Flow characteristics and hot workability of a typical low-alloy high-strength steel during multi-pass deformation

Heavy components of low-alloy high-strength(LAHS) steels are generally formed by multi-pass forging. It is necessary to explore the flow characteristics and hot workability of LAHS steels during the multi-pass forging process, which is beneficial to the formulation of actual processing parameters. In the study, the multi-pass hot compression experiments of a typical LAHS steel are carried out at a wide range of deformation temperatures and strain rates. It is found that the work hardening rate of the experimental material depends on deformation parameters and deformation passes, which is ascribed to the impacts of static and dynamic softening behaviors. A new model is established to describe the flow characteristics at various deformation passes. Compared to the classical Arrhenius model and modified Zerilli and Armstrong model, the newly proposed model shows higher prediction accuracy with a confidence level of 0.98565. Furthermore, the connection between power dissipation efficiency(PDE) and deformation parameters is revealed by analyzing the microstructures. The PDE cannot be utilized to reflect the efficiency of energy dissipation for microstructure evolution during the entire deformation process, but only to assess the efficiency of energy dissipation for microstructure evolution in a specific deformation parameter state.As a result, an integrated processing map is proposed to better study the hot workability of the LAHS steel, which considers the effects of instability factor(IF), PDE, and distribution and size of grains. The optimized processing parameters for the multi-pass deformation process are the deformation parameters of 1223–1318 K and 0.01–0.08 s^(-1). Complete dynamic recrystallization occurs within the optimized processing parameters with an average grain size of 18.36–42.3 μm. This study will guide the optimization of the forging process of heavy components.

Operation and Management of Electrical Equipment in Iron and Steel Enterprises

How to ensure the reliable operation of the complex and huge electrical system composed of a large number of electrical equipment in iron and steel enterprises?Combined with working experience,the author introduces four main factors affecting the normal operation of equipment,analyzes five main problems existing in the operation and management of electrical equipment,and puts forward corresponding improvement measures,so as to improve the management level of electrical equipment in iron and steel enterprises.

Optimization for vehicle scheduling in iron and steel works based on semi-trailer swap transport

In order to solve internal logistics problems of iron and steel works,such as low transportation efficiency of vehicles and high transportation cost,the production process and traditional transportation style of iron and steel works were introduced.The internal transport tasks of iron and steel works were grouped based on cluster analysis according to demand time of the transportation.An improved vehicle scheduling model of semi-trailer swap transport among loading nodes and unloading nodes in one task group was set up.The algorithm was designed to solve the vehicle routing problem with simultaneous pick-up and delivery(VRPSPD) problem based on semi-trailer swap transport.A solving program was written by MATLAB software and the method to figure out the optimal path of each grouping was obtained.The dropping and pulling transportation plan of the tractor was designed.And an example of semi-trailer swap transport in iron and steel works was given.The results indicate that semi-trailer swap transport can decrease the numbers of vehicles and drivers by 54.5% and 88.6% respectively compared with decentralized scheduling in iron and steel works,and the total distance traveled reduces by 43.5%.The semi-trailer swap transport can help the iron and steel works develop the production in intension.

Discussion on Abnormal Corrosion and Material Selection of Hot Iron Ladles with Steel Scrap Addition

The abnormal corrosion of hot iron ladles was investigated.The performance,the composition and the structure of bricks for hot iron ladles were analyzed.The results show that(1)compared with the alumina-silicon carbide-carbon bricks for the ladle bottom,those for the ladle wall have more pyrophyllite and the Al2O3 content of 36.32 mass%;their bulk density,apparent porosity and cold compressive strength are lower than the requirement of industry standard;they have poor anti-oxidation performance and are oxidized to form a porous layer during service,which loosens the brick lining structure thus leading to fracture,local wear and structural damage of bricks;(2)without preheating,steel scraps are not completely melted,resulting in slag or steel attachment at the mouth or the bottom of ladles thus increasing damage of ladles;(3)and the residual bricks react with the attached slag to form low melting point phases affecting their hot properties.The refractories for the lining of hot iron ladles must be improved in combination with process changes,not entirely by raw materials replacement to reduce costs.

Conversion Excess Coal Gas to Dimethyl Ether in Steel Works

The centrifugal casting of compound HSS/nodular cast iron roll collar was studied, and the factors affecting transition zone quality were analyzed. The pouring temperature and interval in pouring are the main factors affecting transition zone quality. By controlling process parameter and flux adding during casting, high quality roll collar was obtained. The cause, why in the casting of HSS part, segregation appears easily, was analyzed and the countermeasure eliminating segregation was put forward, the measure eliminating heat treatment crackling was also put forward.

Discussion on Gas Safety Protection Management in Steel Plants

The necessity of establishing gas protection station in iron and steel works is demonstrated,issues of strengthening the management of gas safety protection,studying new technology of gas protection,adapting to the needs of modernization and building large scale and intelligent iron and steel works are discussed.Relevant sug-gestions are also put forward.

基于SolidWorks的胶管钢丝编织机主传动系统分析

通过构建钢丝编织机主传动系统的的虚拟仿真系统,提高胶管钢丝编织机主传动系统的设计效率。基于SolidWorks平台,建立钢丝编织机主传动系统的三维模型,通过Motion进行运动仿真,获取齿轮的转速曲线,并通过Simulation进行有限元分析,得到钢丝编织机的运动特性,从而优化主传动系统。

Prediction and Analysis on Oxidation of H13 Hot Work Steel

The understanding of oxidation behaviors on H13 steel was helpful to improve the service life and performance of hot work moulds and dies. Thermal-Calc Software was performed to calculate the oxidation phases on H13 steel along with different partial oxygen pressures in the interesting temperature range of 500-700 ℃. In this range H13 steel samples were treated respectively in different atmosphere including flowing water vapor （0.2 MPa）, normal pressure air （0.1 MPa） and low pressure air （0. 001 MPa）. The different oxidation films were detected with optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The microstructures and phase constitutions of the films formed in low pressure air were similar to those of the films formed in water vapor, and obviously different to those of the films formed in normal pressure air. The oxidation mechanisms of H13 steel in different atmosphere were also discussed.

Sprayformed Hot Work Steels for Rapid Tooling

The present work compares microstructures of hot work steels made by different processes, that is, by sprayforming,by casting, and a commercially supplied H13 steel. Material benefits are recognized by sprayforming hot working tools such as die inserts for hot forging. The sprayformed hot work steels present a fine and homogeneous microstructure,which implies that, at a similar toughness level, the sprayformed steel can be higher alloyed, so that the thermal fatigue and wear resistance at elevated temperatures can be improved. A series of steels with higher vanadium content than commercial hot work steels are developed. There are no segregation and carbide network problems usually encountered in conventional ingot/forging processed high-vanadium steels. Microstructure and hardness of the new sprayformed steels are studied under different heat treatment conditions. It is justified that these sprayformed steels can be directly used for tooling without high temperature hardening. Sprayforming the tool steels onto a precision ceramic mould is demonstrated to extend the technoeconomical benefits, so that a net shape production tool can be rapidly made.Features of the rapid tooling process are also discussed.

Highlights of Recent Advances in Refractories for Iron and Steel Industry in China

Recently procured outstanding achievements in iron and steel industry in China are presented by data or facts in steel output, energy consumption, technical and economical indicators and advanced technologies that are being adopted. The latest achievements in refractonries for this biggest user industry are reviewed, covering new refractories for CDQ coke oven, BF hearth, AOD Lining, long life tundish, SEN for clean steel making and regenerative reheating furnace . The reciprocal relationship is obvious that the rapid development of iron and steel industry has given an impetus to the advance of refractories industry, which in return has contributed greatly to the former.

Some Aspects in the Development of High Performance Refractories for Iron and Steel Making in China

In the past 25 years in China, to meet with the rapid increase in steel production accompanied by adoption of advanced metallurgical technologies, there has been fast development of China＇ s refractories industry in production capacity, in quality improvement and in development of new products. Sophisticated high performance refractory materials mainly based on our rich reserves of magncsite, bauxite and flake graphite have been developed, such as carbon-bonded products, high purity oxide products, bauxite-based low creep and high strength high alumina bricks and LC, ULC and ZC castables. They have been used in blast furnaces, BOFs, EAFs, secondary refining and continuous casting with considerable improvement in service pecformance.

Centrifugal Casting of High Speed Steel/Nodular Cast Iron Compound Roll Collar

The centrifugal casting of compound HSS/nodular cast iron roll collar was studied,and the factors affecting transition zone quality were analyzed.The pouring temperature and interval in pouring are the main factors affecting transition zone quality.By controlling process parameter and flux adding during casting,high quality roll collar was obtained.The cause,why in the casting of HSS part,segregation appears easily,was analyzed and the countermeasure eliminating segregation was put forward,the measure eliminating heat treatment crackling was also put forward.

Effect of Rare Earth Composite Modification on Microstructure and Properties of a New Cast Hot-Work Die Steel

The effects of RE modification on structure and the properties of a new cast hot work die (CHD) steel were investigated. The grains of the CHD steel are refined by RE modification. With the increase of RE addition, both grain size and inclusion amount are reduced. Appropriate amount of RE results in decrease in inclusion amount and formation of spheroidal inclusions uniformly-distributed in steel, so that the morphology and distribution of inclusions are improved. RE composite modification favors the formation of bainite, austenite and fine lath martensite with dense dislocation. When the residual RE content reaches 0.02%, no obvious changes in strength and hardness are found, while fracture toughness and threshold of fatigue crack growth are increased. The impact toughness, elongation and reduction of cross sectional area are increased by a factor of two, and thermal fatigue resistance is also improved.

Calculation and Analysis of Valence Electron Structure of Mo_2C and V_4C_3 in Hot Working Die Steel

Taking the hot working die steel （HWDS） 4Cr3Mo2NbVNi as an example, the phase electron structures （PES） and the biphase interface electron structures （BIES） of Mo2C and V4 C3 , which are two kinds of important carbides precipitated during tempering in steel were calculated, on the basis of the empirical electron theory of solids and molecules and the improved TFD theory. The influence of Mo2 C and V4 C3 on the mechanical properties of HWDS has been analyzed at electron structure level, and the fundamental reason that the characteristic of the PES and the BIES of carbides decides the behavior of them has been revealed.

Fabrication of plain carbon steel/high chromium white cast iron bimetal by a liquid–solid composite casting process

High-chromium white cast iron （HCWCI） is one of the most widely used engineering materials in the mining and cement industries. However, in some components, such as the pulverizer plates of ash mills, the poor machinability of HCWCI creates difficulties. The bimetal casting technique is a suitable method for improving the machinability of HCWCI by joining an easily machined layer of plain carbon steel （PCS） to its hard part. In this study, the possibility of PCS/HCWCI bimetal casting was investigated using sand casting. The investigation was conducted by optical and electron microscopy and non-destructive, impact toughness, and tensile tests. The hardness and chemical composition profiles on both sides of the interface were plotted in this study. The results indicated that a conventional and low-cost casting technique could be a reliable method for producing PCSYdCWCI bimetal. The interfacial microstructure comprised two distinct lay- ers： a very fine, partially spheroidized pearlite layer and a coarse full pearlite layer. Moreover, characterization of the microstructure revealed that the interface was free of defects.

Work Hardening Behavior of 1020 Steel During Cold-Beating Simulation

The present research of cold-beating formation mainly focused on roller design and manufacture, kinematics, constitutive relation, metal flow law, thermo-mechanical coupling, surface micro-topography and microstructure evolution. However, the research on surface quality and performance of workpieces in the process of cold-beating is rare. Cold-beating simulation experiment of 1020 steel is conducted at room temperature and strain rates ranging from 2000 to 4000 s^-1 base on the law of plastic forming. According to the experimental data, the model of strain hardening of 1020 steel is established, Scanning Electron Microscopy（SEM） is conducted, the mechanism of the work hardening of 1020 steel is clarified by analyzing microstructure variation of 1020 steel. It is found that the strain rate hardening effect of 1020 steel is stronger than the softening effect induced by increasing temperatures, the process of simulation cold-beating cause the grain shape of 1020 steel significant change and microstructure elongate significantly to form a fibrous tis- sue parallel to the direction of deformation, the higher strain rate, the more obvious grain refinement and the more hardening effect. Additionally, the change law of the work hardening rate is investigated, the relationship between dislocation density and strain, the relationship between work hardening rate and dislocation density is obtained. Results show that the change trend of the work hardening rate of 1020 steel is divided into two stages, the work hardening rate decreases dramatically in the first stage and slowly decreases in the second stage, finally tending toward zero. Dislocation density increases with increasing strain and strain rate, work hardening rate decreases with increasing dislocation density. The research results provide the basis for solving the problem of improving the surface quality and performance of workpieces under cold-beating formation of 1020 steel.

RESEARCH ON THE APPLICATION OF RARE EARTHS IN IRON AND STEEL IN RECENT YEARS

China has the biggest rare earths resource in the world,no wonder she pays much at-tention to the application of rare earth metals (REM).The application of REM in iron andsteel in China began at the end of 1950’s.The production of REM-treated iron and steelhad been made steady progress in the period of 1980’s.The production of REM-treatediron and steel in 1989 was 1.4 million tons and 250,000 tons respectively.The interest oftreating steel with REM in China keeps growing even in these years,It comes from the nat-

Electrolytic surface hardening of steel, cast iron and aluminium-bronze

Electrolytic hardening process was developed in USSR in the 1950s. The process was developed but was not commercially exploited. There is no evidence of work done on this process in India. The author has done this original work applied to different materials like steel, cast iron and aluminum-bronze. This paper gives details of microstructural transformations along with hardness value achieved. There is vital scope for this process to become viable for surface hardening and selective hardening of small components.

Effects of sphere size on the microstructure and mechanical properties of ductile iron–steel hollow sphere syntactic foams

The effects of sphere size on the microstructural and mechanical properties of ductile iron–steel hollow sphere（DI–SHS） syntactic foams were investigated in this study. The SHSs were manufactured by fluidized-bed coating via the Fe-based commercial powder–binder suspension onto expanded polystyrene spheres（EPSs）. Afterwards, the DI–SHS syntactic foams were produced via a sand-mold casting process. The microstructures of specimens were investigated by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy（SEM）, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy（EDS）. The microscopic evaluations of specimens reveal distinct regions composed of the DI matrix, SHS shells, and compatible interface. As a result, the microstructures and graphite morphologies of the DI matrix depend on sphere size. When the sphere size decreases, the area fractions of cementite and graphite phases are observed to increase and decrease, respectively. Compression tests were subsequently conducted at ambient temperature on the DI–SHS syntactic foams. The results reveal that the compression behavior of the syntactic foams is enhanced with increasing sphere size. Furthermore, the compressed specimens demonstrate that microcracks start and grow from the interface region.

Repair Effect of Hot Work Tool Steel by Laser-Melting Process

Both wear and crack due to heat checking in hot work tool steel are major failure modes. It is desirable to find amethod to lengthen the tool life while reducing manufacturing cost. This paper suggests a method to improve toollife for hot work tool steel (SKD6) with crack by laser-melting process. The method has been evaluated using theimpact and fatigue test results. It is demonstrated that a repair of the crack by a laser-melting process is effectivefor life extension of the damaged tool.