THEORY OF BAINITIC TRANSFORMATION: A MODEL WITH COUPLED FIRST-ORDER PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS

The Ginzbury-Landau theory for bainitic transformation was devised, which contains two first-order phase transformations, one being reconstructive represented by the diffusional proeutectoidal precipitation of ferrite, and the other the displacive transformation. It provides a coupled mechanism for the formation of bainite. With the numerical simulation results, a diffusion-induced nucleation and a diffusion-accompanied growth of displacive transformation were suggested. This theory can be helpful to over- throw the thermodynamic difficulty of displacive transformation above the Ms temperature, and also helpful to understand the Bs temperature, the partial supersaturation, the single variation of bainitic carbides, and the incomplete-reaction phenomenon of bainitic transformation, etc..

THERMODYNAMICS OF BAINITIC TRANSFORMATION IN Cu-24 at.-% Al ALLOY

Two driving forces △G^((β_1)+α')and △G^(β_1→β_2+α)for the bainitic transformation have been calcu- lated for Cu-24 at.-% Al alloy.Results reveal △G^(β_1→α')>0 within the transformation tem- perature range 600—750 K.Therefore,the bainitic transformation cannot be initiated by the β_1→α' shearing mechanism.On the other hand,the driving force △G^(β_1→β_2+α)to produce 5% of the α becomes negative only when the composition of the α satisfies x_(Al)~α≤0.204 at 700 K or x_(Al)~α=0.209 at 750 K.So the bainitic transformation can only proceed by β_1→β_2+α diffusional reaction with different diffusion amount at different temperatures.

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.

Pre-bainitic Transformation in Fe-Ni Alloy

The behaviour of the pre bainitic transformation in Fe Ni alloy was investigated by using SAM, X ray diffraction and TEM. The results show that there is segregation of Ni atoms in austenite and that bainite forms in depleted regions of Ni atoms.

Relationship between Relaxation Internal Friction Peak at about 200℃(f≈1Hz)and Bainitic Transformation In a CuZnAl Alloy

The present investigation showed that the re- laxation peak at about 200℃ (f≈1Hz) was related to bainitic transformation in a CuZnAl alloy.The peak decreased when bainite precipitated.The activation energy of the peak was the same as the apparent activation energy of bainitic transforma- tion.According to the relations between the peak and the bainitic transformation,the mechanism of the peak has been discussed.

Combined Reconstructive and Displacive Mechanisms Involved in Bainitic Transformation

TEM observation and analysis have been conducted on bainitie transformation with and without the influence of externally applied tensile sress for alloyed steel 35MV7. Recrystallizafion was found to occur within the bainitic structures transformed at 450 ℃ in cases of both with and without the application of external stress, and coupling between the reconstructive and displacive mechanisms is expected, due to the relatively high holding temperature and high dislocation density yielded with the displacive mechanism. RecrystaUization was not observed within the bainitic structures transformed at lower temperature of 350 ℃, both with and without the application of stress; However, for the stressed specimen, the structure with very fine subgrains was found to be preserved and not reconstructed thermically, due to the low temperature and short holding time.

A Crystallography Study of Bainitic Transformation in a Cu-Zn-Al Alloy

The crystallographic nature of initial isothermal phase transformation in Cu-26Zn-4Al (wt-％) was investigated. The kinetic transforma- tion curve, morphology, crystal structure, substructure, orientation relationship and twin relationship of bainite plates have been studied by means of optical and transmission electron microscopy. The experimental results showed that the characteristics of initial 8→bainite transformation are not exactly consistent with that found in martensite transformation, for example, orientation relationship between matrix and bainite does not exist in martensite transformation.

Effect of low-temperature ausforming on bainitic transformation and mechanical properties in ultrahigh-strength bainitic steel

Low-temperature ausforming(LT-AF)prior to bainitic transformation leads to a noticeable acceleration of bainitic transformation kinetics;however,the effect of LT-AF on the retained austenite(RA)features and the resulting mechanical properties is still unclear.LT-AF was applied to ultrahigh-strength bainitic steel before austempering.The deformation behavior and the resulting dislocation substructures were investigated by thermomechanical simulator and transmission electron microscopy(TEM).The planar dislocation structures produced during deformation at 350℃ accelerate the bainitic transformation kinetics during isothermal holding.The effect of LT-AF on the bainitic transformation kinetics and the features of RA was elucidated via dilatometer measurement,TEM,scanning electron microscopy,and X-ray diffraction.It is observed that LT-AF not only retains more RA content but also facilitates improved RA stability.This trend is mainly due to the large amounts of planar dislocations in RA and bainitic laths inherited from undercooled austenite caused by LT-AF,the decrease in bainitic sheaves size,and the increase in filmy RA content compared to the sample without ausforming.A large fraction of filmy RA with high stability and the refinement of bainitic sheaves obtained by LT-AF remarkably enhance the strain hardening capacity and achieve significantly better ductility compared to the directly austempered sample.

Influence of Vanadium Content on Bainitic Transformation of a Low-Carbon Boron Steel During Continuous Cooling

The phase transformation behaviors during continuous cooling of low-carbon boron steels with different vanadium contents were studied by means of dilatometric measurement and microstructure observation. The bainite transformation behavior is not noticeably altered when the vanadium content is 0.042 and 0.086 wt%, and these steels exhibit full bainitic microstructure even at a cooling rate of 5 ℃/s. When vanadium content is increased to 0.18 wt%, ferrite is still present in the microstructure even at a cooling rate of 40 ℃/s. Vickers hardness of the steels with 0.042 and 0.086 wt% V is remarkably higher than that of the steel with 0.18 wt% V at a cooling rate higher than 10 ℃/s, and the difference is increased with the increase in cooling rate. Moreover, the amount of coarse vanadium precipitates formed in austenite is increased with the increase in vanadium content. The optimum content of vanadium to obtain bainitic microstructure is 0.086 wt% in this experimental low-carbon boron steels.

Effect of boron on bainitic transformation kinetics after ausforming in low carbon steels

The addition of boron（B） is frequently adopted to increase the hardenability of bainitic steels. Although it is well known that B can retard the bainitic transformation kinetics, it is still not clear how the B affects the bainitic transformation kinetics after ausforming. By systematic high-resolution dilatometry tests, the present work reveals that the bainitic transformation kinetics is accelerated in a low C steel with B addition after ausforming from all aspects including incubation time, transformation velocity and transformed volume fraction. In contrast, for the same steel without B addition, both transformation velocity and transformed volume fraction are retarded after ausforming. It is proposed that ausforming can reduce B segregation at prior austenite grain boundaries as some boron can interact with dislocations and therefore enhance bainite nucleation rate. Furthermore, auforming can refine the average volume of bainitic sheaf. Based on the competing mechanisms between increase of nucleation rate and refinement of bainitic sheaf, the effects of B and ausforming on the bainitic transformation kinetics are discussed.

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.

Kinetics of austenite growth and bainite transformation during reheating and cooling treatments of high strength microalloyed steel produced by sub-rapid solidification

First,strip cast samples of high strength microalloyed steel with sub-rapid solidification characteristics were prepared by simulated strip casting technique.Next,the isothermal growth of austenite grain during the reheating treatment of strip casts was observed in situ through confocal laser scanning microscope(CLSM).The results indicated that the time exponent of grains growth suddenly rise when the isothermal temperature higher than 1000℃.And the activation energy for austenite grain growth were calculated to be 538.0 kJ/mol in the high temperature region(above 1000℃)and 693.2 kJ/mol in the low temperature region(below 1000℃),respectively.Then,the kinetics model of austenite isothermal growth was established,which can predict the austenite grain size during isothermal hold very well.Besides,high density of second phase particles with small size was found during the isothermal hold at the low temperature region,leading to the refinement of austenite grain.After isothermal hold at different temperature for 1800 s,the bainite transformation in microalloyed steel strip was also observed in situ during the continuous cooling process.And growth rates of bainite plates with different nucleation positions and different prior austenite grain size(PAGS)were calculated.It was indicated that the growth rate of the bainite plate is not only related to the nucleation position but also to the PAGS.

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.

In situ observations of austenite grain growth in Fe-C-Mn-Si super bainitic steel

In situ observations of austenite grain growth in Fe-C-Mn-Si super bainitic steel were conducted on a high-temperature laser scanning confocal microscope during continuous heating and subsequent isothermal holding at 850, 1000, and 1100℃ for 30 min. A grain growth model was proposed based on experimental results. It is indicated that the austenite grain size increases with austenitizing temperature and holding time. When the austenitizing temperature is above 1100℃, the austenite grains grow rapidly, and abnormal austenite grains occur. In addition, the effect of heating rate on austenite grain growth was investigated, and the relation between austenite grains and bainite morphology after bainitic transformations was also discussed.

Effect of silicon and prior deformation of austenite on isothermal transformation in low carbon steels

Isothermal transformation （TTT） behavior of the low carbon steels with two Si contents （0.50 wt pct and 1.35 wt pct） was investigated with and without the prior deformation. The results show that Si and the prior deformation of the austenite have significant effects on the transformation of the ferrite and bainite. The addition of Si refines the ferrite grains, accelerates the polygonal ferrite transformation and the formation of M/A constituents, leading to the improvement of the strength. The ferrite grains formed under the prior deformation of the austenite become more homogeneous and refined. However, the influence of deformation on the tensile strength of both steels is dependent on the isothermal temperatures. Thermodynamic calculation indicates that Si and prior deformation reduce the incubation time of both ferrite and bainite transformation, but the effect is weakened by the decrease of the isothermal temperatures.

EFFECT OF SILICON ADDITION ON RECRYSTALLIZATION AND PHASE TRANSFORMATION BEHAVIOR OF HIGH-STRENGTH HOT-ROLLED TRIP STEEL

Because Si is a noncarbide forming element, a multiphase microstructure consisting of ferrite, bainite, and retained austenite, at room temperature, can be formed by controlling the thermomechanical process strictly. The cooling schedules must be restricted by the formation of pearlite and cementite. In the present article, a new integrated mathematical model for prediction of microstructure evolution during controlled rolling and controlled cooling is developed for a typical kind of low carbon Si-Mn TRIP steel, which consists of temperature simulation, recrystallization, and transformation models. The influence of Si contents has been thoroughly investigated. The calculated results indicate that Si retards recrystallization, restrains austenite grain growth as well as accelerates polygonal ferrite transformation.

A Rationalization of Sympathetic Nucleation-Ledgewise Growth Theory of Bainite Transformation in Fe-C Alloys

Based on the classic diffusion controlled nucleation and goth theory, the sympathatic nucleation- ledgewise growth mechanism of bainite was studied theoretically for low carbon Fe-C alloys. The rationality of the occurrence of sympathetic nucleation on the terraces of ledges compating with lateral ledge growth and other sites nucleation was demonstrated by the present work quantita- tively The calculations indicated that low reaction temperatures and high carbon concentrations may favor the sympathetic nucleation, thus accounting for the formation of multilayer structures of bainite.

INVESTIGATION ON LATER STAGE OF INTERMEDIATE TRANSFORMATION IN Fe-C-Mo ALLOYS

The transformation process and the products of long term isothermal transformation around the kinetic B_s temperature(the bay temperature in TTT diagram)in Fe-C-Mo alloys have been investigated.It was found that,at the final stage of intermediate transformation,a kind of granular structure formed accompanying the growth of bainitic ferrite.In comparison with the carbide Mo_2C in the bainitic ferrite plates or blocks,the carbide m granular eutectoid has been determined to be cementite containing a tiny bit of molvbdenum,(Fe,Mo)_3C.

IN SITU OBSERVATION OF LOWER BAINITIC CARBIDES PRECIPITATION

The lower bainitic carbides precipitation in 40CrMnSiMoV steel previously austempered at 310℃ was observed in situ by employing a high temperature stage of an ultra high voltage TEM(JEM-1000).The typical lower bamitic carbides were found to have precipitated from within the carbide-free bainitic ferrite after tempering for certain period at a temperature higher than that of the isothermal transformation.This revealed that the lower bainitic ferrite is supersaturated with carbon to some extent.The carbide may also precipitate from austenite, but they have no typical morphological features of lower bainitic carbide.

Dynamic Observation of Bainite Transformation in a Fe-C-Mn-Si Superbainite Steel

The dynamic observations of bainitic transformation in a Fe-C-Mn-Si superbainite steel were conducted on a high temperature laser scanning confocal microscope. It is indicated that the mutual intersection of bainite sheaves often occurs during growth of bainite ferrite, resulting in an interlocked bainite microstructure. Moreover, bainite transformation is promoted by higher austenization temperature and the longer and finer bainite platelets are obtained. Further, The average growth rate of bainite after austenization at 1 100 ℃ is calculated as 5.8 μm·s -1. In situ observation investigation makes it possible to identify bainite transformation in real time during isothermal holding.