A MODEL FOR BAINITIC TRANSFORMATION KINETICS WITH PARABOLIC NUCLEATION RATE

Based on the assumptions of parabolic variation of nucleation rate versus time and transformation kinetics depending mainly on nucleation rate, a different model for bainitic transformation kinetics in hypoeutectoid steels was established. And this model was proved to be effective in the description of bainitic transformation by comparison with the result of conventional Avrami equation.

Notably Accelerated Nano-Bainite Transformation via Increasing Undissolved Carbides Content on GCr15Si1Mo Bearing Steel

In this study, a high-carbon nano-bainitic GCr15Si1Mo bearing steel was investigated. Specifically, the effects of content and size of undissolved carbides on the microstructure and transformation kinetics of nano-bainite were analyzed. The results demonstrated that after prolonged austempering at low temperatures, the mixed microstructure composed of nano-bainite (NB), undissolved carbides (UC), and retained austenite (RA) was obtained in GCr15SiMo steel. When the experimental steel was austenitized at 900 ℃, the undissolved carbides gradually dissolved until reaching a stable state with increasing holding time. Furthermore, at the same austempering temperature, despite different volume fractions of undissolved carbides in the substrate, the volume fractions of nano-bainite in the final microstructures remained essentially the same. Moreover, the higher the content of undissolved carbides in steel, the faster the transformation rate of nano-bainite and the shorter the total transformation time.

Effect of substitution of Si by Al on the microstructure and mechanical properties of bainitic transformation-induced plasticity steels

The effect of partial or full substitution of Si by Al on the microstructure and mechanical properties has been extensively studied in multi-phase transformation-induced plasticity（TRIP） steels with polygonal ferrite matrix, but rarely studied in bainitic TRIP steels. The aim of the present study is to properly investigate the effect of Al and Si on bainite transformation, microstructure and mechanical properties in bainitic steels in order to provide guidelines for the alloying design as a function of process parameters for the 3 rd generation advanced high strength steels（AHSS）. It is shown from the dilatometry study,microstructural investigations and tensile properties measurements that the Al addition results in an acceleration whereas Si addition leads to a retardation in bainite transformation kinetics. The addition of Al retards the decomposition of austenite into pearlite and carbides at holding temperatures higher than450℃ whereas Si retards the decomposition of austenite into carbides at temperatures lower than 450℃.Consequently, the Al-added bainitic steel has a better strength-elongation combination at bainitic holding temperatures higher than 450℃ while Si-added steel has a better strength-elongation combination at temperatures lower than 450℃. The higher yield strength of Al-added steel is mainly attributed to its finer bainitic lath. The higher tensile strength of Si-added steel is not only related to the stronger contribution of Si on work hardening during deformation, but also due to the higher volume fraction of martensite or martensite/austenite（MA） blocks in all heat treatment conditions, as well as the lower mechanical stability of retained austenite in this steel.