B1 steel annealed for 8 h, the size of carbides and their number per unit area in the CM1 steel are 30% lower and 2.2-fold higher, respectively. Due to finer ferrite grains, smaller carbides, and a higher amount of carbides, the strength of steel improves, and the plasticity slightly reduces after Cr–Mo addition. After 2 h of annealing, the yield strengths of Cr–Mo steels are 77.5–109.5 MPa higher than those of base steels; the elongations are above 20%. The contributions of the strengthening mechanism of steel to the yield strength are as follows (from high to low): grain boundary, precipitation, solid solution, and dislocation strengthening.     

Wetting Behavior and Evolution of Microstructure of Sn–3.5Ag Solder Alloy on Electroplated 304 Stainless Steel Substrates

In the present study, wetting characteristics and evolution of microstructure of Sn?C3.5Ag solder on Ag/Ni and Ni electroplated 304 stainless steel (304SS) substrates have been investigated. Solder alloy spread on Ag/Ni plated 304SS substrates exhibited better wetting as compared to Ni/304SS substrate. The formations of irregular shaped and coarser IMCs were found at the interface of solder/Ni/304SS substrate region whereas, solder/Ag/Ni/substrate interface showed continuous scallop and needle shaped IMCs. The precipitation of Ag₃Sn, Ni?CSn, FeSn₂ and lesser percentage of Fe?CCr?CSn IMCs were found at the interface of solder/Ag/Ni/substrate region whereas, solder/Ni/304 SS substrate exhibited predominantly FeSn₂ and Fe?CCr?CSn IMCs. Presence of higher amount of Fe?CCr?CSn IMCs at the solder/Ni/304SS substrate interface inhibited the further wetting of solder alloy.     

Influence of Rare Earth Elements on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Cast High-Speed Steel Rolls

The influence of rare earth （RE） elements on the solidification process and eutectic transformation and mechanical properties of the high-V type cast, high-speed steel roll was studied. Test materials with different RE additions were prepared on a horizontal centrifugal casting machine. The solidification process, eutectic structure transformation, carbide morphology, and the elements present, were all investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry （DSC） and scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive spectrometry （SEM-EDS）. The energy produced by crack initiation and crack extension was analyzed using a digital impact test machine. It was found that rare earth elements increased the tensile strength of the steel by inducing crystallization of earlier eutectic γ-Fe during the solidification process, which in turn increased the solidification temperature and thinned the dendritic grains. Rare earth elements with large atomic radius changed the lattice parameters of the MC carbide by forming rare earth carbides. This had the effect of dispersing longpole M C carbides to provide carbide grains, thereby, reducing the formation of the gross carbide and making more V available, to increase the secondary hardening process and improve the hardness level. The presence of rare earth elements in the steel raised the impact toughness by changing the mechanism of MC carbide formation, thereby increasing the crack initiation energy.     

Effect of Starting As-cast Structure on the Microstructure–Texture Evolution During Subsequent Processing and Finally Ridging Behavior of Ferritic Stainless Steel

Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A - Effect of the initial as-cast structure on the microstructure–texture evolution during thermomechanical processing of 409L grade ferritic...     

Influence of Alloying and Heat Treatment on the Abrasive and Impact–Abrasive Wear Resistance of High-Manganese Steel

The basic factors that affect the wear resistance of high-manganese steel are considered. The literature on this topic is reviewed. Conclusions are formulated regarding the materials used in existing studies. Research topics of interest to enterprises that manufacture and employ Hadfield steel are identified. Materials used in the machining of liquid steel are considered. Production technology for experimental high-manganese steel parts is discussed. The composition of the alloy employed as the base is analyzed. The procedure and equipment used to determine the cooling rate of alloys in the mold and to study the wear resistance in conditions of abrasive and impact–abrasive wear are outlined, as well as methods of thermal analysis. Results are presented for the alloying of Hadfield steel by nitrided ferroalloys and other alloys. The coefficients of abrasive and impact–abrasive wear resistance are plotted for different alloying conditions. In addition, the influence of the alloying elements on the wear resistance of high-manganese steel in different wear conditions is studied. The concentrations of the alloying elements corresponding to maximum abrasive and impact–abrasive wear resistance are established. In addition, the results of thermal analysis are presented. The heating of Hadfield steel castings prior to quenching is considered. The temperature ranges corresponding to processes such as excess-phase deposition, the solution of cementite in austenite, and complete solution of phosphide eutectic and metal carbides are established. The temperature limits of oxidation and decarburization of the steel are also determined. On the basis of the results, recommendations are made with a view to increasing the wear resistance of castings made from high-manganese steel for different operating conditions and also to selecting the heat-treatment temperature for such castings.     

Influence of Homogenization on the Microstructure and Tensile Properties of Extruded Mg-Zn-Zr-RE Alloy

The microstructure and tensile properties of the extruded Mg-Zn-Zr-RE alloy bars are studied.Theextruded bar without previous homogenization has the highest tensile strength,whereas the tensile strength of theextruded bar previously homogenized at 400℃ or 380℃ is lower.During long time homogenization,the trans-formation of rare earth compounds Mg_3REZn_6(Z phase)and Mg_3RE_2Zn_3(W phase)into Mg_(41)RE_5 andMg Zn phases occurr and the MgZn phase grow up.In addition,the dynamic recrystallization takes place in sub-sequent extrusion that caused decrease of the tensile strength.     

Review of Microstructure Evolution in Hypereutectic Al–Si Alloys and its Effect on Wear Properties

Al–Si alloys with silicon content more than 13 % are termed as hypereutectic alloys. In recent years, these alloys have drawn the attention of researchers due to their ability to replace cast iron parts in the transportation industry. The properties of the hypereutectic alloy are greatly dependent on the morphology, size and distribution of primary silicon crystals in the alloy. Mechanical properties of the hypereutectic Al–Si alloy can be improved by the simultaneous refinement and modification of the primary and eutectic silicon and by controlling the solidification parameters. In this paper, the effect of solidification rate and melt treatment on the evolution of microstructure in hypereutectic Al–Si alloys are reviewed. Different types of primary silicon morphology and the conditions for its nucleation and growth are explained. The paper discusses the effect of refinement/modification treatments on the microstructure and properties of the hypereutectic Al-Si alloy. The importance and effect of processing variables and phosphorus refinement on the silicon morphology and wear properties of the alloy is highlighted.     

Measurement and Modeling of Hydrogen Environment–Assisted Cracking of Ultra-High-Strength Steel

Modern precipitation-hardened ultra-high-strength AERMET 100 steel (Fe-Co-Ni-Cr-Mo-C) is susceptible to severe transgranular hydrogen environment–assisted cracking (HEAC) in neutral 3.5 pct NaCl solution. The threshold stress intensity for HEAC, K _TH , is reduced to as low as 10 pct of K _IC , and the stage II subcritical crack growth rate, da/dt _II, is up to 0.5 μm/s. Low K _TH and high da/dt _II are produced at potentials substantially cathodic, as well as mildly anodic, to free corrosion. However, a range exists at slightly cathodic potentials (–0.625 to –0.700 V_SCE), where the crack growth rate is greatly reduced, consistent with reduced crack-tip acidification and low cathodic overpotential for limited H uptake. Short crack size (250 to 1000 μm) does not promote unexpectedly severe HEAC. High-purity AERMET 100 is susceptible to HEAC because martensite boundary trapping and high crack-tip stresses strongly enhance H segregation to sites that form a transgranular crack path. The stage II da/dt is H diffusion rate limited for all potentials examined. A semiquantitative model predicts the applied potential dependence of da/dt _II using reasonable input parameters, particularly crack-tip H uptake reverse calculated from measured K _TH and a realistic critical distance. Modeling challenges remain. This article is based on a presentation given in the symposium entitled “Deformation and Fracture from Nano to Macro: A Symposium Honoring W.W. Gerberich’s 70th Birthday,” which occurred during the TMS Annual Meeting, March 12–16, 2006 in San Antonio, Texas and was sponsored by the Mechanical Behavior of Materials and Nanomechanical Behavior Committees of TMS.

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Retardation of Small Creep–Fatigue Crack in Gr. 91 Steel Through the Combined Effects of Stress Relaxation,Microstructural Evolution,and Oxidation

Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A - This investigation reports an unusual effect of hold time (up to 10 seconds) on retardation in the growth of creep–fatigue small cracks...     

Effect of V–Nb Composite Microalloying on Microstructure and Properties of Non-Quenched and Tempered Forged Steel

Herein, non-quenched and tempered forging steels containing V and V–Nb are designed, and the mechanical properties and microstructure of two steels are compared and analyzed. The comprehensive mechanical properties of V–Nb containing steel are as follows: the yield strength is 525.1 MPa, the impact energy A_kV is 62.1 J at ambient temperature, and the elongation is 26.1%. It is shown in the results that the addition of Nb element can refine the grain size (17.2 μm), increase the ferrite content (54.1%), and refine the lamellar spacing of pearlite (274 nm). The formation of V (C, N) particles on MnS inclusions can promote fine ferrite nucleation and growth, and Nb element can further promote ferrite nucleation by forming coarser (V, Nb) (C, N) particles. The difference of yield strength and hardness between the two steels is mainly caused by the difference of precipitation strengthening, the precipitation-strengthening increment of V–Nb containing steel is 18.31 MPa higher than that of V containing steel, which is because the coarser-size (V, Nb) (C, N) particles produce stronger precipitation-strengthening effect. But the large-sized MnS inclusions are beneficial to the increase of crack driving force and reduce the plasticity and toughness.     

Effect of Rare Earth Elements on Isothermal Transformation and Microstructures in 20Mn Steel

The effect of rare earth elements on the isothermal transformation and microstructures in 20Mn steel is in-vestigated by means of metallography and dilatometry.Rare earth elements decrease both the incubation periodof pro-eutectoid ferrite and the rate of pearlitic transformation.In addition,rare earth elements play a role ofreducing needle-like ferrite and the amount of pearlite,densifing the lamellar space of pearlite and enhcingsegregation of carbide in granular bainite.It is suggested that rare earth elements may decrease the interfacialenergy of grain boundary and interphase,hinder the diffusion of carbon atoms and form rare earth carbides withhigh melting point which reduce the carbon content in austenite.