MECHANICAL STABILIZATION OF DEFORMED AUSTENITEDURING CONTINUOUS COOLING TRANSFORMATION IN AC-Mn-Cr-Ni-Mo PLASTIC DIE STEEL

The influence of prior austenite deformed at different temperature on the subsequent continuous cooling bainitic transformation has been investigated in an C-Ma-Cr-Ni-Mo plastic die steel. The results show that the prior deformation in low temperature region of austenite retards significantly the bainitic transformation. For the same continuous cooling schedule, as austenite deformed at lower temperature, the quantity of the classical sheaf-like bainite becomes less. The present results show that severe deformation leads to mechanical stabilization of austenite and causes the difficulty of bainitic ferrite propagation into the austenite.

Effects of Deformation on Bainite Transformation During Continuous Cooling of Low Carbon Steels

Hot deformation experiments were carried out on Gleeble 1500 thermo-mechanical simulator. The bainite transformation after deformation was investigated by optical microstructure analysis. The results indicated that the deformation accelerated the bainite transformation when the deformation was carried out at high temperature and no or little ferrite was precipitated before bainite transformation; when the deformation was carried out at low temperature, the deformation hindered the bainite transformation because a lot of ferrite precipitated before bainite transformation.

INFLUENCE OF HOT DEFORMATION ON CONTINUOUSCOOLING BAINITIC TRANSFORMATION IN A LOWCARBON STEEL

The influence of hot deformation conditions on continuous cooling bainitic transformation has been investigated for a low carbon microalloyed steel. The CCT diagrams show that deformation in unrecrpstallized austcnite ation can accelerate transformation process. Bainitic transformation in intermediate transformation temperature region is prominent, and the proeutectoid polygonal ferrite transformation at evelated high temperature is suppressed. According to optical and TEM analyses, low carbon bainitic ferrite is characterized by granular and lathlike ferrite, based on the cooling rate and deformation conditions. For nondeformation, groaps of coarse parallel ferrite lath form from the prior austenite grain boundaries with the same crystallographic orientation. For heavy deformaton, cell structure within the austenite grains due to the high dislocation density formed, which provides more nucleation sites for bainite ferrite. So deformation can discontinue the growth of ferrite laths and decrease the length of ferrite laths.

MODELLING FOR PREDICTION OF CONTINUOUS COOLING TRANSFORMATION KINETICS OF HOT-DEFORMED AUSTENITE STEEL

On the thermodynamics basis of regular solution sub-lattice model and soperelement model, kinetics basis of Cahn's transformation kinetics theory, and according to Scheil's additivity rule and eoperimental results obtained by thermal dilation method,a prediction model of transformations from hot-deformed austenite to ferrite, pearlite and bainite in low alloy steels, which could be applied to continuoas cooling process, is developed. The calculated transformed junctions of each phase based on laboratory controlled rolling and controlled cooling conditions in a low alloy steel are in reasonable agreement with the measured ones.

Grain Size Prediction after Continuous Cooling Transformation from Deformed Austenite to Ferrite

On the basis of transformation thermodynamics and kinetics theories,an algorithm for predicting ferrite grain size after continuous cooling transformation from deformed austenite to ferrite is suggested.The calculated results of computer simulation with the algorithm are in so good agreement with the measured ones in controlled rolling and controlled cooling experiments that the theoretical algorithm is feasible.

Modelling of Phase Transformation of Plain Carbon Steels during Continuous Cooling

A model based on Avrami equation and Scheil's additivity rule was proposed to simulate the phase transformation in plain carbon steels during continuous cooling in hot strip mill. In this model, a wide range of composition, cooling rate, primary austenite grain size and retained strain has been taken into account. It can be used to calculate the phase fraction transformed at different temperatures during continuous cooling. The phase equilibrium and transformation starting temperature can be determined by using Thermo-Calc and DICTRA. The simulated results containing the transformation at starting and finishing temperatures, Ae1, Ae3 and the maximum volume fraction for Q235B, were obtained. The calculated phase volume fractions are in good agreement with .the experimental results.

Effect of Mo on the continuous cooling transformation behavior of Nb-Ti micro-alloyed low carbon steel

The effect of molybdenum on the continuous cooling transformation behavior of the micro-alloyed low carbon steel containing niobium and titanium was investigated by a Gleeble 3800 thermo-mechanical simulator. The phase transformation temperature of the steel at various cooling rates was detected. The microstmcture was observed by optical microscope （OM） and scanning electronic microscope （ SEM）, and its Vickers hardness was tested. Based on these, its dynamic continuous cooling transformation （CCT） diagrams were determined. The results show that the transformation temperature from deformed austenite to acicular ferrite （AF） is decreased when Mo is added, and the formation of pro- eutectoid ferrite （F） and pearlite （P） is either inhabited or postponed. Mo can also enlarge the range of the cooling rate in forming AF, and refine the microstructure effectively.

Effect of Continuous Cooling Conditions on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of High Carbon Steel Rod

The effect of cooling rate and austenitizing condition on the mechanical properties of high carbon steel (SWRH82B) has beeninvestigated. Specimens were made of high carbon steel rod and heat-treated by Gleeble-2000 to produce a wide variation in prior austenite size. Different cooling rates were carried out, and then pearlite interlaminar spacing and mechanical properties were measured andtested respectively. According to the results, it could be found that under the continuous cooling with the increase of cooling rate, tensilestrength greatly increases and reduction in area exhibits a slightly increase for an equivalent value of prior austenite grain size. Whenprior austenite size increases, reduction in area decreases, and tensile strength increases slightly for an equivalent value of pearlite interlaminar spacing. It is concluded that prior austenite size primarily controls ductility and pearlite interlaminar spacing controls tensilestrength. Mathematical formulae are given for these relations.

Microstructural Transformation and Precipitation of an Ultra-high Strength Steel under Continuous Cooling

We investigated phase transition and precipitation of ultra-high strength steel（UHSS）in a new ＂short process＂ with controlled rolling and controlled cooling.Thermalexpansion test combined with metallographic observation was used to research the continuous cooling transformation（CCT）curve.Moreover,the microstructuraltransformation and precipitation law was revealed by morphologicalobservation and alloying elements by electron probe micro-analyzer（EPMA）.Transmission electron microscopy（TEM）was utilized to analyze the composition and grain orientation of microstructure.The study showed that the measured criticaltransformation temperatures of Ac1 and Ac3 were 746 and 868 ℃,respectively.The CCT curve indicated that the undercooled austenite was transformed into proeutectoid ferrite and bainite with HV 520 in a broad range of cooling rate 0.1^（-1） ℃·s^（-1）.When subjected to a cooling rate of 1 ℃·s^（-1）,the undercooled austenite was divided into small-sized blocks by formed martensite.With further increase of cooling rate,micro-hardness increased dramatically,the microstructure of specimen was mainly lathe bainite（LB）,granular bainite（GB）,lath martensite（LM）and residualaustenite.By diffraction test analysis,it was identified that there was K-S orientation relationship between martensite and austenite for {110}_α//{111}_γ,{111}_α//{101}_γ.EPMA clearly showed that carbon diffused adequately due to staying for a long time at high temperature with a lower cooling rate of 2 ℃·s-1.Phase transition drive force was lower and the residualaustenite existed in the block form of Martensite austenite island（M-A）.With the increase of cooling rate to 10 ℃·s^（-1）,the block residualaustenite reduced,the carbon content of residualaustenite increased and α phase around the residualaustenite formed into a low carbon bainite form.

Wear behavior of bainite ductile cast iron under impact load

The dry impact wear behavior of bainite ductile cast iron was evaluated under three different impact loads for 30000 cycles. The strain-hardening effects beneath the contact surfaces were analyzed according to the surfaces＇ micro-hardness profiles. Scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and X-ray diffraction （XRD） were used to observe the wom surfaces. The results indicated that the material with the highest hardness was the one continuously cooled at 20℃, which exhibited the lowest wear rate under each set of test conditions. The hardness of the worn surface and the thickness of the hardened layer increased with the increases in impact load and in the number of test cycles. The better wear performance of the sample cooled at 20℃ is attributed to its finer microstructure and superior mechanical properties. All the samples underwent the transformation induced plasticity （TRIP） phenomenon after impact wear, as revealed by the fact that small amounts of retained austenite were detected by XRD.

Mathematical Modelling of Carbonitride Precipitation during Hot Working in Nb Microalloyed Steels

Based on thermodynamics and kinetics, precipitation behavior of microalloyed steels was analyzed. Deformation greatly promotes isothermal carbonitride precipitation and makes C-curve shift leftwards. The position and shape of C-curve also depend on the content of Nb and N. C-curve shifts leftwards a little when N content increases and the nose temperature is raised with increasing Nb content. Deformation shortened precipitation start time during continuous cooling, raised precipitation start temperature, accelerated precipitation kinetics of carbonitrides. With decreasing the finishing temperature and coiling temperature, the precipitates volume fraction increases and strength increment is raised during hot rolling. The simulated results are in agreement with experiment results.

In situ differential scanning calorimetry analysis of dissolution and precipitation kinetics in Mg-Y-RE alloy WE43

Further development of our differential scanning calorimetry(DSC)method for the analysis of solid-solid phase transformations now also allows for its application in the kinetic analysis of age hardening in Mg alloys.As a result,the state-of-the-art for DSC on Mg alloys has been improved with respect to the accessible temperature range,zero-level accuracy and dynamic range.DSC analysis was performed on the example of Mg wrought alloy WE43.Heating DSC experiments on the initial condition T4 and even direct continuous cooling DSC analysis on the kinetics of quench induced precipitation during cooling from solution treatment were possible,covering a dynamic range of 0.01-3 K/s.The DSC findings are discussed with respect to literature knowledge and scanning electron microscopy analysis of the defined heat treatment states.

Computer Model of Phase Transformation From Hot-Deformed Austenite in Niobium Microalloyed Steels

Based on thermodynamics and kinetics, a new mathematical model was developed to calculate the CCT diagrams and the transformation kinetics in low carbon niobium steels, in which the effect of deformation on the degree of supercooling was taken into account. The undercooling caused by deformation is the major reason for the increase of the starting transition temperature during continuous cooling. The critical cooling rate of bainite formation is within 2--5 ℃s for the studied niobium steels and deformation is suitable for the occurrence of pearlite. The ferrite volume fraction increases with the increase of the austenite boundary area, and decreases with the increase of the cooling rate. The calculated CCT diagrams and the volume fraction of each phase are in good agreement with the measurements.

MATHEMATICAL MODELLING OF PHASE TRANSFORMATION FROM HOT-DEFORMED AUSTENITE IN LOW CARBON STEELS

On the basis of superelement model, Cahn’s transformation kinetics theory and Scheil’s additivity rule, the CCT diagrams and transformation kinetics in low carbon steel were predicted considering both undeformed and deformed conditions. The influence of deformation on phase equilibria and transformation incubation period was evaluated quantitatively. The recrystallization kinetics and the evolution of dislocation density were calculated during continuous cooling. The results show deformation considerably shortens transformation incubation period, accelerates transformation kinetics and makes CCT curve shift leftwards. The calculated CCT diagrams and the volume fraction of each phase are in good agreement with measurements.

Self-Learning Algorithm for Coiling Temperature Controlling

A novel model of the evolution of microstructure during continuous cooling with the formation of proeutectoid ferrite in steel was proposed from a Voronoi construction for the austenite grains, based on the Rappaz′s integral nucleation model and the assumption that the ferrite nucleates at the edges of the original austenite grains and the successive growth of the ferrite grain is radial. The model can be used to calculate the fraction of ferrite as a function of time or temperature during continuous cooling, and to determine the microstructure of ferrite. The calculated results are in agreement with experimental results investigated in 0 38C-0 28Si-0 55Mn-0 92Cr-0 20Mo steel under continuous cooling using a Gleeble 1500 thermomechanical simulator.

Phase and CCT Diagram of an N-Containing 8%Cr Roller Steel

The pseudo-equilibrium phase diagram and continuous cooling transformation diagram of an N-containing 8% Cr roller steel were investigated by using thermodynamic calculation,differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, expansion method, and so on. Under equilibrium conditions, the main carbonitrides are MX,M7C3,and M23C6types. The measured Ac1,Ac3,start temperature of martensitic transformation,and M7C3transformation temperatures are 811,855,324,and 1100 ℃,respectively. Bainite appears at cooling rates ranging from 0. 5 to 5 ℃ / s and ferrite forms at grain boundaries at a cooling rate lower than 0. 5 ℃ / s. Finally,the effects of adding N and lowering the C content on workability and mechanical properties of common 8%Cr steel were discussed.

Role of Solute Rare Earth in Altering Phase Transformations during Continuous Cooling of a Low Alloy Cr–Mo–V Steel

Effects of solute rare earth(RE)on continuous cooling transformation of a low-alloy Cr–Mo–V bainitic steel are investigated in detail by dilatometry,optical microscopy(OM),scanning electron microscopy(SEM)and transmission electron microscopy(TEM).Microstructures appeared in thermal dilatometric samples of both low-alloy Cr–Mo–V(RE)steels are composed of quasi-polygonal ferrite(QPF),degenerate pearlite(DP),granular bainite(GB),lath bainite(LB),and martensite(M)depending on cooling rate.When cooling rate is lower than 2°C/s,the addition of RE suppresses QPF transformation,and thereby inducing a broader transformation region of GB.When cooling rate ranges from 2 to 100°C/s,the addition of RE decreases the start temperature of bainitic transformation distinctly,which results in finer bainitic ferrite grain size and higher dislocation density.The addition of RE can enhance the hardness of the low alloy Cr–Mo–V steel by affecting the aforementioned diffusional and/or partly displacive transformation.However,when cooling rate increases up to 150°C/s,two steels have the same hardness value of about 435 HV due to only martensite obtained by displacive transformation.

Phase Transformation under Continuous Cooling Conditions in Medium Carbon Microalloyed Steels

Several 35CrMo4 and 38MnV7 steels with different additions of Ti and V were manufactured by electroslag remelting. The influence of the alloying and microalloying elements on phase transformation at different cooling rates was studied and the continuous cooling transformation diagrams were plotted. In order to optimize the heat treatment and improve the mechanical properties, the range of cooling rates leading to a fully bainitic microstructure （without ferrite, pearlite and especially without martensite） was determined. Bainite and martensite transformation start temperatures （Bs, Ms） were also established and compared with the values predicted by empirical equations. The important role of precipitates （especially V carbonitride particles） on final microstructure and mechanical properties was assessed.

Continuous Cooling Transformation Behavior and Kinetic Models of Transformations for an Ultra-Low Carbon Bainitic Steel

The aim was to investigate transformation behavior and transformation kinetics of an ultra-low carbon bai- nitic steel during continuous cooling. Continuous cooling transformation （CCT） curves of tested steel were measured by thermal dilatometer and metallographic structures at room temperature were observed by optical microscope. Then transformation kinetic equation of austenite to ferrite as well as austenite to bainite was established by analyzing the relationship of lnln]-l/（1--f）] and lnt in the kinetic equation on the basis of processed experimental data. Finally, the measured and calculated kinetic behaviors of the steel during continuous cooling were compared and growth pat- terns of transformed ferrite and bainite were analyzed. Results showed that calculated result was in reasonable agree- ment with the experimental data. It could be concluded that the growth modes of transformed ferrite and bainite were mainly one dimension as the Avrami exponents were between 1 and 2.

Continuous Cooling Bainite Transformation Characteristics of a Low Carbon Microalloyed Steel under the Simulated Welding Thermal Cycle Process

Continuous cooling transformation of a low carbon microalloyed steel was investigated after it was subjected to the simulation welding thermal cycle process and the interrupted cooling test. Microstructure observation was performed by optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. On the basis of the dilatometric data and microstructure observation, the continuous cooling transformation （CCT） diagram was determined, which showed that the main microstructure changes from a mixture of lath martensite and bainitic ferrite to full granular bainite with the increase in the cooling time t8/5 from 10 to 600 s, accompanied with a decrease in the microhardness. The interrupted cooling test confirmed that the bainitic ferrite can form attached to grain boundaries at the beginning of transformation even if the final microstructure contains a mixture of granular bainite and bainitic ferrite.