Influence of austempering temperature on the mechanical properties of a low carbon low alloy steel

In this investigation, a new low alloy and low carbon steel with exceptionally high strength and high fracture toughness has been developed. The effect of austempering temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of this new steel was examined. The influence of the microstructure on the mechanical properties and the fracture toughness of this steel was also studied.Test results show that the austempering produces a unique microstructure consisting of bainitic ferrite and austenite in this steel. There were significant improvement in mechanical properties and fracture toughness as a result of austempering heat treatments. The mechanical properties as well as the fracture toughness were found to decrease as the austempering temperature increases. On the other hand, the strain hardening rate of steel increases at higher austempering temperature. A linear relationship was observed between strain hardening exponent and the austenitic carbon content.