Identification and range quantification of steel transformation products by transformation kinetics

• Published in: Metallurgical and materials transactions. A, Physical metallurgy and materials science Physical metallurgy and materials science, 1997, Vol.28 (1), p.5-14
• Main Authors: FANG, L, WOOD, W. E, ATTERIDGE, D. G
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Constant-composition solid-solid phase transformations: polymorphic, massive, and order-disorder; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Materials science; Metals. Metallurgy; Phase diagrams and microstructures developed by solidification and solid-solid phase transformations; Physics
• ISSN: 1073-5623; 1543-1940
• DOI: 10.1007/s11661-997-0078-6

This study applied the generalized kinetic reaction rate equation to isothermal transformation kinetic data of a high-carbon low-alloy steel and a plain-carbon steel. As a result, a relationship between the curve shape constant n and transformation temperature emerged. Detailed analysis of this relationship yielded a correlation between austenite decomposition mode and transformation temperature. Using this correlation, it is possible to determine pearlite, upper bainite, and lower bainite transformation temperature ranges and to find the transition temperature region between any two reactions. This development led to a new microstructural characterization technique which identified transformation product through transformation kinetics with minimal metallographic analysis.