Influence of Temperature and Grain Size on Austenite Stability in Medium Manganese Steels

With an aim to elucidate the influence of temperature and grain size on austenite stability, a commercial cold-rolled 7Mn steel was annealed at 893 K (620 °C) for times varying between 3 minutes and 96 hours to develop different grain sizes. The austenite fraction after 3 minutes was 34.7 vol pct, and at longer times was around 40 pct. An elongated microstructure was retained after shorter annealing times while other conditions exhibited equiaxed ferrite and austenite grains. All conditions exhibit similar temperature dependence of mechanical properties. With increasing test temperature, the yield and tensile strength decrease gradually, while the uniform and total elongation increase, followed by an abrupt drop in strength and ductility at 393 K (120 °C). The Olson–Cohen model was applied to fit the transformed austenite fractions for strained tensile samples, measured by means of XRD. The fit results indicate that the parameters α and β decrease with increasing test temperature, consistent with increased austenite stability. The 7Mn steels exhibit a distinct temperature dependence of the work hardening rate. Optimized austenite stability provides continuous work hardening in the temperature range of 298 K to 353 K (25 °C to 80 °C). The yield and tensile strengths have a strong dependence on grain size, although grain size variations have less effect on uniform and total elongation.     

Development of Ultrafine-Grained Dual-Phase Steels: Mechanism of Grain Refinement During Intercritical Deformation

Heavy deformation of metastable austenite (below A_e3) or both austenite and ferrite in the two-phase region (between A_r3 and A_r1) is known to develop an ultrafine ferrite grain structure with an average grain size of less than 3 μm. Different dynamic softening mechanisms, such as dynamic recovery, dynamic recrystallization, and dynamic strain-induced austenite→ferrite transformation (DSIT), are responsible for such grain refinement. However, the sequence of those metallurgical events and the temperature range over which any particular mechanism dominates is not yet well understood. The current study throws some light on this aspect by applying heavy, single-pass compressive deformation (with true strain of 1.0) on the microalloyed steel samples over a temperature range of 1173 K to 873 K (900 °C to 600 °C) using a Gleeble simulator (Dynamic Systems Inc., Poestenkill, NY) and water quenching the samples immediately after deformation. The current study showed the dominating effect of the following mechanisms with respect to the deformation temperature: (1) DSIT followed by conventional dynamic recrystallization (Conv-DRX) of ferrite at higher deformation temperatures (≥1073 K [800 °C]), (2) extended recovery and continuous dynamic recrystallization (Cont-DRX) of ferrite at intermediate deformation temperatures (~1023 K [750 °C]), and (3) simple dynamic recovery of ferrite at lower deformation temperatures (≤923 K [650 °C]).     

Tempering of Martensite in Dual-Phase Steels and Its Effects on Softening Behavior

The isothermal and nonisothermal tempering of martensite in dual-phase (DP) steels was investigated mainly by analytical transmission electron microscopy, and the effect on softening behavior was studied. The isothermal tempering resulted in coarsening and spheroidization of cementite and complete recovery of laths. However, nonisothermal tempering manifested fine quasi-spherical intralath and platelike interlath cementite, decomposition of retained austenite, and partial recovery of laths. The distinct characteristic of nonisothermal tempering was primarily attributed to the synergistic effect of delay in cementite precipitation and insufficient time for diffusion of carbon due to rapid heating that delays the third stage of tempering. The finer size and platelike morphology of cementite coupled with partial recovery of lath resulted in reduced softening in nonisothermal tempering compared to severe softening in isothermal tempering due to large spheroidized cementite and complete recovery of lath substructure. The substitutional content of precipitated cementite in nonisothermal tempering was correlated to the richness of particular steel chemistry. Softening resistance during nonisothermal tempering was related to DP steel chemistry, i.e., Cr and Mn content. Fine cementite and less decomposed martensite in rich chemistry confer high resistance to softening compared to leaner chemistries, which indicated severe decomposition of martensite with coarser cementite.     

Transformation-Induced, Geometrically Necessary, Dislocation-Based Flow Curve Modeling of Dual-Phase Steels: Effect of Grain Size

The flow behavior of dual-phase (DP) steels is modeled on the finite-element method (FEM) framework on the microscale, considering the effect of the microstructure through the representative volume element (RVE) approach. Two-dimensional RVEs were created from microstructures of experimentally obtained DP steels with various ferrite grain sizes. The flow behavior of single phases was modeled through the dislocation-based work-hardening approach. The volume change during austenite-to-martensite transformation was modeled, and the resultant prestrained areas in the ferrite were considered to be the storage place of transformation-induced, geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs). The flow curves of DP steels with varying ferrite grain sizes, but constant martensite fractions, were obtained from the literature. The flow curves of simulations that take into account the GND are in better agreement with those of experimental flow curves compared with those of predictions without consideration of the GND. The experimental results obeyed the Hall-Petch relationship between yield stress and flow stress and the simulations predicted this as well.     

经济型铁素体/贝氏体高扩孔钢的组织与性能

 通过TMCP工艺实验,研究了Si、Mn含量对低碳Si Mn钢显微组织、力学及成形性能的影响,探讨了铁素体/贝氏体双相钢(FB钢)在扩孔过程中的裂纹形成及扩展行为。研究结果表明,增加Si含量,实验钢中等轴铁素体的体积分数增加,扩孔性能得到改善;而增加Mn含量,实验钢的强度和韧性显著提高,但塑性和扩孔性能有所下降。FB钢中的裂纹扩展主要是以微孔聚集机制进行,当遇到贝氏体时,裂纹通过铁素体 贝氏体相界面并剪断铁素体进行扩展。合理选择Si、Mn含量和TMCP工艺参数,可以获得690 MPa级的经济型热轧FB高扩孔钢,扩孔率达到了95%,综合性能较好。     

Effect of Texture and Grain Size on Bio-Corrosion Response of Ultrafine-Grained Titanium

The bio-corrosion response of ultrafine-grained commercially pure titanium processed by different routes of equal-channel angular pressing has been studied in simulated body fluid. The results indicate that the samples processed through route B_c that involved rotation of the workpiece by 90 deg in the same sense between each pass exhibited higher corrosion resistance compared to the ones processed by other routes of equal-channel angular pressing, as well as the coarse-grained sample. For a similar grain size, the higher corrosion resistance of the samples exhibiting off-basal texture compared to shear texture indicates the major role of texture in corrosion behavior. It is postulated that an optimum combination of microstructure and crystallographic texture can lead to high strength and excellent corrosion resistance.     

锰对热轧态双相钢显微组织和力学性能的影响

用薄晶体透射电镜研究锰对热轧空冷后低碳Si-Mn双相钢的组织和力学性能的影响。实验结果表明:钢中锰含量为1.79%时,显微组织中出现珠光体。拉伸工程应力-应变曲线有明显物理屈服延伸。钢中锰含量越少、珠光体量越多时,应力-应变曲线上屈服平台越长。锰含量大于2.09%时,轧态组织中不再出现非马氏体型转变产物珠光体。轧态组织中的马氏体岛区,由几个微区组成。这些微区分别为内孪晶马氏体区和位错板条马氏体区。     

快冷条件下钒对中低氮钢晶粒尺寸的影响

通过实验室轧制试验,研究了中低氮含钒钢在轧后快速冷却条件下的铁素体晶粒尺寸和屈服强度的变化规律.结果表明,加入钒能够细化铁素体晶粒,原因是在快速冷却条件下中低氮含钒钢中的钒全部固溶在基体中,固溶的钒降低铁素体的实际相变温度,从而细化了铁素体晶粒.     

晶粒尺寸对表面渗碳钢疲劳极限的影响

利用旋转弯曲疲劳试验方法,研究了渗碳钢的晶粒尺寸与其疲劳极限之间的定量关系。结果表明,晶粒尺寸越小,渗碳钢的疲劳极限越高,晶粒尺寸与疲劳极限之间存在类似Hall-Petch关系。疲劳试样断口观察发现,疲劳裂纹起源于渗碳层,并沿原奥氏体晶界扩展,细化渗碳层晶粒有利于提高疲劳裂纹扩展阻力,因此改善疲劳性能。     

On the Relation between Carbide Density and Grain Boundary Character in Tempered Martensite Ferritic Steels

In the present study we investigate the microstructure of tempered martensite ferritic steels. It is well known that inside former austenite grains and inside packets of former martensite laths ultrafine micro grains (average size near: 1 μm) govern the strength of this material class. Micro grain boundaries are decorated by carbides (average size after creep near: 0.05 μm). However, in transmission electron micrographs it is commonly found that there are micro grain boundaries with a high carbide density while there are others where no carbides can be detected. In the present study we make an attempt to decide whether the crystallographic character of micro grain boundaries can be related to the number density of carbides at the boundaries. Kikuchi line diffraction patterns were used to determine the misorientation angle between two adjacent micro grains; we select only micro grain boundaries which represent <110> ‐ and <100> ‐ twist boundaries. A quantitative microstructural analysis was performed to determine the density of carbides on boundaries. Our results are discussed on the basis of general tendencies which were reported for grain boundaries in the literature.     

Correlation of Tensile Properties and Strain Hardening Behavior with Martensite Volume Fraction in Dual-Phase Steels

In the present study, tensile properties, strain hardening and fracture behavior of dual-phase (DP) steels were correlated with martensite volume fraction (V _M ). A series of DP steels with different amounts of V _M (28–50 %) were produced by cold rolling and subsequent intercritical annealing of a ferrite-pearlite starting structure. Hardness and tensile tests results of DP steels showed that variation of hardness, uniform elongation and total elongation with V _M was linear and obeyed the rule of mixtures, whereas yield strength and ultimate tensile strength exhibited a nonlinear variation with V _M . Analysis of strain hardening behavior of DP steels by the Hollomon analysis showed two stages of strain hardening corresponding to ferrite deformation and co-deformation of ferrite and martensite, respectively. The strain hardening exponent of first stage (n _I ) increased with increasing V _M , while the strain hardening exponent of second stage (n _II ) as well as transition strain between the deformation stages decreased.     

Influence of Heating Rate on Ferrite Recrystallization and Austenite Formation in Cold-Rolled Microalloyed Dual-Phase Steels

Compared with other dual-phase (DP) steels, initial microstructures of cold-rolled martensite-ferrite have scarcely been investigated, even though they represent a promising industrial alternative to conventional ferrite-pearlite cold-rolled microstructures. In this study, the influence of the heating rate (over the range of 1 to 10 K/s) on the development of microstructures in a microalloyed DP steel is investigated; this includes the tempering of martensite, precipitation of microalloying elements, recrystallization, and austenite formation. This study points out the influence of the degree of ferrite recrystallization prior to the austenite formation, as well as the importance of the cementite distribution. A low heating rate giving a high degree of recrystallization, leads to the formation of coarse austenite grains that are homogenously distributed in the ferrite matrix. However, a high heating rate leading to a low recrystallization degree, results in a banded-like structure with small austenite grains surrounded by large ferrite grains. A combined approach, involving relevant multiscale microstructural characterization and modeling to rationalize the effect of the coupled processes, highlights the role of the cold-worked initial microstructure, here a martensite-ferrite mixture: recrystallization and austenite formation commence in the former martensite islands before extending in the rest of the material.     

Ultrafine-Grained Multiphase Steels with Different Microstructural Constitutions Fabricated Through Annealing of Tempered and Deformed Martensite

Ultrafine-grained (UFG) steels with different microstructural constitutions were fabricated through annealing of tempered and deformed martensite. Effects of various second phases on deformation behaviors and mechanical properties of UFG steels were investigated. In this study, it was shown that retained austenite is the most beneficial microstructure constitution for enhancing the ductility of low-alloyed UFG steels.     

Effect of Prior Austenite Grain Size on the Morphology of Nano-Bainitic Steels

Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A - The strength in nanostructured bainitic steels primarily arises from the fine platelets of bainitic ferrite embedded in carbon-enriched austenite....     

Effect of Zr Microalloying on Austenite Grain Size of Low-Carbon Steels

Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B - The effect of microalloying addition of Zr on the characteristics of inclusions and prior austenite grain sizes following a quench heat treatment has...     

On the Significance of Nature of Strain-Induced Martensite on Phase-Reversion-Induced Nanograined/Ultrafine-Grained Austenitic Stainless Steel

We recently described the reversal of strain-induced martensite to the parent austenite phase in the attempt to produce nanograins/ultrafine grains via controlled annealing of heavily cold-worked metastable austenite. The phase-reversion-induced microstructure consisted of nanocrystalline (d < 100 nm), ultrafine (d ≈ 100 to 500 nm), and submicron (d ≈ 500 to 1000 nm) grains and was characterized by high strength (800 to 1000 MPa)–high ductility (30 to 40 pct) combination, which was a function of cold deformation and temperature-time annealing sequence.[1] In this article, we demonstrate that the success of the approach in obtaining nanograined/ultrafine-grained (NG/UFG) structure depends on the predominance of dislocation-cell–type structure in the severely deformed martensite. Electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction analysis indicated that with an increase in the degree of cold deformation there is transformation of lath martensite to dislocation-cell–type martensite, which is a necessary prerequisite to obtain phase-reversion-induced NG/UFG austenite. The transformation of lath-type to dislocation-cell–type martensite involves refinement of packet and lath size and break up of lath structure. Based on detailed and systematic electron microscopy study of cold-deformed metastable austenite (~45 to 80 pct deformation) and constant temperature-time annealing sequence, when the phase reversion kinetics is rapid, our hypothesis is that the maximization of dislocation-cell–type structure in lieu of lath-type facilitates NG/UFG structure with a high strength–high ductility combination. Interestingly, the yield strength follows the Hall–Petch relation in the NG/UFG regime for the investigated austenitic stainless steel.     

Effect of Aluminum and Grain Size on the Fracture Behavior of Twinning-Induced Plasticity Steels

The present study investigates the effect of Al and grain size on the notch sensitivity and fracture toughness of twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP) steels. It is evident that the notch sensitivity and fracture toughness of TWIP steels can be improved by the addition of Al and grain refinement. Furthermore, the relatively low fracture toughness and high-notched sensitivity of coarse-grained TWIP steels can be explained by a quasi-cleavage fracture mechanism.