Simplified Thermodynamic Model for Pro-Eutectoid Ferrite Formation in Multicomponent Structural Steel

By introducing aparameter of difference in ferrite formation temperature between binary Fe-C and multicomponent system,and referring to the thermodynamic model for Fe-C binary system,a simplified thermodynamic model for pro-eutectoid ferrite formation in Fe-ΣXiC multicomponent structural steels(Xi=Mn,Si,Mo,Cr,Ni or Ti,etc)was suggested.The comparison of the calculated Ae3 temperatures with the measured data of steels 42 shows that the relative standard deviation and root-mean-square(RMS)error between them are only 0.71% and 8.92 K,respectively.However,the deviations between the same measured data and the values calculated from the superelement model are as high as 1.86% and 23.83 K,respectively.It can be concluded that the simplified thermodynamic model for pro-eutectoid ferrite formation in multicomponent structural steels is acceptable and the calculated Ae3 temperatures are in good agreement with the experimental data.

New pearlitic steels for 21st century rail applications

To improve competitiveness,the nation's railroads have increased the axle loads and speed of the trains.This has led to a rapid decrease in the life expectancy of premium rails through accelerated wear,rolling contact fatigue and fracture.To counter this effect,the railroads need rails that exhibit better performance in these areas.A research program has been initiated to study the microstructural aspects of near-eutectoid steels that would improve these properties.The first phase of the work was to carefully characterize the existing commercial rail steels in terms of pearlite interlamellar spacing,steel cleanliness and the presence of pro-eutectoid cementite on prior-austenite boundaries.These characterizations were then correlated with both mechanical properties and overall rail performance.The second phase of the program was to develop a better microstructure through control of composition,thermomechanical processing and cooling path.This was achieved through the use of laboratory-melted heats of experimental near-eutectoid compositions and a computer controlled MTS compression machine modified for axisymmetric compression testing and subsequent controlled cooling.The optimum processing route for these new steels has been determined,and pilot-scale heats have been melted,hot rolled and cooled using the information gained from the MTS investigations.The mechanical properties of these new steels have been determined and the rail performance tests are being conducted using laboratory-scale evaluation.Ultimately,these new rail steels will be tested under commercial conditions on the TTCI test track in Pueblo,Colorado.This paper will report on the alloy and processing design and resulting properties of the steels developed in this research program.Guidelines for future rail compositions and processing to obtain improved properties and performance will be presented.