Microstructure and mechanical properties of quenched and tempered 300M steel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Youngblood, J. L.; Raghavan, M.

1978-01-01

Type 300M steel, which is being used for the landing gear on the space shuttle orbiter, was subjected to a wide range of quenched and tempered heat treatments. The plane-strain fracture toughness and the tensile ultimate and yield strengths were evaluated. Cryogenic mechanical properties were obtained for conventionally heat-treated steel. The microstructure of all heat-treated test coupons was studied both optically and by transmission electron microscopy. Fracture surfaces were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy. Results indicate that substantial improvement in toughness with no loss in strength can be accomplished in quenched and tempered steel by austenitizing at 1255 K or higher. Low fracture toughness in conventionally austenitized 300M steel (1144 K) appears to be caused by undissolved precipitates, seen both in the submicrostructure and on the fracture surface, which promote failure by quasi-cleavage. The precipitates appeared to dissolve in the range 1200 to 1255 K.

Investigation on Simultaneous Effects of Shot Peen and Austenitizing Time and Temperature on Grain Size and Microstructure of Austenitic Manganese Steel (Hadfield)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beheshti, M.; Zabihiazadboni, M.; Ismail, M. C.; Kakooei, S.; Shahrestani, S.

2018-03-01

Optimal conditions to increase life time of casting parts have been investigated by applying various cycles of heat treatment and shot peening on Hadfield steel surface. Metallographic and SEM microstructure examinations were used to determine the effects of shot peen, austenitizing time and temperature simultaneously. The results showed that with increasing austenitizing time and temperature of casting sample, carbides resolved in austenite phase and by further increase of austenitizing temperature and time, the austenite grain size becomes larger. Metallographic images illustrated that shot peening on Hadfield steel surface; Austenite - Martensite transformation has not occurred, but its matrix hardened through twining formation process.

Analysis of surface integrity in machining of AISI 304 stainless steel under various cooling and cutting conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klocke, F.; Döbbeler, B.; Lung, S.; Seelbach, T.; Jawahir, I. S.

2018-05-01

Recent studies have shown that machining under specific cooling and cutting conditions can be used to induce a nanocrystalline surface layer in the workspiece. This layer has beneficial properties, such as improved fatigue strength, wear resistance and tribological behavior. In machining, a promising approach for achieving grain refinement in the surface layer is the application of cryogenic cooling. The aim is to use the last step of the machining operation to induce the desired surface quality to save time-consuming and expensive post machining surface treatments. The material used in this study was AISI 304 stainless steel. This austenitic steel suffers from low yield strength that limits its technological applications. In this paper, liquid nitrogen (LN2) as cryogenic coolant, as well as minimum quantity lubrication (MQL), was applied and investigated. As a reference, conventional flood cooling was examined. Besides the cooling conditions, the feed rate was varied in four steps. A large rounded cutting edge radius and finishing cutting parameters were chosen to increase the mechanical load on the machined surface. The surface integrity was evaluated at both, the microstructural and the topographical levels. After turning experiments, a detailed analysis of the microstructure was carried out including the imaging of the surface layer and hardness measurements at varying depths within the machined layer. Along with microstructural investigations, different topological aspects, e.g., the surface roughness, were analyzed. It was shown that the resulting microstructure strongly depends on the cooling condition. This study also shows that it was possible to increase the micro hardness in the top surface layer significantly.

Work Hardening Behavior of 1020 Steel During Cold-Beating Simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

CUI, Fengkui; LING, Yuanfei; XUE, Jinxue; LIU, Jia; LIU, Yuhui; LI, Yan

2017-03-01

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 tissue 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.

Microstructure and properties of 17-4PH steel plasma nitrocarburized with a carrier gas containing rare earth elements

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, R.L., E-mail: ruiliangliu@126.com; Yan, M.F., E-mail: yanmufu@hit.edu.cn; Wu, Y.Q.

2010-01-15

The effect of rare earth addition in the carrier gas on plasma nitrocarburizing of 17-4PH steel was studied. The microstructure and crystallographically of the phases in the surface layer as well as surface morphology of the nitrocarburized specimens were characterized by optical microscope, X-ray diffraction and scanning tunneling microscope, respectively. The hardness of the surface layer was measured by using a Vickers hardness test. The results show that the incorporation of rare earth elements in the carrier gas can increase the nitrocarburized layer thickness up to 55%, change the phase proportion in the nitrocarburized layer, refine the nitrides in surfacemore » layer, and increase the layer hardness above 100HV. The higher surface hardening effect after rare earth addition is caused by improvement in microstructure and change in the phase proportion of the nitrocarburized layer.« less

Effect of microstructure on the susceptibility of a 533 steel to temper embrittlement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raoul, S.; Marini, B.; Pineau, A.

1998-11-01

In ferritic steels, brittle fracture usually occurs at low temperature by cleavage. However the segregation of impurities (P, As, Sn etc...) along prior γ grain boundaries can change the brittle fracture mode from transgranular to intergranular. In quenched and tempered steels, this segregation is associated with what is called the temper-embrittlement phenomenon. The main objective of the present study is to investigate the influence of the as-quenched microstructure (lower bainite or martensite) on the susceptibility of a low alloy steel (A533 cl.1) to temper-embrittlement. Dilatometric tests were performed to determine the continous-cooling-transformation (CCT) diagram of the material and to measure the critical cooling rate ( Vc) for a martensitic quench. Then subsized Charpy V-notched specimens were given various cooling rates from the austenitization temperature to obtain a wide range of as-quenched microstructures, including martensite and bainite. These specimens were subsequently given a heat treatment to develop temper embrittlement and tested to measure the V-notch fracture toughness at -50°C. The fracture surfaces were examined by SEM. It is shown that martensitic microstructures are more susceptible to intergranular embrittlement than bainitic microstructures. These observed microstructural influences are briefly discussed.

Microstructure in Worn Surface of Hadfield Steel Crossing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, F. C.; Lv, B.; Wang, T. S.; Zheng, C. L.; Li, M.; Zhang, M.

In this paper a failed Hadfield (high manganese austenite) steel crossing used in railway system was studied. The microstructure in the worn surfaces of the crossing was investigated using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The results indicated that a nanocrystallization layer formed on the surface of the crossing served. The formation mechanism of the nanocrystalline is the discontinuous dynamic recrystallization. The energy for the recrystallization nucleus formation originates from the interactions between the twins, the dislocations, as well as twin and dislocation. High-density vacancies promoted the recrystallization process including the dislocation climb and the atom diffusion.

Formation of microstructural features in hot-dip aluminized AISI 321 stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huilgol, Prashant; Rajendra Udupa, K.; Udaya Bhat, K.

2018-02-01

Hot-dip aluminizing (HDA) is a proven surface coating technique for improving the oxidation and corrosion resistance of ferrous substrates. Although extensive studies on the HDA of plain carbon steels have been reported, studies on the HDA of stainless steels are limited. Because of the technological importance of stainless steels in high-temperature applications, studies of their microstructural development during HDA are needed. In the present investigation, the HDA of AISI 321 stainless steel was carried out in a pure Al bath. The microstructural features of the coating were studied using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. These studies revealed that the coating consists of two regions: an Al top coat and an aluminide layer at the interface between the steel and Al. The Al top coat was found to consist of intermetallic phases such as Al7Cr and Al3Fe dispersed in an Al matrix. Twinning was observed in both the Al7Cr and the Al3Fe phases. Furthermore, the aluminide layer comprised a mixture of nanocrystalline Fe2Al5, Al7Cr, and Al. Details of the microstructural features are presented, and their formation mechanisms are discussed.

Impact of Martensite Spatial Distribution on Quasi-Static and Dynamic Deformation Behavior of Dual-Phase Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Manpreet; Das, Anindya; Venugopalan, T.; Mukherjee, Krishnendu; Walunj, Mahesh; Nanda, Tarun; Kumar, B. Ravi

2017-12-01

The effects of microstructure parameters of dual-phase steels on tensile high strain dynamic deformation characteristic were examined in this study. Cold-rolled steel sheets were annealed using three different annealing process parameters to obtain three different dual-phase microstructures of varied ferrite and martensite phase fraction. The volume fraction of martensite obtained in two of the steels was near identical ( 19 pct) with a subtle difference in its spatial distribution. In the first microstructure variant, martensite was mostly found to be situated at ferrite grain boundaries and in the second variant, in addition to at grain boundaries, in-grain martensite was also observed. The third microstructure was very different from the above two with respect to martensite volume fraction ( 67 pct) and its morphology. In this case, martensite packets were surrounded by a three-dimensional ferrite network giving an appearance of core and shell type microstructure. All the three steels were tensile deformed at strain rates ranging from 2.7 × 10-4 (quasi-static) to 650 s-1 (dynamic range). Field-emission scanning electron microscope was used to characterize the starting as well as post-tensile deformed microstructures. Dual-phase steel consisting of small martensite volume fraction ( 19 pct), irrespective of its spatial distribution, demonstrated high strain rate sensitivity and on the other hand, steel with large martensite volume fraction ( 67 pct) displayed a very little strain rate sensitivity. Interestingly, total elongation was found to increase with increasing strain rate in the dynamic regime for steel with core-shell type of microstructure containing large martensite volume fraction. The observed enhancement in plasticity in dynamic regime was attributed to adiabatic heating of specimen. To understand the evolving damage mechanism, the fracture surface and the vicinity of fracture ends were studied in all the three dual-phase steels.

Impact of Martensite Spatial Distribution on Quasi-Static and Dynamic Deformation Behavior of Dual-Phase Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Manpreet; Das, Anindya; Venugopalan, T.; Mukherjee, Krishnendu; Walunj, Mahesh; Nanda, Tarun; Kumar, B. Ravi

2018-02-01

The effects of microstructure parameters of dual-phase steels on tensile high strain dynamic deformation characteristic were examined in this study. Cold-rolled steel sheets were annealed using three different annealing process parameters to obtain three different dual-phase microstructures of varied ferrite and martensite phase fraction. The volume fraction of martensite obtained in two of the steels was near identical ( 19 pct) with a subtle difference in its spatial distribution. In the first microstructure variant, martensite was mostly found to be situated at ferrite grain boundaries and in the second variant, in addition to at grain boundaries, in-grain martensite was also observed. The third microstructure was very different from the above two with respect to martensite volume fraction ( 67 pct) and its morphology. In this case, martensite packets were surrounded by a three-dimensional ferrite network giving an appearance of core and shell type microstructure. All the three steels were tensile deformed at strain rates ranging from 2.7 × 10-4 (quasi-static) to 650 s-1 (dynamic range). Field-emission scanning electron microscope was used to characterize the starting as well as post-tensile deformed microstructures. Dual-phase steel consisting of small martensite volume fraction ( 19 pct), irrespective of its spatial distribution, demonstrated high strain rate sensitivity and on the other hand, steel with large martensite volume fraction ( 67 pct) displayed a very little strain rate sensitivity. Interestingly, total elongation was found to increase with increasing strain rate in the dynamic regime for steel with core-shell type of microstructure containing large martensite volume fraction. The observed enhancement in plasticity in dynamic regime was attributed to adiabatic heating of specimen. To understand the evolving damage mechanism, the fracture surface and the vicinity of fracture ends were studied in all the three dual-phase steels.

Corrosion-induced microstructural developments in 316 stainless steel during exposure to molten Li2BeF4(FLiBe) salt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Guiqiu; He, Lingfeng; Carpenter, David; Sridharan, Kumar

2016-12-01

The microstructural developments in the near-surface regions of AISI 316 stainless steel during exposure to molten Li2BeF4 (FLiBe) salt have been investigated with the goal of using this material for the construction of the fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactor (FHR), a leading nuclear reactor concept for the next generation nuclear plants (NGNP). Tests were conducted in molten FLiBe salt (melting point: 459 °C) at 700 °C in graphite crucibles and 316 stainless steel crucibles for exposure duration of up to 3000 h. Corrosion-induced microstructural changes in the near-surface regions of the samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in conjunction with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) with EDS capabilities. Intergranular corrosion attack in the near-surface regions was observed with associated Cr depletion along the grain boundaries. High-angle grain boundaries (15-180°) were particularly prone to intergranular attack and Cr depletion. The depth of attack extended to the depths of 22 μm after 3000-h exposure for the samples tested in graphite crucible, while similar exposure in 316 stainless steel crucible led to the attack depths of only about 11 μm. Testing in graphite crucibles led to the formation of nanometer-scale Mo2C, Cr7C3 and Al4C3 particle phases in the near-surface regions of the material. The copious depletion of Cr in the near-surface regions induced a γ-martensite to α-ferrite phase (FeNix) transformation. Based on the microstructural analysis, a thermal diffusion controlled corrosion model was developed and experimentally validated for predicting long-term corrosion attack depth.

Effects of microstructural variation on Charpy impact properties in heavy-section Mn-Mo-Ni low alloy steel for reactor pressure vessel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Seokmin; Song, Jaemin; Kim, Min-Chul; Choi, Kwon-Jae; Lee, Bong-Sang

2016-03-01

The effects of microstructural changes in heavy-section Mn-Mo-Ni low alloy steel on Charpy impact properties were investigated using a 210 mm thick reactor pressure vessel. Specimens were sampled from 5 different positions at intervals of 1/4 thickness from the inner surface to the outer surface. A detailed microstructural analysis of impact-fractured specimens showed that coarse carbides along the lath boundaries acted as fracture initiation sites, and cleavage cracks deviated at prior-austenite grain boundaries and bainite lath boundaries. Upper shelf energy was higher and energy transition temperature was lower at the surface positon, where fine bainitic microstructure with homogeneously distributed fine carbides were present. Toward the center, coarse upper bainite and precipitation of coarse inter-lath carbides were observed, which deteriorated impact properties. At the 1/4T position, the Charpy impact properties were worse than those at other positions owing to the combination of elongated-coarse inter-lath carbides and large effective grain size.

Surface Modification by Friction Stir Processing of Low-Carbon Steel: Microstructure Investigation and Wear Performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sattari, Behnoosh; Shamanian, Morteza; Salimijazi, Farshid; Salehi, Mehdi

2018-02-01

A low-carbon steel sheet with a thickness of 5 mm was subjected to friction stir processing (FSP) by one to four different passes. The microstructures of different regions were characterized using the optical microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction. The Vickers micro-harness was measured at the distance of 200 μm below the processed surfaces. The influence of pass numbers (PNs) on wear resistance was studied in terms of coefficients of friction (CoFs), weight losses and wear rates. SEM topographies of the worn surfaces were also studied to evaluate the wear mechanisms. Microstructure observations showed that Widmänstatten ferrite plates were formed in stir zones (SZs) and heat affected zones. As PN increased, these grains were widened due to the increment of the carbon diffusivity and lengthened because of the high heat input and microstructure anisotropy. Besides, increasing the PN causes increasing of the hardness and wear resistance, simultaneously. Specifically, the wear rate in the SZ was reduced from 2.8 × 10-2 mm3 m-1 in base metal to 0.3 × 10-2 mm3 m-1 in sample which was subjected to 4 FSP passes. However, variation in PN had no considerable effect on CoFs. Oxidative wear mechanism was observed on the worn surface of the steel and the FSPed samples while more debris was formed by increasing the PNs.

Key Factors Influencing the Energy Absorption of Dual-Phase Steels: Multiscale Material Model Approach and Microstructural Optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belgasam, Tarek M.; Zbib, Hussein M.

2018-06-01

The increase in use of dual-phase (DP) steel grades by vehicle manufacturers to enhance crash resistance and reduce body car weight requires the development of a clear understanding of the effect of various microstructural parameters on the energy absorption in these materials. Accordingly, DP steelmakers are interested in predicting the effect of various microscopic factors as well as optimizing microstructural properties for application in crash-relevant components of vehicle bodies. This study presents a microstructure-based approach using a multiscale material and structure model. In this approach, Digimat and LS-DYNA software were coupled and employed to provide a full micro-macro multiscale material model, which is then used to simulate tensile tests. Microstructures with varied ferrite grain sizes, martensite volume fractions, and carbon content in DP steels were studied. The impact of these microstructural features at different strain rates on energy absorption characteristics of DP steels is investigated numerically using an elasto-viscoplastic constitutive model. The model is implemented in a multiscale finite-element framework. A comprehensive statistical parametric study using response surface methodology is performed to determine the optimum microstructural features for a required tensile toughness at different strain rates. The simulation results are validated using experimental data found in the literature. The developed methodology proved to be effective for investigating the influence and interaction of key microscopic properties on the energy absorption characteristics of DP steels. Furthermore, it is shown that this method can be used to identify optimum microstructural conditions at different strain-rate conditions.

Key Factors Influencing the Energy Absorption of Dual-Phase Steels: Multiscale Material Model Approach and Microstructural Optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belgasam, Tarek M.; Zbib, Hussein M.

2018-03-01

The increase in use of dual-phase (DP) steel grades by vehicle manufacturers to enhance crash resistance and reduce body car weight requires the development of a clear understanding of the effect of various microstructural parameters on the energy absorption in these materials. Accordingly, DP steelmakers are interested in predicting the effect of various microscopic factors as well as optimizing microstructural properties for application in crash-relevant components of vehicle bodies. This study presents a microstructure-based approach using a multiscale material and structure model. In this approach, Digimat and LS-DYNA software were coupled and employed to provide a full micro-macro multiscale material model, which is then used to simulate tensile tests. Microstructures with varied ferrite grain sizes, martensite volume fractions, and carbon content in DP steels were studied. The impact of these microstructural features at different strain rates on energy absorption characteristics of DP steels is investigated numerically using an elasto-viscoplastic constitutive model. The model is implemented in a multiscale finite-element framework. A comprehensive statistical parametric study using response surface methodology is performed to determine the optimum microstructural features for a required tensile toughness at different strain rates. The simulation results are validated using experimental data found in the literature. The developed methodology proved to be effective for investigating the influence and interaction of key microscopic properties on the energy absorption characteristics of DP steels. Furthermore, it is shown that this method can be used to identify optimum microstructural conditions at different strain-rate conditions.

Effect of Alloying Elements on Tensile Properties, Microstructure, and Corrosion Resistance of Reinforcing Bar Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panigrahi, B. K.; Srikanth, S.; Sahoo, G.

2009-11-01

The effect of copper, phosphorus, and chromium present in a semikilled reinforcing bar steel produced by in-line quenching [thermomechanical treatment (TMT)] process on the tensile properties, microstructure, and corrosion resistance of steel in simulated chloride environment has been investigated. The results have been compared with that of a semikilled C-Mn reinforcing bar steel without these alloying elements produced by the same process route. Though the amount of phosphorus (0.11 wt.%) was higher than that specified by ASTM A 706 standard, the Cu-P-Cr steel exhibited a composite microstructure, and good balance of yield stress, tensile stress, elongation, and ultimate tensile to yield stress ratio. Two conventional test methods, namely, the salt fog, and potentiodynamic polarization tests, were used for the corrosion test. The rust formed on Cu-P-Cr steel was adherent, and was of multiple colors, while the corrosion products formed on the C-Mn steel were weakly adherent and relatively darker blue. Also, the free corrosion potential of the Cu-P-Cr steel was nobler, and the corrosion current was markedly lower than that of a C-Mn rebar. The Cu-P-Cr steel did not develop any pits/deep grooves on its surface even after the prolonged exposure to salt fog. The improved corrosion resistance of the Cu-P-Cr steel has been attributed to the presence of copper, phosphorus, and small amount of chromium in the dense, adherent rust layer on the surface of reinforcing steel bar. A schematic mechanism of charge transfer has been proposed to explain the improved corrosion resistance of the Cu-P-Cr alloyed TMT rebar.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Fe-18Mn-18Cr-0.5N Austenitic Nonmagnetic Stainless Steel in Asymmetric Hot Rolling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Y. L.; Li, C. S.; Ma, B.; Han, Y. H.

2017-05-01

Asymmetric hot rolling (ASHR) with a mismatch speed ratio of 1.15 in a single pass was applied to Fe-18Mn-18Cr-0.5N steel and was compared with symmetric hot rolling (SHR). The results indicated that a through-thickness microstructure gradient was formed in the plate due to the shear strain (0.36) introduced by ASHR. A fine-grained layer with the average size of 3 μm was achieved at the top surface of ASHR plate, while numerous elongated grains with a few recrystallized grains were presented at the center layer. The texture was distributed randomly at the top surface of ASHR plate, and a weaker intensity of typical hot-rolled texture in austenitic steel was obtained at the center layer of ASHR plate compared to SHR plate. An excellent combination of microhardness, strength and ductility was obtained in the ASHR plate, which was attributed to gradient microstructure induced by ASHR.

Improved wear resistance by phase transformation of surface nanocrystalline 1090 steel prepared by sandblasting technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Rong; Fu, Licai; Zhou, Lingping

2016-12-01

A surface nanocrystalline 1090 steel has been fabricated by using sandblasting technique. The surface average grain size was about 78 nm. The high strain rate and strain in sandblasting were main reasons for surface nanocrystallization. The wear resistance of 1090 steel was considerably enhanced as grain size decreased. The microstructure and hardness of contact zones before and after wear tests have been examined by XRD, SEM and TEM. Except the higher hardness, the results demonstrated that parts of ferrite transferred to cementite and martensite. It was additional beneficial for improving the wear resistance of 1090 steel as the grain size decreased.

Surface modification of hydroturbine steel using friction stir processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grewal, H. S.; Arora, H. S.; Singh, H.; Agrawal, A.

2013-03-01

Friction stir processing (FSP) has proved to be a viable tool for enhancing the mechanical properties of materials, however, the major focus has been upon improving the bulk properties of light metals and their alloys. Hydroturbines are susceptible to damage owing to slurry and cavitation erosion. In this study, FSP of a commonly employed hydroturbine steel, 13Cr4Ni was undertaken. Microstructural characterization of the processed steel was conducted using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron back scatter diffraction (EBSD) techniques. Mechanical characterization of the steel was undertaken in terms of microhardness and resistance to cavitation erosion (CE). FSP resulted in the refinement of the microstructure with reduction in grain size by a factor of 10. EBSD results confirmed the existence of submicron and ultrafine grained microstructure. The microhardness of the steel was found to enhance by 2.6 times after processing. The processed steel also showed 2.4 times higher resistance against cavitation erosion in comparison to unprocessed steel. The primary erosion mechanism for both the steels was identical in nature, with plastic deformation responsible for the loss of material.

Gradient microstructure and microhardness in a nitrided 18CrNiMo7-6 gear steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, R.; Wu, G. L.; Zhang, X.; Fu, W. T.; Huang, X.

2017-07-01

A commercial gear steel (18CrNiMo7-6) containing a tempered martensite structure was nitrided using a pressurized gas nitriding process under a pressure of 5 atm at 530 °C for 5 hours. The mechanical properties and microstructure of the nitrided sample were characterized by Vickers hardness measurements, X-ray diffraction, and backscatter electron imaging in a scanning electron microscope. A micro-hardness gradient was identified over a distance of 500 μm with hardness values of 900 HV at the top surface and 300 HV in the core. This micro-hardness gradient corresponds to a gradient in the microstructure that changes from a nitride compound layer at the top surface (∼ 20 μm thick) to a diffusion zone with a decreasing nitrogen concentration and precipitate density with distance from the surface, finally reaching the core matrix layer with a recovered martensite structure.

Wear behavior of austenite containing plate steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hensley, Christina E.

As a follow up to Wolfram's Master of Science thesis, samples from the prior work were further investigated. Samples from four steel alloys were selected for investigation, namely AR400F, 9260, Hadfield, and 301 Stainless steels. AR400F is martensitic while the Hadfield and 301 stainless steels are austenitic. The 9260 exhibited a variety of hardness levels and retained austenite contents, achieved by heat treatments, including quench and tempering (Q&T) and quench and partitioning (Q&P). Samples worn by three wear tests, namely Dry Sand/Rubber Wheel (DSRW), impeller tumbler impact abrasion, and Bond abrasion, were examined by optical profilometry. The wear behaviors observed in topography maps were compared to the same in scanning electron microscopy micrographs and both were used to characterize the wear surfaces. Optical profilometry showed that the scratching abrasion present on the wear surface transitioned to gouging abrasion as impact conditions increased (i.e. from DSRW to impeller to Bond abrasion). Optical profilometry roughness measurements were also compared to sample hardness as well as normalized volume loss (NVL) results for each of the three wear tests. The steels displayed a relationship between roughness measurements and observed wear rates for all three categories of wear testing. Nanoindentation was used to investigate local hardness changes adjacent to the wear surface. DSRW samples generally did not exhibit significant work hardening. The austenitic materials exhibited significant hardening under the high impact conditions of the Bond abrasion wear test. Hardening in the Q&P materials was less pronounced. The Q&T microstructures also demonstrated some hardening. Scratch testing was performed on samples at three different loads, as a more systematic approach to determining the scratching abrasion behavior. Wear rates and scratch hardness were calculated from scratch testing results. Certain similarities between wear behavior in scratch testing and DSRW samples were observed. Different microstructures exhibited different scratching behaviors. Martensitic microstructures exhibited chipping and cracking, whereas Q&P microstructures exhibited limited or no chipping. The Q&P samples exhibited more deformation at greater loads and hardness levels than the martensitic microstructures. Austenitic microstructures exhibited significant deformation adjacent to the scratches.

Correlation of microstructure, tensile properties and hole expansion ratio in cold rolled advanced high strength steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terrazas, Oscar R.

The demand for advanced high strength steels (AHSS) with higher strengths is increasing in the automotive industry. While there have been major improvements recently in the trade-off between ductility and strength, sheared-edge formability of AHSS remains a critical issue. AHSS sheets exhibit cracking during stamping and forming operations below the predictions of forming limits. It has become important to understand the correlation between microstructure and sheared edge formability. The present work investigates the effects of shearing conditions, microstructure, and tensile properties on sheared edge formability. Seven commercially produced steels with tensile strengths of 1000 +/- 100 MPa were evaluated: five dual-phase (DP) steels with different compositions and varying microstructural features, one trip aided bainitic ferrite (TBF) steel, and one press-hardened steel tempered to a tensile strength within the desired range. It was found that sheared edge formability is influenced by the martensite in DP steels. Quantitative stereology measurements provided results that showed martensite size and distribution affect hole expansion ratio (HER). The overall trend is that HER increases with more evenly dispersed martensite throughout the microstructure. This microstructure involves a combination of martensite size, contiguity, mean free distance, and number of colonies per unit area. Additionally, shear face characterization showed that the fracture and burr region affect HER. The HER decreases with increasing size of fracture and burr region. With a larger fracture and burr region more defects and/or micro-cracks will be present on the shear surface. This larger fracture region on the shear face facilitates cracking in sheared edge formability. Finally, the sheared edge formability is directly correlated to true fracture strain (TFS). The true fracture strain from tensile samples correlates to the HER values. HER increases with increasing true fracture strain.

Minimum activation martensitic alloys for surface disposal after exposure to neutron flux

DOEpatents

Lechtenberg, Thomas

1985-01-01

Steel alloys for long-term exposure to neutron flux have a martensitic microstructure and contain chromium, carbon, tungsten, vanadium and preferably titanium. Activation of the steel is held to within acceptable limits for eventual surface disposal by stringently controlling the impurity levels of Ni, Mo, Cu, N, Co, Nb, Al and Mn.

Influence of shot peening on surface quality of austenitic and duplex stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vinoth Jebaraj, A.; Sampath Kumar, T.; Ajay Kumar, L.; Deepak, C. R.

2017-11-01

In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to enhance the surface quality of austenitic stainless steel 316L and duplex stainless steel 2205 through shot peening process. The study mainly focuses the surface morphology, microstructural changes, surface roughness and microhardness of the peened layers. Metallography analysis was carried out and compared with the unpeened surface characteristics. As result of peening process, surface recrystallization was achieved on the layers of the peened samples. It was found that shot peening plays significant role in enhancing the surface properties of 316L and 2205. Particularly it has greater influence on the work hardening of austenitic stainless steel than the duplex stainless steel due to its more ductility nature under the investigated shot peening parameters. The findings of the present study will be useful with regard to the enhancement of surface texture achieved through peening.

Phenomenological Model Describing the Formation of Peeling Defects on Hot-Rolled Duplex Stainless Steel 2205

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yong-jun, Zhang; Hui, Zhang; Jing-tao, Han

2017-05-01

The chemical composition, morphology, and microstructure of peeling defects formed on the surface of sheets from steel 2205 under hot rolling are studied. The microstructure of the surface is analyzed using scanning electron and light microscopy. The zones affected are shown to contain nonmetallic inclusions of types Al2O3 and CaO - SiO2 - Al2O3 - MgO in the form of streak precipitates and to have an unfavorable content of austenite, which causes decrease in the ductility of the area. The results obtained are used to derive a five-stage phenomenological model of formation of such defects.

Effects of the Treating Time on Microstructure and Erosion Corrosion Behavior of Salt-Bath-Nitrided 17-4PH Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jun; Lin, Yuanhua; Li, Mingxing; Fan, Hongyuan; Zeng, Dezhi; Xiong, Ji

2013-08-01

The effects of salt-bath nitriding time on the microstructure, microhardness, and erosion-corrosion behavior of nitrided 17-4PH stainless steel at 703 K (430 °C) were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and erosion-corrosion testing. The experimental results revealed that the microstructure and phase constituents of the nitrided surface alloy are highly process condition dependent. When 17-4PH stainless steel was subjected to complex salt-bathing nitriding, the main phase of the nitrided layer was expanded martensite ( α`), expanded austenite (S), CrN, Fe4N, and Fe2N. The thickness of nitrided layers increased with the treating time. The salt-bath nitriding improves effectively the surface hardness. The maximum values measured from the treated surface are observed to be 1100 HV0.1 for 40 hours approximately, which is about 3.5 times as hard as the untreated material (309 HV0.1). Low-temperature nitriding can improve the erosion-corrosion resistance against two-phase flow. The sample nitrided for 4 hours has the best corrosion resistance.

Corrosion Behavior of Aqua-Blasted and Laser-Engraved Type 316L Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krawczyk, B.; Cook, P.; Hobbs, J.; Engelberg, D. L.

2017-12-01

The effect of aqua blasting and laser engraving on surface microstructure development, residual stress and corrosion resistance of type 316L stainless steel has been investigated. Aqua blasting resulted in a deformed near-surface microstructure containing compressive residual stresses. Subsequent laser engraving produced a surface layer with tensile residual stresses reaching to a depth of 200 microns. Changes of surface roughness topography were accompanied by the development of a thick oxide/hydroxide film after laser engraving. The atmospheric corrosion behavior of all surfaces with MgCl2-laden droplets was compared to their electrochemical response in 1M NaCl and 0.7 M HCl aqueous solutions. The measured total volume loss after atmospheric corrosion testing was similar for all investigated surface conditions. Laser-engraved surface exhibited the smallest number of corrosion sites, but the largest mean corrosion depth.

Laser surface modification of 316 L stainless steel with bioactive hydroxyapatite.

PubMed

Balla, Vamsi Krishna; Das, Mitun; Bose, Sreyashree; Ram, G D Janaki; Manna, Indranil

2013-12-01

Laser-engineered net shaping (LENS™), a commercial additive manufacturing process, was used to modify the surfaces of 316 L stainless steel with bioactive hydroxyapatite (HAP). The modified surfaces were characterized in terms of their microstructure, hardness and apatite forming ability. The results showed that with increase in laser energy input from 32 J/mm(2) to 59 J/mm(2) the thickness of the modified surface increased from 222±12 μm to 355±6 μm, while the average surface hardness decreased marginally from 403±18 HV0.3 to 372±8 HV0.3. Microstructural studies showed that the modified surface consisted of austenite dendrites with HAP and some reaction products primarily occurring in the inter-dendritic regions. Finally, the surface-modified 316 L samples immersed in simulated body fluids showed significantly higher apatite precipitation compared to unmodified 316 L samples. © 2013.

High-Power Diode Laser-Treated 13Cr4Ni Stainless Steel for Hydro Turbines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mann, B. S.

2014-06-01

The cast martensitic chromium nickel stainless steels such as 13Cr4Ni, 16Cr5Ni, and 17Cr4Ni PH have found wide application in hydro turbines. These steels have adequate corrosion resistance with good mechanical properties because of chromium content of more than 12%. The 13Cr4Ni stainless steel is most widely used among these steels; however, lacks silt, cavitation, and water impingement erosion resistances (SER, CER, and WIER). This article deals with characterizing 13Cr4Ni stainless steel for silt, cavitation, and water impingement erosion; and studying its improved SER, CER, and WIER behavior after high-power diode laser (HPDL) surface treatment. The WIER and CER have improved significantly after laser treatment, whereas there is a marginal improvement in SER. The main reason for improved WIER and CER is due to its increased surface hardness and formation of fine-grained microstructure after HPDL surface treatment. CER and WIER of HPDL-treated 13Cr4Ni stainless steel samples have been evaluated as per ASTM G32-2003 and ASTM G73-1978, respectively; and these were correlated with microstructure and mechanical properties such as ultimate tensile strength, modified ultimate resilience, and microhardness. The erosion damage mechanism, compared on the basis of scanning electron micrographs and mechanical properties, is discussed and reported in this article.

Influence of Powder Bed Preheating on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of H13 Tool Steel SLM Parts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mertens, R.; Vrancken, B.; Holmstock, N.; Kinds, Y.; Kruth, J.-P.; Van Humbeeck, J.

Powder bed preheating is a promising development in selective laser melting (SLM), mainly applied to avoid large thermal stresses in the material. This study analyses the effect of in-process preheating on microstructure, mechanical properties and residual stresses during SLM of H13 tool steel. Sample parts are produced without any preheating and are compared to the corresponding parts made with preheating at 100°, 200°, 300°, and 400°C. Interestingly, internal stresses at the top surface of the parts evolve from compressive (-324MPa) without preheating to tensile stresses (371MPa) with preheating at 400°C. Nevertheless, application of powder bed preheating results in a more homogeneous microstructure with better mechanical properties compared to H13 SLM parts produced without preheating. The fine bainitic microstructure leads to hardness values of 650-700Hv and ultimate tensile strength of 1965MPa, which are comparable to or even better than those of conventionally made and heat treated H13 tool steel.

Microstructural Study of 17-4PH Stainless Steel after Plasma-Transferred Arc Welding.

PubMed

Deng, Dewei; Chen, Rui; Sun, Qi; Li, Xiaona

2015-01-29

The improvement of the surface qualities and surface hardening of precipitation hardened martensitic stainless steel 17-4PH was achieved by the plasma-transferred arc welding (PTAW) process deposited with Co-based alloy. The microstructure of the heat affected zone (HAZ) and base metal were characterized by optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results show that there are obvious microstructural differences between the base metal and HAZ. For example, base material is transformed from lath martensite to austenite due to the heateffect of the welding process. On the other hand, the precipitate in the matrix (bar-like shape Cr₇C₃ phase with a width of about one hundred nanometres and a length of hundreds of nanometres) grows to a rectangular appearance with a width of about two hundred nanometres and a length of about one micron. Stacking fault could also be observed in the Cr₇C₃ after PTAW. The above means that welding can obviously improve the surface qualities.

Rolling Contact Fatigue Performances of Carburized and High-C Nanostructured Bainitic Steels.

PubMed

Wang, Yanhui; Zhang, Fucheng; Yang, Zhinan; Lv, Bo; Zheng, Chunlei

2016-11-25

In the present work, the nanostructured bainitic microstructures were obtained at the surfaces of a carburized steel and a high-C steel. The rolling contact fatigue (RCF) performances of the two alloy steels with the same volume fraction of undissolved carbide were studied under lubrication. Results show that the RCF life of the carburized nanostructured bainitic steel is superior to that of the high-C nanostructured bainitic steel in spite of the chemical composition, phase constituent, plate thickness of bainitic ferrite, hardness, and residual compressive stress value of the contact surfaces of the two steels under roughly similar conditions. The excellent RCF performance of the carburized nanostructured bainitic steel is mainly attributed to the following reasons: finer carbide dispersion distribution in the top surface, the higher residual compressive stress values in the carburized layer, the deeper residual compressive stress layer, the higher work hardening ability, the larger amount of retained austenite transforming into martensite at the surface and the more stable untransformed retained austenite left in the top surface of the steel.

Rolling Contact Fatigue Performances of Carburized and High-C Nanostructured Bainitic Steels

PubMed Central

Wang, Yanhui; Zhang, Fucheng; Yang, Zhinan; Lv, Bo; Zheng, Chunlei

2016-01-01

In the present work, the nanostructured bainitic microstructures were obtained at the surfaces of a carburized steel and a high-C steel. The rolling contact fatigue (RCF) performances of the two alloy steels with the same volume fraction of undissolved carbide were studied under lubrication. Results show that the RCF life of the carburized nanostructured bainitic steel is superior to that of the high-C nanostructured bainitic steel in spite of the chemical composition, phase constituent, plate thickness of bainitic ferrite, hardness, and residual compressive stress value of the contact surfaces of the two steels under roughly similar conditions. The excellent RCF performance of the carburized nanostructured bainitic steel is mainly attributed to the following reasons: finer carbide dispersion distribution in the top surface, the higher residual compressive stress values in the carburized layer, the deeper residual compressive stress layer, the higher work hardening ability, the larger amount of retained austenite transforming into martensite at the surface and the more stable untransformed retained austenite left in the top surface of the steel. PMID:28774081

On the effectiveness of surface severe plastic deformation by shot peening at cryogenic temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Novelli, M.; Fundenberger, J.-J.; Bocher, P.; Grosdidier, T.

2016-12-01

The effect of cryogenic temperature (CT) on the graded microstructures obtained by severe shot peening using surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) was investigated for two austenitic steels that used different mechanisms for assisting plastic deformation. For the metastable 304L steel, the depth of the hardened region increases because CT promotes the formation of strain induced martensite. Comparatively, for the 310S steel that remained austenitic, the size of the subsurface affected region decreases because of the improved strength of the material at CT but the fine twinned nanostructures results in significant top surface hardening.

Modulation of dry tribological property of stainless steel by femtosecond laser surface texturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhuo; Zhao, Quanzhong; Wang, Chengwei; Zhang, Yang

2015-06-01

We reported on the modification of tribological properties of stainless steel by femtosecond laser surface microstructuring. Regular arranged micro-grooved textures with different spacing were produced on the AISI 304L steel surfaces by an 800-nm femtosecond laser. The tribological properties of smooth surface and textured surface were investigated by carrying out reciprocating ball-on-flat tests against Al2O3 ceramic balls under dry friction. Results show that the spacing of micro-grooves had a significant impact on friction coefficient of textured surfaces. Furthermore, the wear behaviors of smooth and textured surface were also investigated. Femtosecond laser surface texturing had a marked potential for modulating friction and wear properties if the micro-grooves were distributed in an appropriate manner.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a Low Alloyed MnB Cast Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Kaishuang; Bai, Bingzhe

2010-08-01

The microstructure and mechanical properties of a low alloyed MnB cast steel designed for coupler castings of trucks were studied. The results show that the microstructure of the MnB cast steel after water quenching is lath martensite and a small amount of massive islands in the matrix of lath martensite. The average size of the martensite packets is about 10 μm in length. Carbides precipitated dispersively at the tempering temperature of 450 °C. The carbides are slender and fibrous, of which the microstructure was θ-phase (Fe, Mn)3C characterized by TEM. The MnB cast steel has good hardenability and tempering stability. Excellent combination of strength, ductility and low-temperature toughness were obtained after water-quenching and 450 °C tempering: Rm = 960-1040 MPa, ReL = 880-900 MPa, A = 19-21%, Z = 56-58%. Especially, the impact energy of the Charpy V-Notch (CVN) specimens reached 70-88 J at -40 °C. The fracture mechanism is transcrystalline fracture both for ambient temperature uniaxial tensile test specimens and for CVN impact test specimens broken at -40 °C, where the whole surfaces were manifested as voids and dimples.

Damascus Steel Revisited

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verhoeven, J. D.; Pendray, A. H.; Dauksch, W. E.; Wagstaff, S. R.

2018-05-01

A review is given of the work we presented in the 1990s that successfully developed a technique for reproducing the surface patterns and internal microstructure of genuine Damascus steel blades. That work showed that a key factor in making these blades was the addition of quite small levels of carbide-forming elements, notably V. Experiments are presented for blades made from slow- and fast-cooled ingots, and the results support our previous hypothesis that the internal banded microstructure results from microsegregation of V between dendrites during ingot solidification. A hypothetical model was presented for the mechanism causing the unique internal microstructure that gives rise to the surface pattern forming during the forging of the ingots from which the blades are made. This article attempts to explain the model more clearly and presents some literature data that offer support to the model. It also discusses an alternate model recently proposed by Foll.

Effect of flowing sodium on corrosion and tensile properties of AISI type 316LN stainless steel at 823 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sivai Bharasi, N.; Thyagarajan, K.; Shaikh, H.; Balamurugan, A. K.; Bera, Santanu; Kalavathy, S.; Gurumurthy, K.; Tyagi, A. K.; Dayal, R. K.; Rajan, K. K.; Khatak, H. S.

2008-07-01

AISI type 316LN stainless steel was exposed to flowing sodium in mass transfer loop (MTL) at 823 K for 16 000 h and then examined for changes in the tensile properties due to the mass transfer and corrosion effects. Comparisons in microstructural and mechanical properties were made between annealed, thermally aged and sodium exposed materials. Microstructural examination of thermally aged and sodium exposed materials revealed precipitation of carbides at the grain boundaries. The sodium exposed samples contained a degraded layer at the surface up to a depth of around 10 μm and a surface carburized layer of about 30 μm. There was about 15% increase in yield strength and a decrease of about 20% in ductility for the sodium exposed material vis-a-vis thermally aged material and this was attributed to carburization effects and microstructural changes.

Additive manufacturing of metals: a brief review of the characteristic microstructures and properties of steels, Ti-6Al-4V and high-entropy alloys.

PubMed

Gorsse, Stéphane; Hutchinson, Christopher; Gouné, Mohamed; Banerjee, Rajarshi

2017-01-01

We present a brief review of the microstructures and mechanical properties of selected metallic alloys processed by additive manufacturing (AM). Three different alloys, covering a large range of technology readiness levels, are selected to illustrate particular microstructural features developed by AM and clarify the engineering paradigm relating process-microstructure-property. With Ti-6Al-4V the emphasis is placed on the formation of metallurgical defects and microstructures induced by AM and their role on mechanical properties. The effects of the large in-built dislocation density, surface roughness and build atmosphere on mechanical and damage properties are discussed using steels. The impact of rapid solidification inherent to AM on phase selection is highlighted for high-entropy alloys. Using property maps, published mechanical properties of additive manufactured alloys are graphically summarized and compared to conventionally processed counterparts.

Additive manufacturing of metals: a brief review of the characteristic microstructures and properties of steels, Ti-6Al-4V and high-entropy alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorsse, Stéphane; Hutchinson, Christopher; Gouné, Mohamed; Banerjee, Rajarshi

2017-12-01

We present a brief review of the microstructures and mechanical properties of selected metallic alloys processed by additive manufacturing (AM). Three different alloys, covering a large range of technology readiness levels, are selected to illustrate particular microstructural features developed by AM and clarify the engineering paradigm relating process-microstructure-property. With Ti-6Al-4V the emphasis is placed on the formation of metallurgical defects and microstructures induced by AM and their role on mechanical properties. The effects of the large in-built dislocation density, surface roughness and build atmosphere on mechanical and damage properties are discussed using steels. The impact of rapid solidification inherent to AM on phase selection is highlighted for high-entropy alloys. Using property maps, published mechanical properties of additive manufactured alloys are graphically summarized and compared to conventionally processed counterparts.

Microstructure of arc brazed and diffusion bonded joints of stainless steel and SiC reinforced aluminum matrix composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elßner, M.; Weis, S.; Grund, T.; Wagner, G.; Habisch, S.; Mayr, P.

2016-03-01

Joint interfaces of aluminum and stainless steel often exhibit intermetallics of Al-Fe, which limit the joint strength. In order to reduce these brittle phases in joints of aluminum matrix composites (AMC) and stainless steel, diffusion bonding and arc brazing are used. Due to the absence of a liquid phase, diffusion welding can reduce the formation of these critical in- termetallics. For this joining technique, the influence of surface treatments and adjusted time- temperature-surface-pressure-regimes is investigated. On the other hand, arc brazing offers the advantage to combine a localized heat input with the application of a low melting filler and was conducted using the system Al-Ag-Cu. Results of the joining tests using both approaches are described and discussed with regard to the microstructure of the joints and the interfaces.

Optical properties of ion beam textured metals. [using copper, silicon, aluminum, titanium and stainless steels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hudson, W. R.; Weigand, A. J.; Mirtich, M. J.

1977-01-01

Copper, silicon, aluminum, titanium and 316 stainless steel were textured by 1000 eV xenon ions from an 8 cm diameter electron bombardment ion source. Simultaneously sputter-deposited tantalum was used to facilitate the development of the surface microstructure. Scanning electron microscopy of the ion textured surfaces revealed two types of microstructure. Copper, silicon, and aluminum developed a cone structure with an average peak-to-peak distance ranging from 1 micron for silicon to 6 microns for aluminum. Titanium and 316 stainless steel developed a serpentine ridge structure. The average peak-to-peak distance for both of these materials was 0.5 micron. Spectral reflectance was measured using an integrating sphere and a holraum reflectometer. Total reflectance for air mass 0 and 2, solar absorptance and total emittance normalized for a 425 K black body were calculated from the reflectance measurements.

Stablization of Nanotwinned Microstructures in Stainless Steels Through Alloying and Microstructural Design

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-08-23

REPORT Stablization of Nanotwinned Microstructures in Stainless Steels Through Alloying and Microstructural Design 14. ABSTRACT 16. SECURITY...15. SUBJECT TERMS materials design, stainless steels , plastic deformation by twinning, computational materials science, experimental characterization...Standard Form 298 (Rev 8/98) Prescribed by ANSI Std. Z39.18 - 30-Jun-2013 Stablization of Nanotwinned Microstructures in Stainless Steels Through

Influence of Microstructure and Shot Peening Treatment on Corrosion Resistance of AISI F55-UNS S32760 Super Duplex Stainless Steel.

PubMed

Ciuffini, Andrea Francesco; Barella, Silvia; Peral Martínez, Luis Borja; Mapelli, Carlo; Fernández Pariente, Inés

2018-06-19

Shot peening is a surface process commonly used in the aeronautic and automotive industries to improve fatigue resistance. Shot peening is proven to be beneficial in the fatigue behavior of components, but rarely has its influence on wear and pitting corrosion resistance been evaluated. In this work, shot peening was performed on AISI F55-UNS S32760 super-duplex stainless steel samples previously submitted to various thermal treatments, to obtain different initial microstructures and properties. Samples have been characterized in terms of microstructure morphology, local chemical composition, microhardness of each constituent phase, and energy dissipation modes. The enhanced properties provided by shot peening has been evaluated through residual stress depth profiles and Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) using X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface hardness, surface roughness, and corrosion resistance through salt spray fog tests. The 1400 °C solution thermal treatment was identified as the optimum initial condition, which maximizes the advantages of the shot peening treatment, even pitting corrosion resistance. These results are related to the uniformity of austenite and ferrite in terms of microstructure morphology, micromechanical properties, and alloying elements distribution.

Carbon and metal-carbon implantations into tool steels for improved tribological performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirvonen, J.-P.; Harskamp, F.; Torri, P.; Willers, H.; Fusari, A.; Gibson, N.; Haupt, J.

1997-05-01

The high-fluence implantation of carbon and dual implantations of metal-metalloid pairs into steels with different microstructures are briefly reviewed. A previously unexamined system, the implantation of Si and C into two kinds of tool steels, M3 and D2, have been studied in terms of microstructure and tribological performance. In both cases ion implantation transfers a surface into an amorphous layer. However, the tribological behavior of these two materials differs remarkably: in the case of ion-implanted M3 a reduction of wear in a steel pin is observed even at high pin loads, whereas in the case of ion-implanted D2 the beneficial effects of ion implantation were limited to the lowest pin load. The importance of an initial phase at the onset of sliding is emphasized and a number of peculiarities observed in ion-implanted M3 steel are discussed.

Tribological and microstructural characteristics of ion-nitrided steels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spalvins, T.

1983-01-01

Three steels AISI 4140, AISI 4340 and AISI 304 stainless steel were ion nitrided in a plasma consisting of a 75:25 mixture of H2:N2, sometimes with a trace of CH4. Their surface topography was characterized by SEM and two distinct compound phases were identified: the gamma and the epsilon. The core-case hardness profiles were also established. The low Cr alloy steels have an extended diffusion zone in contrast to the 304 stainless steels which have a sharp interface. The depth of ion-nitriding is increased as the Cr content is decreased. Friction tests reveal that the gamma surface phase has a lower coefficient of friction than the epsilon phase. The lowest coefficient of friction is achieved when both the rider and the specimen surface are ion nitrided.

Effect of the Parameters of Gas-Powder Laser Surfacing on the Structural Characteristics of Reconditioned Surface Layer of Corrosion-Resistant Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krylova, S. E.; Oplesnin, S. P.; Manakov, N. A.; Yasakov, A. S.; Strizhov, A. O.

2018-01-01

Results of the developed commercial process for reconditioning the surface of corrosion-resistant steels by the method of laser surfacing are presented. A comparative analysis of the microstructures of the deposited wear-resistant layer, of the zone of fusion with the matrix material and of the diffusion zone after different variants of surfacing is performed. The hardness of the deposited layer is measured and a nondestructive inspection of the latter for the presence of flaws is performed.

Influence of Ti addition on fracture behaviour of HSLA steel using TIG melting technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Musa, M. H. A.; Maleque, M. A.; Ali, M. Y.

2017-03-01

The welding process is a critical stage in the production of structural parts and the microstructure and mechanical properties of the welded joints must be appropriate in order to guarantee the reliability and durability of the components. The fracture toughness behaviour, which accounts for the residual strength of the component in the presence of flaws or cracks, is one of the most important properties to be evaluated in terms of microstructure and mechanical properties. In this present study, the surface of high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel was surface modified with the preplacement of pure Titanium (Ti) powder using a tungsten inert gas (TIG) arc heat source, at 100 ampere current with a voltage 30 V and a constant traversing speed of 1.0 mm/s using Argon shielded gas. The effect of preplaced Ti powder on the strength and toughness properties of the modified HSLA steel surface was investigated. The results indicated that the tensile and yield strength of HSLA steel decreased by ∼12% and ∼14%, respectively. While the impact toughness increased by ∼33% and the ductility decreased by ∼50%. The fractography analysis results by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were also presented in this paper.

Blast Performance of Four Armour Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-08-01

provided in the Q&T condition, possessing tempered martensitic microstructures. Steels H, A and M possessed very similar microstructures at the...weld metal solidification cracking in steels and stainless steels . He has also undertaken extensive work on improving the weld zone toughness of high...3.1 Microstructures of steels It is generally accepted that a tempered martensitic microstructure is the most desirable condition for armour steel

Melting of SiC powders preplaced duplex stainless steel using TIG welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maleque, M. A.; Afiq, M.

2018-01-01

TIG torch welding technique is a conventional melting technique for the cladding of metallic materials. Duplex stainless steels (DSS) show decrease in performance under aggressive environment which may lead to unanticipated failure due to poor surface properties. In this research, surface modification is done by using TIG torch method where silicon carbide (SiC) particles are fused into DSS substrate in order to form a new intermetallic compound at the surface. The effect of particle size, feed rate of SiC preplacement, energy input and shielding gas flow rate on surface topography, microstructure, microstructure and hardness are investigated. Deepest melt pool (1.237 mm) is produced via TIG torch with highest energy input of 1080 J/mm. Observations of surface topography shows rippling marks which confirms that re-solidification process has taken place. Melt microstructure consist of dendritic and globular carbides precipitate as well as partially melted silicon carbides (SiC) particles. Micro hardness recorded at value ranging from 316 HV0.5 to 1277 HV0.5 which shows increment from base hardness of 260 HV0.5kgf. The analyzed result showed that incorporation of silicon carbide particles via TIG Torch method increase the hardness of DSS.

Research of Adhesion Bonds Between Gas-Thermal Coating and Pre-Modified Base

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovalevskaya, Z.; Zaitsev, K.; Klimenov, V.

2016-08-01

Nature of adhesive bonds between gas-thermal nickel alloy coating and carbon steel base was examined using laser profilometry, optical metallography, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The steel surface was plastically pre-deformed by an ultrasonic tool. Proved that ultrasound pre-treatment modifies the steel surface. Increase of dislocation density and formation of sub micro-structure are base elements of surface modification. While using high-speed gas-flame, plasma and detonation modes of coatings, surface activation occurs and durable adhesion is formed. Ultrasonic pre-treatment of base material is effective when sprayed particles and base material interact through physical-chemical bond formation. Before applying high-speed gas flame and plasma sprayed coatings, authors recommend ultrasonic pretreatment, which creates periodic wavy topography with a stroke of 250 microns on the steel surface. Before applying detonation sprayed coatings, authors recommend ultrasound pretreatment that create modified surface with a uniform micro-topography.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Jiali, E-mail: j.zhang@mpie.de; Morsdorf, Lutz, E-mail: l.morsdorf@mpie.de; Tasan, Cemal Cem, E-mail: c.tasan@mpie.de

In-situ scanning electron microscopy observations of the microstructure evolution during heat treatments are increasingly demanded due to the growing number of alloys with complex microstructures. Post-mortem characterization of the as-processed microstructures rarely provides sufficient insight on the exact route of the microstructure formation. On the other hand, in-situ SEM approaches are often limited due to the arising challenges upon using an in-situ heating setup, e.g. in (i) employing different detectors, (ii) preventing specimen surface degradation, or (iii) controlling and measuring the temperature precisely. Here, we explore and expand the capabilities of the “mid-way” solution by step-wise microstructure tracking, ex-situ, atmore » selected steps of heat treatment. This approach circumvents the limitations above, as it involves an atmosphere and temperature well-controlled dilatometer, and high resolution microstructure characterization (using electron channeling contrast imaging, electron backscatter diffraction, atom probe tomography, etc.). We demonstrate the capabilities of this approach by focusing on three cases: (i) nano-scale carbide precipitation during low-temperature tempering of martensitic steels, (ii) formation of transformation-induced geometrically necessary dislocations in a dual-phase steel during intercritical annealing, and (iii) the partial recrystallization of a metastable β-Ti alloy. - Highlights: • A multi-probe method to track microstructures during heat treatment is developed. • It enables the analysis of various complex phenomena, even those at atomistic scale. • It circumvents some of the free surface effects of classical in-situ experiments.« less

A Study of the Batch Annealing of Cold-Rolled HSLA Steels Containing Niobium or Titanium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Chao; Garcia, C. Isaac; Choi, Shi-Hoon; DeArdo, Anthony J.

2015-08-01

The batch annealing behavior of two cold-rolled, microalloyed HSLA steels has been studied in this program. One steel was microalloyed with niobium while the other with titanium. A successfully batch annealed steel will exhibit minimum variation in properties along the length of the coil, even though the inner and outer wraps experience faster heating and cooling rates and lower soaking temperatures, i.e., the so-called "cold spot" areas, than the mid-length portion of the coil, i.e., the so-called "hot spot" areas. The variation in strength and ductility is caused by differences in the extent of annealing in the different areas. It has been known for 30 years that titanium-bearing HSLA steels show more variability after batch annealing than do the niobium-bearing steels. One of the goals of this study was to try to explain this observation. In this study, the annealing kinetics of the surface and center layers of the cold-rolled sheet were compared. The surface and center layers of the niobium steel and the surface layer of the titanium steel all showed similar annealing kinetics, while the center layer of the titanium steel exhibited much slower kinetics. Metallographic results indicate that the stored energy of the cold-rolled condition, as revealed by grain center sub-grain boundary density, appeared to strongly influence the annealing kinetics. The kinetics were followed by the Kernel Average Misorientation reconstruction of the microstructure at different stages on annealing. Possible pinning effects caused by microalloy precipitates were also considered. Methods of improving uniformity and increasing kinetics, involving optimizing both hot-rolled and cold-rolled microstructure, are suggested.

Microstructure evolution during helium irradiation and post-irradiation annealing in a nanostructured reduced activation steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, W. B.; Ji, Y. Z.; Tan, P. K.; Zhang, C.; He, C. H.; Yang, Z. G.

2016-10-01

Severe plastic deformation, intense single-beam He-ion irradiation and post-irradiation annealing were performed on a nanostructured reduced activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steel to investigate the effect of grain boundaries (GBs) on its microstructure evolution during these processes. A surface layer with a depth-dependent nanocrystalline (NC) microstructure was prepared in the RAFM steel using surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT). Microstructure evolution after helium (He) irradiation (24.8 dpa) at room temperature and after post-irradiation annealing was investigated using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Experimental observation shows that GBs play an important role during both the irradiation and the post-irradiation annealing process. He bubbles are preferentially trapped at GBs/interfaces during irradiation and cavities with large sizes are also preferentially trapped at GBs/interfaces during post-irradiation annealing, but void denuded zones (VDZs) near GBs could not be unambiguously observed. Compared with cavities at GBs and within larger grains, cavities with smaller size and higher density are found in smaller grains. The average size of cavities increases rapidly with the increase of time during post-irradiation annealing at 823 K. Cavities with a large size are observed just after annealing for 5 min, although many of the cavities with small sizes also exist after annealing for 240 min. The potential mechanism of cavity growth behavior during post-irradiation annealing is also discussed.

Laser Cladding of CPM Tool Steels on Hardened H13 Hot-Work Steel for Low-Cost High-Performance Automotive Tooling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, J.; Xue, L.

2012-06-01

This paper summarizes our research on laser cladding of high-vanadium CPM® tool steels (3V, 9V, and 15V) onto the surfaces of low-cost hardened H13 hot-work tool steel to substantially enhance resistance against abrasive wear. The results provide great potential for fabricating high-performance automotive tooling (including molds and dies) at affordable cost. The microstructure and hardness development of the laser-clad tool steels so obtained are presented as well.

Interfacial microstructure and mechanical properties of brazed aluminum / stainless steel - joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fedorov, V.; Elßner, M.; Uhlig, T.; Wagner, G.

2017-03-01

Due to the demand of mass and cost reduction, joints based on dissimilar metals become more and more interesting. Especially there is a high interest for joints between stainless steel and aluminum, often necessary for example for automotive heat exchangers. Brazing offers the possibilities to manufacture several joints in one step at, in comparison to fusion welding, lower temperatures. In the recent work, aluminum / stainless steel - joints are produced by induction brazing using an AlSi10 filler and a non-corrosive flux. The mechanical properties are determined by tensile shear tests as well as fatigue tests at ambient and elevated temperatures. The microstructure of the brazed joints and the fracture surfaces of the tested samples are investigated by SEM.

Tribological and microstructural characteristics of ion-nitrided steels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spalvins, T.

1983-01-01

Three steels AISI 4140, AISI 4340 and AISI 304 stainless steel were ion nitrided in a plasma consisting of a 75:25 mixture of H2:N2, sometimes with a trace of CH4. Their surface topography was characterized by SEM and two distinct compound phases were identified: the gamma and the epsilon. The core-case hardness profiles were also established. The low Cr alloy steels have an extended diffusion zone in contrast to the 3034 stainless steels which have a sharp interface. The depth of ion-nitriding is increased as the Cr content is decreased. Friction tests reveal that the gamma surface phase has a lower coefficient of friction than the epsilon phase. The lowest coefficient of friction is achieved when both the rider and the specimen surface are ion nitrided. Previously announced in STAR as N83-24635

Microstructural Study of 17-4PH Stainless Steel after Plasma-Transferred Arc Welding

PubMed Central

Deng, Dewei; Chen, Rui; Sun, Qi; Li, Xiaona

2015-01-01

The improvement of the surface qualities and surface hardening of precipitation hardened martensitic stainless steel 17-4PH was achieved by the plasma-transferred arc welding (PTAW) process deposited with Co-based alloy. The microstructure of the heat affected zone (HAZ) and base metal were characterized by optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results show that there are obvious microstructural differences between the base metal and HAZ. For example, base material is transformed from lath martensite to austenite due to the heateffect of the welding process. On the other hand, the precipitate in the matrix (bar-like shape Cr7C3 phase with a width of about one hundred nanometres and a length of hundreds of nanometres) grows to a rectangular appearance with a width of about two hundred nanometres and a length of about one micron. Stacking fault could also be observed in the Cr7C3 after PTAW. The above means that welding can obviously improve the surface qualities. PMID:28787947

Influence of the ferritic-pearlitic steel microstructure on surface roughness in broaching of automotive steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arrieta, I.; Courbon, C.; Cabanettes, F.; Arrazola, P.-J.; Rech, J.

2017-10-01

The aim of this work is to characterize the effect of microstructural parameters on surface roughness in dry broaching with a special emphasis on the ferrite-pearlite (FP) ratio. An experimental approach combining cutting and tribological tests has been developed on three grades 27MnCr5, C45, C60 covering a wide range of FP ratio. Fundamental broaching tests have been performed with a single tooth to analyse the resulting surface quality with uncoated M35 HSS tools. A specially designed open tribometer has been used to characterize the friction coefficient at the tool-chip-workpiece interface under appropriate conditions. Specific phenomena have been observed depending on the FP ratio and an interesting correlation with the tribological tests has been found. This clearly shows that friction has an important contribution in broaching and that phase distribution has to be highly considered when cutting a FP steel at a microscopic scale. This work also provides quantitative data of the friction coefficient depending on the sliding velocity and FP content which can be implemented in any analytical or numerical model of a broaching operation.

Surface quality and microstructure of low-vacuum sintered orthodontic bracket 17-4 PH stainless steel fabricated by MIM process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suharno, Bambang; Suharno, Lingga Pradinda; Saputro, Hantoro Restucondro; Irawan, Bambang; Prasetyadi, Tjokro; Ferdian, Deni; Supriyadi, Sugeng

2018-02-01

Surface roughness and microstructure play important role on orthodontic bracket quality. Therefore, orthodontic brackets need to have smooth surface roughness to reduce the friction and bacterial adhesion. Microstructure of orthodontic brackets also determine the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. There are two methods to produce orthodontic bracket, investment casting and metal injection molding. The purpose of this study is to observe the surface roughness and microstructure of orthodontic bracket which were made from two different fabrication methods. To produce orthodontic bracket with metal injection molding method, 17-4 PH stainless steel feedstock was injected to the orthodontic bracket mold using injection molding machine. After injection, the binder was eliminated with solvent and thermal debinding. Solvent debinding process was conducted with hexane at 50 °C on magnetic stirrer for 1.5 hours. Thermal debinding process was conducted at 510 °C with 0.5 °C/min heat rate and 120 min holding time. Hereafter, sintering process were performed with vacuum tube furnace at 1360 °C with heat rate 5 °C/min and 90 min holding time in low vacuum atmosphere. To produce orthodontic bracket with investment casting method, the wax was injected into the mold then the wax pattern was arranged into the tree form. The tree form was then dipped into ceramic slurry and allowed to harden, the ceramic slurry has a thickness in the region of 10 mm. The ceramic mold was then heated at a temperature of over than 1100°C to strengthen the ceramic mold and to remove the remaining wax. After that, the molten 17-4 PH stainless steel was poured into the ceramic mold at a temperature of over 1600°C. The natural cooling process was carried out at temperature of 25°C, after which the ceramic mold was broken away. Then, the orthodontic bracket was cut from the tree form. The results show that the orthodontic bracket which were made with investment casting fabrication method have low porosity, high density, and there is no indication of secondary phase on the microstructure. However, it has rough brackets surface. Whereas, the production of orthodontic brackets using metal injection molding method resulted in better surface roughness. But, it has relatively high porosity, presence of another phase on the microstructure, and low density.

Outbursts formation on low carbon and trip steel grades during hot-dip galvanisation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petit, E. J.; Lamm, L.; Gilles, M.

2004-12-01

Low carbon and TRIP grade steels have been hot dip galvanised in order to study outbursts formation. Microstructure and texture of intermetallic phases have been observed after selective electrochemical etching by scanning electron microscopy. Potential versus time (chronopotentiometric) characteristics were recorded in order to monitor surface modifications. This combination of techniques enable to quantify and observe intermetallic phase one by one. The overall thickness of coating on both substrates are similar. However, microstructures of Fe-Zn intermetallic phases are very different on both grades. In particular, the V phase is dense on standard steel but develops a highly branched filament structure on TRIP steel. The transformation of V phase to d and G1 are limited on TRIP steel. Differences of texture provide clues for understanding mechanisms of formation of outbursts. They can account for the differences of mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Silicon from the substrate influences the reactivity of TRIP steels due to capping and local reactions. La formation des outbursts a été étudiée sur un acier bas carbone et sur un acier TRIP galvanisés. Les épaisseurs des revêtements sont similaires. Néanmoins, les observations microscopiques et les érosions électrochimiques montrent que la répartition des phases intermétalliques et leurs microstructures diffèrent sensiblement en fonction de la nature du substrat. Ces différences expliquent les propriétés mécaniques et anticorrosions. L’encapsulation de la surface par les oxydes de silicium freine la transformation de la phase dzêta en delta et gamma sur l’acier TRIP.

Additive manufacturing of metals: a brief review of the characteristic microstructures and properties of steels, Ti-6Al-4V and high-entropy alloys

PubMed Central

Gorsse, Stéphane; Hutchinson, Christopher; Gouné, Mohamed; Banerjee, Rajarshi

2017-01-01

Abstract We present a brief review of the microstructures and mechanical properties of selected metallic alloys processed by additive manufacturing (AM). Three different alloys, covering a large range of technology readiness levels, are selected to illustrate particular microstructural features developed by AM and clarify the engineering paradigm relating process–microstructure–property. With Ti-6Al-4V the emphasis is placed on the formation of metallurgical defects and microstructures induced by AM and their role on mechanical properties. The effects of the large in-built dislocation density, surface roughness and build atmosphere on mechanical and damage properties are discussed using steels. The impact of rapid solidification inherent to AM on phase selection is highlighted for high-entropy alloys. Using property maps, published mechanical properties of additive manufactured alloys are graphically summarized and compared to conventionally processed counterparts. PMID:28970868

Ultrasonic attenuation in pearlitic steel.

PubMed

Du, Hualong; Turner, Joseph A

2014-03-01

Expressions for the attenuation coefficients of longitudinal and transverse ultrasonic waves are developed for steel with pearlitic microstructure. This type of lamellar duplex microstructure influences attenuation because of the lamellar spacing. In addition, longitudinal attenuation measurements were conducted using an unfocused transducer with 10 MHz central frequency on the cross section of a quenched railroad wheel sample. The dependence of longitudinal attenuation on the pearlite microstructure is observed from the changes of longitudinal attenuation from the quenched tread surface to deeper locations. The results show that the attenuation value is lowest and relatively constant within the quench depth, then increases linearly. The experimental results demonstrate a reasonable agreement with results from the theoretical model. Ultrasonic attenuation provides an important non-destructive method to evaluate duplex microstructure within grains which can be implemented for quality control in conjunction with other manufacturing processes. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fe-Based Amorphous Coatings on AISI 4130 Structural Steel for Corrosion Resistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katakam, Shravana; Santhanakrishnan, S.; Dahotre, Narendra B.

2012-06-01

The current study focuses on synthesizing a novel functional coating for corrosion resistance applications, via laser surface alloying. The iron-based (Fe48Cr15Mo14Y2C15B) amorphous precursor powder is used for laser surface alloying on AISI 4130 steel substrate, with a continuous wave ytterbium Nd-YAG fiber laser. The corrosion resistance of the coatings is evaluated for different processing conditions. The microstructural evolution and the response of the microstructure to the corrosive environment is studied using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Microstructural studies indicate the presence of face-centered cubic Fe-based dendrites intermixed within an amorphous matrix along with fine crystalline precipitates. The corrosion resistance of the coatings decrease with an increase in laser energy density, which is attributed to the precipitation and growth of chromium carbide. The enhanced corrosion resistance of the coatings processed with low energy density is attributed to the self-healing mechanism of this amorphous system.

Interfacial microstructure and properties of copper clad steel produced using friction stir welding versus gas metal arc welding

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shen, Z.; Chen, Y.; Haghshenas, M., E-mail: mhaghshe@uwaterloo.ca

A preliminary study compares the feasibility and microstructures of pure copper claddings produced on a pressure vessel A516 Gr. 70 steel plate, using friction stir welding versus gas metal arc welding. A combination of optical and scanning electron microscopy is used to characterize the grain structures in both the copper cladding and heat affected zone in the steel near the fusion line. The friction stir welding technique produces copper cladding with a grain size of around 25 μm, and no evidence of liquid copper penetration into the steel. The gas metal arc welding of copper cladding exhibits grain sizes overmore » 1 mm, and with surface microcracks as well as penetration of liquid copper up to 50 μm into the steel substrate. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that metallurgical bonding is produced in both processes. Increased diffusion of Mn and Si into the copper cladding occurs when using gas metal arc welding, although some nano-pores were detected in the FSW joint interface. - Highlights: • Cladding of steel with pure copper is possible using either FSW or GMAW. • The FSW yielded a finer grain structure in the copper, with no evidence of cracking. • The FSW joint contains some evidence of nano-pores at the interface of the steel/copper. • Copper cladding by GMAW contained surface cracks attributed to high thermal stresses. • The steel adjacent to the fusion line maintained a hardness value below 248 HV.« less

Effects of mechanical strain amplitude on the isothermal fatigue behavior of H13

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Yan; Zuo, Peng-peng; Wu, Xiao-chun; Xia, Shu-wen

2017-09-01

Isothermal fatigue (IF) tests were performed on H13 tool steel subjected to three different mechanical strain amplitudes at a constant temperature to determine the effects of mechanical strain amplitude on the microstructure of the steel samples. The samples' extent of damage after IF tests was compared by observation of their cracks and calculation of their damage parameters. Optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to observe the microstructure of the samples. Cracks were observed to initiate at the surface because the strains and stresses there were the largest during thermal cycling. Mechanical strain accelerated the damage and softening of the steel. A larger mechanical strain caused greater deformation of the steel, which made the precipitated carbides easier to gather and grow along the deformation direction, possibly resulting in softening of the material or the initiation of cracks.

Modification of Low-Alloy Steel Surface by High-Temperature Gas Nitriding Plus Tempering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiao, Dongling; Li, Minsong; Ding, Hongzhen; Qiu, Wanqi; Luo, Chengping

2018-02-01

The low-alloy steel was nitrided in a pure NH3 gas atmosphere at 640 660 °C for 2 h, i.e., high-temperature gas nitriding (HTGN), followed by tempering at 225 °C, which can produce a high property surface coating without brittle compound (white) layer. The steel was also plasma nitriding for comparison. The composition, microstructure and microhardness of the nitrided and tempered specimens were examined, and their tribological behavior investigated. The results showed that the as-gas-nitrided layer consisted of a white layer composed of FeN0.095 phase (nitrided austenite) and a diffusional zone underneath the white layer. After tempering, the white layer was decomposed to a nano-sized (α-Fe + γ'-Fe4N + retained austenite) bainitic microstructure with a high hardness of 1150HV/25 g. Wear test results showed that the wear resistance and wear coefficient yielded by the complex HTGN plus tempering were considerably higher and lower, respectively, than those produced by the conventional plasma nitriding.

Friction and the development of hard alloy surface microstructures during wear

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gnyusov, S. F.; Tarassov, S. Yu.

1997-12-01

Investigations of wear in sliding friction of WC-Hadfield steel hard alloy against cast tool steel have been carried out in a broad range of velocities and pressure values. Structural and phase composition variations have been revealed. Friction-affected zone was found to be 450 µm in depth. Structural γ → α, γ → transformation regions are located within 100 μm of the surface. These transformations contributed to the total solid solution deformation hardening.

Microstructure, phase composition and corrosion resistance of Ni2O3 coatings produced using laser alloying method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bartkowska, Aneta; Przestacki, Damian; Chwalczuk, Tadeusz

2016-12-01

The paper presents the studies' results of microstructure, microhardness, cohesion, phase composition and the corrosion resistance analysis of C45 steel after laser alloying with nickel oxide (Ni2O3). The aim of the laser alloying was to obtain the surface layer with new properties through covering C45 steel by precoat containing modifying compound, and then remelting this precoat using laser beam. As a result of this process the surface layer consisting of remelted zone and heat affected zone was obtained. In the remelted zone an increased amount of modifying elements was observed. It was also found that the surface layer formed during the laser alloying with Ni2O3 was characterized by good corrosion resistance. This property has changed depending on the thickness of the applied precoat. It was observed that the thickness increase of nickel oxides precoat improves corrosion resistance of produced coatings.

Microstructural characteristics of Hadfield steel solidified under high pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yuzi; Li, Yanguo; Han, Bo; Zhang, Fucheng; Qian, Lihe

2011-12-01

Samples of Hadfield steel, high manganese austenite steel with 13 wt% manganese and 1.2 wt% carbon, were solidified under a pressure of 6 GPa. The microstructures of the samples were analyzed by metallography and X-ray diffraction. The results indicate that the solidification microstructure of the Hadfield steel was remarkably refined under high pressure. Additionally, the carbide of M23C6 was obtained in the Hadfield steel solidified under high pressure was different from the carbide of M3C obtained by solidification under normal pressure. Furthermore, high pressure promoted the formation of orientational solidified microstructure of the Hadfield steel.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of nickel coated multi walled carbon nanotube reinforced stainless steel 316L matrix composites by laser sintering process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahanthesha, P.; Mohankumar, G. C.

2018-04-01

Electroless Ni coated Multi-walled Carbon nanotubes reinforced with Stainless Steel 316L matrix composite was developed by Direct Metal Laser Sintering process (DMLS). Homogeneous mixture of Stainless Steel 316L powder and carbon nanotubes in different vol. % was obtained by using double cone blender machine. Characterization of electroless Ni coated carbon nanotubes was done by using X-ray diffraction, FESEM and EDS. Test samples were fabricated at different laser scan speeds. Effect of process parameters and CNT vol. % content on solidification microstructure and mechanical properties of test samples was investigated by using Optical microscopy, FESEM, and Hounsfield tensometer. Experimental results reveal DMLS process parameters affect the density and microstructure of sintered parts. Dense parts with minimum porosity when processed at low laser scan speeds and low CNT vol. %. Tensile fractured surface of test specimens evidences the survival of carbon nanotubes under high temperature processing condition.

The effect of microstructure on abrasive wear of steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kešner, A.; Chotëborský, R.; Linda, M.

2017-09-01

Abrasive wear of agricultural tools is one of the biggest problems in currently being. The amount of abrasive wear, depending on the microstructure, has been investigated in this work. Steels 25CrMo4 and 51CrV4 were used in this work to determine the effect of the microstructure on the abrasive wear. These steels are commonly used for components that have to withstand abrasive wear.SEM analysis was used to detect the microstructure. The standardized ASTM G65 method was used to compare the abrasive wear of steels. The results show that the abrasive wear depends on the microstructure of steels.

Phase-field modelling of microstructure formation during the solidification of continuously cast low carbon and HSLA steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Böttger, B.; Apel, M.; Santillana, B.; Eskin, D. G.

2012-07-01

Cracking in continuous casting of steels has been one of the main problems for decades. Many of the cracks that occur during solidification are hot tears. To better understand the factors leading to this defect, microstructure formation is simulated for a low carbon (LCAK) and two high strength low alloyed (HSLA) steel grades during the initial stage of the process where the first solidified shell is formed inside the mould and where breakouts typically occur. 2D simulation is performed using the multiphase-field software MICRESS [1], which is coupled to the thermodynamic database TCFE6 [2] and the mobility database MOB2 [2], taking into account all elements which may have a relevant effect on the mechanical properties and structure formation during or subsequent to solidification. The use of a moving-frame boundary condition allows travelling through the entire solidification history starting from the slab surface, and tracking the morphology changes during growth of the shell. A heterogeneous nucleation model is included to permit the description of morphological transitions between the initial solidification and the subsequent columnar growth region. Furthermore, a macroscopic one-dimensional temperature solver is integrated to account for the transient and nonlinear temperature field during the initial stage of continuous casting. The external heat flux boundary conditions for this process were derived from thermal process data of the industrial slab caster. The simulation results for the three steel grades have been validated by thickness measurements of breakout shells and microstructure observation of the corresponding grades. Furthermore, the primary dendrite spacing has been measured across the whole thickness of the shell and compared with the simulated microstructures. Significant microstructure differences between the steel grades are discussed and correlated with their hot-cracking behavior.

Surface and cut-edge corrosion behavior of Zn-Mg-Al alloy-coated steel sheets as a function of the alloy coating microstructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, Min-Suk; Kim, Sang-Heon; Kim, Jong-Sang; Lee, Jae-Won; Shon, Je-Ha; Jin, Young-Sool

2016-01-01

The effects of Mg and Al content on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of hot-dip Zn-Mg-Al alloycoated steel sheets were investigated. Pure Zn and Zn-based alloy coatings containing Mg (0-5 wt%) and Al (0.2-55 wt%) were produced by a hot-dip galvanizing method. Mg and Al addition induced formation of intermetallic microstructures, like primary Zn, Zn/MgZn2 binary eutectic, dendric Zn/Al eutectoid, and Zn/Al/MgZn2/ternary eutectic structures in the coating layer. MgZn2-related structures (Zn/MgZn2, Zn/Al/MgZn2, MgZn2) played an important role in increasing the corrosion resistance of Zn-Mg-Al alloy-coated steel sheets. Zn-3%Mg-2.5%Al coating layer containing a large volume of lamellar-shaped Zn/MgZn2 binary eutectic structures showed the best cut-edge corrosion resistance. The analysis indicated that Mg dissolved from MgZn2 in the early stage of corrosion and migrated to the cathodic region of steel-exposed cut-edge area to form dense and ordered protective corrosion products, leading to prolonged cathodic protection of Zn-Mg-Al alloy-coated steel sheets.

Role of Different Kinds of Boundaries Against Cleavage Crack Propagation in Low-Temperature Embrittlement of Low-Carbon Martensitic Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsuboi, Mizuki; Shibata, Akinobu; Terada, Daisuke; Tsuji, Nobuhiro

2017-07-01

The present paper investigated the relationship between low-temperature embrittlement and microstructure of lath martensite in a low-carbon steel from both microstructural and crystallographic points of view. The fracture surface of the specimen after the miniaturized Charpy impact test at 98 K (-175 °C) mainly consisted of cleavage fracture facets parallel to crystallographic {001} planes of martensite. Through the crystallographic orientation analysis of micro-crack propagation, we found that the boundaries which separated different martensite variants having large misorientation angles of {001} cleavage planes could inhibit crack propagation. It was then concluded that the size of the aggregations of martensite variants belonging to the same Bain deformation group could control the low-temperature embrittlement of martensitic steels.

Defining the Post-Machined Sub-surface in Austenitic Stainless Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srinivasan, N.; Sunil Kumar, B.; Kain, V.; Birbilis, N.; Joshi, S. S.; Sivaprasad, P. V.; Chai, G.; Durgaprasad, A.; Bhattacharya, S.; Samajdar, I.

2018-04-01

Austenitic stainless steels grades, with differences in chemistry, stacking fault energy, and thermal conductivity, were subjected to vertical milling. Anodic potentiodynamic polarization was able to differentiate (with machining speed/strain rate) between different post-machined sub-surfaces in SS 316L and Alloy A (a Cu containing austenitic stainless steel: Sanicroe 28™), but not in SS 304L. However, such differences (in the post-machined sub-surfaces) were revealed in surface roughness, sub-surface residual stresses and misorientations, and in the relative presence of sub-surface Cr2O3 films. It was shown, quantitatively, that higher machining speed reduced surface roughness and also reduced the effective depths of the affected sub-surface layers. A qualitative explanation on the sub-surface microstructural developments was provided based on the temperature-dependent thermal conductivity values. The results herein represent a mechanistic understanding to rationalize the corrosion performance of widely adopted engineering alloys.

Defining the Post-Machined Sub-surface in Austenitic Stainless Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srinivasan, N.; Sunil Kumar, B.; Kain, V.; Birbilis, N.; Joshi, S. S.; Sivaprasad, P. V.; Chai, G.; Durgaprasad, A.; Bhattacharya, S.; Samajdar, I.

2018-06-01

Austenitic stainless steels grades, with differences in chemistry, stacking fault energy, and thermal conductivity, were subjected to vertical milling. Anodic potentiodynamic polarization was able to differentiate (with machining speed/strain rate) between different post-machined sub-surfaces in SS 316L and Alloy A (a Cu containing austenitic stainless steel: Sanicroe 28™), but not in SS 304L. However, such differences (in the post-machined sub-surfaces) were revealed in surface roughness, sub-surface residual stresses and misorientations, and in the relative presence of sub-surface Cr2O3 films. It was shown, quantitatively, that higher machining speed reduced surface roughness and also reduced the effective depths of the affected sub-surface layers. A qualitative explanation on the sub-surface microstructural developments was provided based on the temperature-dependent thermal conductivity values. The results herein represent a mechanistic understanding to rationalize the corrosion performance of widely adopted engineering alloys.

Multi-scale invertigation of the relationship between the microstructure and mechanical properties in dual phase steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Fan

Dual phase steel alloys belong to the first generation of advanced high strength steels that are widely used in the automotive industry to form body structure and closure panels of vehicles. A deeper understanding of the microstructural features, such as phase orientation and morphology are needed in order to establish their effect on the mechanical performance and to design a material with optimized attributes. In this work, our goal is to establish what kind of relationship exist between the mechanical properties and the microstructural representation of dual phase steels obtained from experimental observations. Microstructure in different specimens are characterized with advanced experimental techniques as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction pattern, scanning probe microscopy, and nanoindentation. Nanoindentation, Vickers hardness and tensile testing are conducted to reveal a multi-scale mechanical performance on original material and also specimens under a variety combinations of temperatures, cooling rates, and rolling conditions. To quantify the single phase properties in each sample, an inverse method is adopted using experimental nanoindentation load-depth curves to obtain tensile stress-strain curves for each phase, and the inverse results were verified with the true stress-strain curves from tensile tests. This work also provides the insight on spatial phase distribution of different phases through a 2-point correlation statistical methodology and relate to material strength and formability. The microstructure information is correlated with the results of mechanical tests. The broken surfaces from tensile testing are analyzed to discover the fracture mechanism in relation to martensite morphology and distribuion. Viscoplastic self-consistent fast Fourier Transformation simulations is also used to compute efficiently the local and the homogenized viscoplastic response of the polycrystalline microstructure. The specific objectives of this work are 1) the development of etching techniques and electron backscatter diffraction strategies to characterize ferrite and martensite phases in steel; 2) the uncovering of a relationship between strength/ductility and material microstructure, 3) a statistical description to quantify the spatial distributions of these phases; and finally 4) the simulation of the microstructural evolution using parameters obtained from the experiments.

Tempering-Induced Microstructural Changes in the Weld Heat-Affected Zone of 9 to 12 Pct Cr Steels and Their Influence on Sliding Wear

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velkavrh, Igor; Kafexhiu, Fevzi; Klien, Stefan; Diem, Alexander; Podgornik, Bojan

2017-01-01

Increasing amount of tribological applications is working under alternating high/low temperature conditions where the material is subjected to temperature fatigue mechanisms such as creep, softening due to annealing, and at the same time must withstand mechanical wear due to sliding contact with pairing bodies. Steam turbine valves, gate valves, valve heads, stems, seats and bushings, and contacting surfaces of the carrier elements are some examples of such applications. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the potential of X20 and P91 steels as materials for applications operating under combined effect of mechanical wear and alternating high/low temperature conditions. It was focused on how the microstructural changes occurring in the weld zone affect the wear properties of the selected materials. Generally, with longer tempering time and higher tempering temperature, the number of carbide precipitates decreased, while their relative spacing increased. Before tempering, the morphology of the steel matrix (grain size, microstructure homogeneity) governed the wear resistance of both steels, while after tempering wear response was determined by the combination of the number and the size of carbide particles. After tempering, in X20 steel larger number of stable M23C6 carbides was observed as compared with P91 steel, resulting in lower wear rates. It was observed that for both steels, a similar combination of number density and size distribution of carbide particles provided the highest wear resistance.

Dissimilar Arc Welding of Advanced High-Strength Car-Body Steel Sheets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Russo Spena, P.; D'Aiuto, F.; Matteis, P.; Scavino, G.

2014-11-01

A widespread usage of new advanced TWIP steel grades for the fabrication of car-body parts is conditional on the employment of appropriate welding methods, especially if dissimilar welding must be performed with other automotive steel grades. Therefore, the microstructural features and the mechanical response of dissimilar butt weld seams of TWIP and 22MnB5 steel sheets after metal-active-gas arc welding are examined. The microstructural and mechanical characterization of the welded joints was carried out by optical metallography, microhardness and tensile testing, and fractographic examination. The heat-affected zone on the TWIP side was fully austenitic and the only detectable effect was grain coarsening, while on the 22MnB5 side it exhibited newly formed martensite and tempered martensite. The welded tensile specimens exhibited a much larger deformation on the TWIP steel side than on the 22MnB5. The fracture generally occurred at the interface between the fusion zone and the heat-affected zones, with the fractures surfaces being predominantly ductile. The ultimate tensile strength of the butt joints was about 25% lower than that of the TWIP steel.

Recent Developments in Assessing Microstructure-Sensitive Early Stage Fatigue of Polycrystals (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-04-01

can strongly affect formation of fatigue cracks. El Bartali et al. [7] quantified plastic strain at the grain scale in a duplex stainless steel and mea... Fatigue Fract Eng Mater Struct 2013. [7] El Bartali A, Aubin V, Degallaix S. Fatigue damage analysis in a duplex stainless steel by digital image...S. Surface observation and measurement techniques to study the fatigue damage micromechanisms in a duplex stainless steel . Int J Fatigue 2009;31:2049

Thermal effects of laser marking on microstructure and corrosion properties of stainless steel.

PubMed

Švantner, M; Kučera, M; Smazalová, E; Houdková, Š; Čerstvý, R

2016-12-01

Laser marking is an advanced technique used for modification of surface optical properties. This paper presents research on the influence of laser marking on the corrosion properties of stainless steel. Processes during the laser beam-surface interaction cause structure and color changes and can also be responsible for reduction of corrosion resistance of the surface. Corrosion tests, roughness, microscopic, energy dispersive x-ray, grazing incidence x-ray diffraction, and ferrite content analyses were carried out. It was found that increasing heat input is the most crucial parameter regarding the degradation of corrosion resistance of stainless steel. Other relevant parameters include the pulse length and pulse frequency. The authors found a correlation between laser processing parameters, grazing incidence x-ray measurement, ferrite content, and corrosion resistance of the affected surface. Possibilities and limitations of laser marking of stainless steel in the context of the reduction of its corrosion resistance are discussed.

The combination of scanning electron and scanning probe microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sapozhnikov, I. D.; Gorbenko, O. M., E-mail: gorolga64@gmail.com; Felshtyn, M. L.

2016-06-17

We suggest the SPM module to combine SEM and SPM methods for studying surfaces. The module is based on the original mechanical moving and scanning system. The examples of studies of the steel surface microstructure in both SEM and SPM modes are presented.

Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Weld Metal and Heat-Affected Zone of Electron Beam-Welded Joints of HG785D Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qiang; Han, Jianmin; Tan, Caiwang; Yang, Zhiyong; Wang, Junqiang

2016-12-01

Vacuum electron beam welding (EBW) process was employed to butt weld 10-mm-thick HG785D high-strength steels. The penetration into the steel was adjusted by beam current. Microstructures at weld metal and heat-affected zone (HAZ) regions were comparatively observed. Mechanical properties of the EBWed joints including Vickers hardness, tensile and Charpy impact tests were evaluated. The results indicated that microstructures at the weld metal consisted of coarse lath martensite and a small amount of acicular martensite, while that in the HAZ was tempered sorbite and martensite. The grain size in the weld metal was found to be larger than that in the HAZ, and its proportion in weld metal was higher. The hardness in the weld metal was higher than the HAZ and base metal. The tensile strength and impact toughness in the HAZ was higher than that in the weld metal. All the behaviors were related to microstructure evolution caused by higher cooling rates and state of base metal. The fracture surfaces of tensile and impact tests on the optimized joint were characterized by uniform and ductile dimples. The results differed significantly from that obtained using arc welding process.

Nanostructural Evolution of Hard Turning Layers in Carburized Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bedekar, Vikram

The mechanisms of failure for components subjected to contact fatigue are sensitive to the structure and properties of the material surface. Although, the bulk material properties are determined by the steel making, forming and the heat treatment; the near surface material properties are altered during final material removal processes such as hard turning or grinding. Therefore, the ability to optimize, modulate and predict the near surface properties during final metal removal operations would be extremely useful in the enhancement of service life of a component. Hard machining is known to induce severely deformed layers causing dramatic microstructural transformations. These transformations occur via grain refinement or thermal phenomena depending upon cutting conditions. The aim of this work is to engineer the near surface nanoscale structure and properties during hard turning by altering strain, strain rate, temperature and incoming microstructure. The near surface material transformations due to hard turning were studied on carburized SAE 8620 bearing steel. Variations in parent material microstructures were introduced by altering the retained austenite content. The strain, strain rate and temperature achieved during final metal cutting were altered by varying insert geometry, insert wear and cutting speed. The subsurface evolution was quantified by a series of advanced characterization techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), glancing angle X-ray diffraction (GAXRD), X-ray stress evaluation and nanoindentation which were coupled with numerical modeling. Results showed that the grain size of the nanocrystalline near surface microstructure can be effectively controlled by altering the insert geometry, insert wear, cutting speed and the incoming microstructure. It was also evident that the near surface retained austenite decreased at lower cutting speed indicating transformation due to plastic deformation, while it increased at higher cutting speed indicated thermal transformation. Nanoindentation tests showed that the substructures produced by plastic deformation follow the Hall-Petch relationship while the structures produced by thermal transformation did not. This indicated a change in the hardness driver from dislocation hardening to phase transformation, both of which have a significant impact on fatigue life. Using hardness based flow stress numerical model, these relationships between the processing conditions and structural parameters were further explored. Results indicated that the hard turning process design space can be partitioned into three regions based on thermal phase transformations, plastic grain refinement, and a third regime where both mechanisms are active. It was found that the Zener-Holloman parameter can not only be used to predict post-turning grain size but also to partition the process space into regions of dominant microstructural mechanisms.

Effects of Microstructure on CVN Impact Toughness in Thermomechanically Processed High Strength Microalloyed Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Tao; Zhou, Yanlei; Jia, Xiaoxiao; Wang, Zhaodong

2017-02-01

Investigation on the correlation between microstructure and CVN impact toughness is of practical importance for the microstructure design of high strength microalloyed steels. In this work, three steels with characteristic microstructures were produced by cooling path control, i.e., steel A with granular bainite (GB), steel B with polygonal ferrite (PF) and martensite-austenite (M-A) constituent, and steel C with the mixture of bainitic ferrite (BF), acicular ferrite (AF), and M-A constituent. Under the same alloy composition and controlled rolling, similar ductile-to-brittle transition temperatures were obtained for the three steels. Steel A achieved the highest upper shelf energy (USE), while large variation of impact absorbed energy has been observed in the ductile-to-brittle transition region. With apparently large-sized PF and M-A constituent, steel B shows the lowest USE and delamination phenomenon in the ductile-to-brittle transition region. Steel C exhibits an extended upper shelf region, intermediate USE, and the fastest decrease of impact absorbed energy in the ductile-to-brittle transition region. The detailed CVN impact behavior is studied and then linked to the microstructural features.

Microstructure anisotropy and its effect on mechanical properties of reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steel fabricated by selective laser melting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Bo; Zhai, Yutao; Liu, Shaojun; Mao, Xiaodong

2018-03-01

Selective laser melting (SLM) is a promising way for the fabrication of complex reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steel components. The microstructure of the SLM built China low activation martensitic (CLAM) steel plates was observed and analyzed. The hardness, Charpy impact and tensile testing of the specimens in different orientations were performed at room temperature. The results showed that the difference in the mechanical properties was related to the anisotropy in microstructure. The planer unmelted porosity in the interface of the adjacent layers induced opening/tensile mode when the tensile samples parallel to the build direction were tested whereas the samples vertical to the build direction fractured in the shear mode with the grains being sheared in a slant angle. Moreover, the impact absorbed energy (IAE) of all impact specimens was significantly lower than that of the wrought CLAM steel, and the IAE of the samples vertical to the build direction was higher than that of the samples parallel to the build direction. The impact fracture surfaces revealed that the load parallel to the build layers caused laminated tearing among the layers, and the load vertical to the layers induced intergranular fracture across the layers.

Bondable Stainless Surface Coats Protect Against Rust

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, G. D.; Shaffer, D. K.; Clearfield, H. M.; Nagle, D.; Groff, G.

1995-01-01

Report describes tests conducted to assess use of bondable stainless surface (BOSS) coating materials to protect steel cases of solid-fuel rocket motors against corrosion and to provide surface microstructure and chemistry suitable for bonding to insulating material. Eliminates need to cover cases with grease to prevent corrosion and degreasing immediately prior to use.

SCC of 2304 Duplex Stainless Steel-Microstructure, Residual Stress and Surface Grinding Effects.

PubMed

Zhou, Nian; Peng, Ru Lin; Schönning, Mikael; Pettersson, Rachel

2017-02-23

The influence of surface grinding and microstructure on chloride induced stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of 2304 duplex stainless steel has been investigated. Grinding operations were performed both parallel and perpendicular to the rolling direction of the material. SCC tests were conducted in boiling magnesium chloride according to ASTM G36; specimens were exposed both without external loading and with varied levels of four-point bend loading. Residual stresses were measured on selected specimens before and after exposure using the X-ray diffraction technique. In addition, in-situ surface stress measurements subjected to four-point bend loading were performed to evaluate the deviation between the actual applied loading and the calculated values according to ASTM G39. Micro-cracks, initiated by grinding induced surface tensile residual stresses, were observed for all the ground specimens but not on the as-delivered surfaces. Loading transverse to the rolling direction of the material increased the susceptibility to chloride induced SCC. Grinding induced tensile residual stresses and micro-notches in the as-ground surface topography were also detrimental.

Corrosion-induced microstructural developments in 316 stainless steel during exposure to molten Li 2BeF 4(FLiBe) salt

DOE PAGES

Zheng, Guiqiu; He, Lingfeng; Carpenter, David; ...

2016-10-12

The microstructural evaluation and characterization of 316 stainless steel samples that were tested in molten Li 2BeF 4 (FLiBe) salt were investigated in this study for evaluating its performance in high-temperature molten fluoride salts. Recently, 316 stainless steel and FLiBe salt are being actively considered as the main structural alloy and primary coolant of fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactor (FHR), a leading nuclear reactor concept for the next generation nuclear plants (NGNP). In support of the materials development for the FHR, high-temperature corrosion tests of 316 stainless steel in molten FLiBe salt at 700°C have been conducted in both bare graphitemore » crucibles and 316 stainless steel-lined crucibles in an inert atmosphere for up to 3000 hours. The microstructure of the tested samples was comprehensively characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in conjunction with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) with EDS. In addition to the noticeable intergranular corrosion attack on surface, the corrosion in terms of the Cr depletion along high angle grain boundaries (15-180º) extended to 22µm in depth after 3000-hour exposure to molten FLiBe salt in graphite crucible. The coherent Σ3 grain boundary appeared high resistance to the Cr depletion. The substantial Cr depletion from the near-to-surface layer induced phase transformation from γ-martensite to α-ferrite phase (FeNi x) during corrosion at 700ºC. Furthermore, the presence of graphite in the molten salt doubled the corrosion attack depth and led to the formation of round Mo2C, hexagonal Cr 7C 3 and needle-like Al 4C 3 phase within the alloy as deep as 50 µm after 3000-hour corrosion testing. Based on the microstructural analysis, the corrosion mechanisms of 316 stainless steel in molten FLiBe salt in different corrosion crucibles were illuminated through schematic diagrams. Additionally, a thermal diffusion controlled corrosion model was developed and validated by experimental data for predicting the long-term corrosion attack depth.« less

Corrosion-induced microstructural developments in 316 stainless steel during exposure to molten Li 2BeF 4(FLiBe) salt

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zheng, Guiqiu; He, Lingfeng; Carpenter, David

The microstructural evaluation and characterization of 316 stainless steel samples that were tested in molten Li 2BeF 4 (FLiBe) salt were investigated in this study for evaluating its performance in high-temperature molten fluoride salts. Recently, 316 stainless steel and FLiBe salt are being actively considered as the main structural alloy and primary coolant of fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactor (FHR), a leading nuclear reactor concept for the next generation nuclear plants (NGNP). In support of the materials development for the FHR, high-temperature corrosion tests of 316 stainless steel in molten FLiBe salt at 700°C have been conducted in both bare graphitemore » crucibles and 316 stainless steel-lined crucibles in an inert atmosphere for up to 3000 hours. The microstructure of the tested samples was comprehensively characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in conjunction with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) with EDS. In addition to the noticeable intergranular corrosion attack on surface, the corrosion in terms of the Cr depletion along high angle grain boundaries (15-180º) extended to 22µm in depth after 3000-hour exposure to molten FLiBe salt in graphite crucible. The coherent Σ3 grain boundary appeared high resistance to the Cr depletion. The substantial Cr depletion from the near-to-surface layer induced phase transformation from γ-martensite to α-ferrite phase (FeNi x) during corrosion at 700ºC. Furthermore, the presence of graphite in the molten salt doubled the corrosion attack depth and led to the formation of round Mo2C, hexagonal Cr 7C 3 and needle-like Al 4C 3 phase within the alloy as deep as 50 µm after 3000-hour corrosion testing. Based on the microstructural analysis, the corrosion mechanisms of 316 stainless steel in molten FLiBe salt in different corrosion crucibles were illuminated through schematic diagrams. Additionally, a thermal diffusion controlled corrosion model was developed and validated by experimental data for predicting the long-term corrosion attack depth.« less

Supplementary Microstructural Features Induced During Laser Surface Melting of Thermally Sprayed Inconel 625 Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmed, Nauman; Voisey, K. T.; McCartney, D. G.

2014-02-01

Laser surface melting of thermally sprayed coatings has the potential to enhance their corrosion properties by incorporating favorable microstructural changes. Besides homogenizing the as-sprayed structure, laser melting may induce certain microstructural modifications (i.e., supplementary features) in addition to those that directly improve the corrosion performance. Such features, being a direct result of the laser treatment process, are described in this paper which is part of a broader study in which high velocity oxy-fuel sprayed Inconel 625 coatings on mild-steel substrates were treated with a diode laser and the modified microstructure characterized using optical and scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. The laser treated coating features several different zones, including a region with a microstructure in which there is a continuous columnar dendritic structure through a network of retained oxide stringers.

Surface hardening of 30CrMnSiA steel using continuous electron beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Yulei; Hu, Jing; Shen, Xianfeng; Wang, Yingying; Zhao, Wansheng

2017-11-01

30CrMnSiA high strength low alloy (HSLA) carbon structural steel is typically applied in equipment manufacturing and aerospace industries. In this work, the effects of continuous electron beam treatment on the surface hardening and microstructure modifications of 30CrMnSiA are investigated experimentally via a multi-purpose electron beam machine Pro-beam system. Micro hardness value in the electron beam treated area shows a double to triple increase, from 208 HV0.2 on the base metal to 520 HV0.2 on the irradiated area, while the surface roughness is relatively unchanged. Surface hardening parameters and mechanisms are clarified by investigation of the microstructural modification and the phase transformation both pre and post irradiation. The base metal is composed of ferrite and troostite. After continuous electron beam irradiation, the micro structure of the electron beam hardened area is composed of acicular lower bainite, feathered upper bainite and part of lath martensite. The optimal input energy density for 30CrMnSiA steel in this study is of 2.5 kJ/cm2 to attain the proper hardened depth and peak hardness without the surface quality deterioration. When the input irradiation energy exceeds 2.5 kJ/cm2 the convective mixing of the melted zone will become dominant. In the area with convective mixing, the cooling rate is relatively lower, thus the micro hardness is lower. The surface quality will deteriorate. Chemical composition and surface roughness pre and post electron beam treatment are also compared. The technology discussed give a picture of the potential of electron beam surface treatment for improving service life and reliability of the 30CrMnSiA steel.

Effects of laser-shock processing on the microstructure and surface mechanical properties of hadfield manganese steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, J. P.; Rigsbee, J. M.; Banaś, G.; Lawrence, F. V.; Elsayed-Ali, H. E.

1995-06-01

The effects of laser-shock processing (LSP) on the microstructure, hardness, and residual stress of Hadfield manganese (1 pct C and 14 pct Mn) steels were studied. Laser-shock processing was performed using a Nd: glass phosphate laser with 600 ps pulse width and up to 120 J/pulse energy at power density above 1012 W/cm2. The effects of cold rolling and shot peening were also studied for comparison. Laser-shock processing caused extensive formation of ɛ hexagonal close-packed (hep) martensite (35 vol pct), producing up to a 130 pct increase of surface hardness. The surface hardness increase was 40 to 60 pct for the shot-peened specimen and about 60 pct for the cold-rolled specimen. The LSP strengthening effect on Hadfield steel was attributed to the combined effects of the partial dislocation/stacking fault arrays and the grain refinement due to the presence of the ɛ-hcp martensite. For the cold-rolled and shot-peened specimens, the strengthening was a result of ɛ-hcp martensite and twins with dislocation effects, respectively. Shot peening resulted in a relatively higher compressive residual stress throughout the specimen than LSP.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Plasma Arc Brazed AISI 304L Stainless Steel and Galvanized Steel Plates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Yajuan; Li, Ruifeng; Yu, Zhishui; Wang, Yu

2016-04-01

Plasma arc brazing is used to join the AISI 304L stainless steel and galvanized steel plate butt joints with the CuSi3Mn1 filler wire. The effect of parameters on weld surface appearance, interfacial microstructure, and composition distribution in the joint was studied. The microhardness and mechanical tests were conducted to determine the mechanical properties of the welded specimens. The results indicated that good appearance, bead shape, and sufficient metallurgical bonding could be obtained when the brazing process was performed with a wire feeding speed of 0.8 m/min, plasma gas flow rate of 3.0 l/min, welding current of 100 A, and welding speed of 27 cm/min. During plasma arc brazing process, the top corner of the stainless steel and galvanized steel plate were heated and melted, and the melted quantity of stainless steel was much more than that of the galvanized steel due to the thermal conductivity coefficient difference between the dissimilar materials. The microhardness test results shows that the microhardness value gradually increased from the side of the galvanized steel to the stainless steel in the joint, and it is good for improving the mechanical properties of joint. The tensile strength was a little higher than that of the brazing filler, and the fracture position of weld joint was at the base metal of galvanized steel plate.

Internal state variable plasticity-damage modeling of AISI 4140 steel including microstructure-property relations: temperature and strain rate effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nacif el Alaoui, Reda

Mechanical structure-property relations have been quantified for AISI 4140 steel. under different strain rates and temperatures. The structure-property relations were used. to calibrate a microstructure-based internal state variable plasticity-damage model for. monotonic tension, compression and torsion plasticity, as well as damage evolution. Strong stress state and temperature dependences were observed for the AISI 4140 steel. Tension tests on three different notched Bridgman specimens were undertaken to study. the damage-triaxiality dependence for model validation purposes. Fracture surface. analysis was performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to quantify the void. nucleation and void sizes in the different specimens. The stress-strain behavior exhibited. a fairly large applied stress state (tension, compression dependence, and torsion), a. moderate temperature dependence, and a relatively small strain rate dependence.

An experimental investigation of pulsed laser-assisted machining of AISI 52100 steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panjehpour, Afshin; Soleymani Yazdi, Mohammad R.; Shoja-Razavi, Reza

2014-11-01

Grinding and hard turning are widely used for machining of hardened bearing steel parts. Laser-assisted machining (LAM) has emerged as an efficient alternative to grinding and hard turning for hardened steel parts. In most cases, continuous-wave lasers were used as a heat source to cause localized heating prior to material removal by a cutting tool. In this study, an experimental investigation of pulsed laser-assisted machining of AISI 52100 bearing steel was conducted. The effects of process parameters (i.e., laser mean power, pulse frequency, pulse energy, cutting speed and feed rate) on state variables (i.e., material removal temperature, specific cutting energy, surface roughness, microstructure, tool wear and chip formation) were investigated. At laser mean power of 425 W with frequency of 120 Hz and cutting speed of 70 m/min, the benefit of LAM was shown by 25% decrease in specific cutting energy and 18% improvement in surface roughness, as compared to those of the conventional machining. It was shown that at constant laser power, the increase of laser pulse energy causes the rapid increase in tool wear rate. Pulsed laser allowed efficient control of surface temperature and heat penetration in material removal region. Examination of the machined subsurface microstructure and microhardness profiles showed no change under LAM and conventional machining. Continuous chips with more uniform plastic deformation were produced in LAM.

748 K (475 °C) Embrittlement of Duplex Stainless Steel: Effect on Microstructure and Fracture Behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Örnek, Cem; Burke, M. G.; Hashimoto, T.; Engelberg, D. L.

2017-04-01

22Cr-5Ni duplex stainless steel (DSS) was aged at 748 K (475 °C) and the microstructure development correlated to changes in mechanical properties and fracture behavior. Tensile testing of aged microstructures confirmed the occurrence of 748 K (475 °C) embrittlement, which was accompanied by an increase of strength and hardness and loss of toughness. Aging caused spinodal decomposition of the ferrite phase, consisting of Cr-enriched α″ and Fe-rich α' and the formation of a large number of R-phase precipitates, with sizes between 50 and 400 nm. Fracture surface analyses revealed a gradual change of the fracture mode from ductile to brittle delamination fracture, associated with slip incompatibility between ferrite and austenite. Ferrite became highly brittle after 255 hours of aging, mainly due to the presence of precipitates, while austenite was ductile and accommodated most plastic strain. The fracture mechanism as a function of 748 K (475 °C) embrittlement is discussed in light of microstructure development.

The effect of metal microstructure on the initial attachment of Escherichia coli to 1010 carbon steel.

PubMed

Javed, M A; Stoddart, P R; McArthur, S L; Wade, S A

2013-09-01

Metallurgical features have been shown to play an important role in the attachment of microorganisms to metal surfaces. In the present study, the influence of the microstructure of as-received (AR) and heat-treated (HT) 1010 carbon steel on the initial attachment of bacteria was investigated. Heat treatment was carried out with the aim of increasing the grain size of the carbon steel coupons. Mirror-polished carbon steel coupons were immersed in a minimal medium inoculated with Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) to investigate the early (15, 30 and 60 min) and relatively longer-term (4 h) stages of bacterial attachment. The results showed preferential colonisation of bacteria on the grain boundaries of the steel coupons. The bacterial attachment to AR steel coupons was relatively uniform compared to the HT steel coupons where an increased number of localised aggregates of bacteria were found. Quantitative analysis showed that the ratio of the total number of isolated (i.e., single) bacteria to the number of bacteria in aggregates was significantly higher on the AR coupons than the HT coupons. Longer-term immersion studies showed production of extracellular polymeric substances by the bacteria and corrosion at the grain boundaries on both types of steel coupon tested.

Influence of thermo-mechanical treatment in ferritic phase field on microstructure and mechanical properties of reduced activation ferritic-martensitic steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prakash; Vanaja, J.; Laha, K.; Nageswara Rao, G. V. S.

2018-03-01

The present study focuses on the evaluation of microstructure and mechanical properties of reduced activation ferritic-martensitic (RAFM) steel (9Cr-1W-0.06Ta) subjected to thermo-mechanical treatment (TMT) in ferritic phase field. The results obtained were compared with the steel in conventional normalised plus tempered (N+T) condition. The microstructure of the steel in N+T and TMT conditions was assessed by optical and scanning electron microscopes. Hardness, tensile and creep studies were carried out and the results were correlated with the microstructural studies. While the TMT processed steel resulted in coarser prior austenite grains and exhibited ferritic microstructure with large distribution of fine M23C6 and MX precipitates, the N+T steel reveals tempered martensitic structure with finer prior austenitic grains with coarser M23C6 and MX precipitates. Although ferritic structure is present in TMT processed steel, it exhibits better tensile and creep rupture strengths than N+T steel due to the presence of increased dislocation density and finer distribution of precipitates.

Microstructure characteristics and properties of in-situ formed TiC/Ni based alloy composite coating by laser cladding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Sen; Liu, Wenjin; Zhong, Minlin

2003-03-01

Different weight ratio of nickel based alloy, titanium and graphite powders were mixed and then laser cladded onto carbon steel substrate to produce a surface metal matrix composite layer. The experimental results showed that the coating was uniform, continuous and free of cracks. An excellent bonding between the coating and the carbon steel substrate was ensured by the strong metallurgical interface. The microstructures of the coating were mainly composed of γ-Ni dendrite, M23C6, a small amount of CrB, and dispersed TiC particles, and the in-situ generated TiCp/matrix interfaces were clean and free from deleterious surface reaction. The morphologies of TiC particles changed from the global, cluster to flower-like shape, the volume fraction of TiCp and the microhardness gradually increased from the bottom to the top of the coating layer, and the maximum microhardness of the coating was about HV0.2850, 3 times larger than that of steel substrate. The volume fraction of TiC particles increased with increasing of volume fraction of Ti and C too.

Effects of Temperature on Microstructure and Wear of Salt Bath Nitrided 17-4PH Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jun; Lin, Yuanhua; Fan, Hongyuan; Zeng, Dezhi; Peng, Qian; Shen, Baoluo

2012-08-01

Salt bath nitriding of 17-4 PH martensitic precipitation hardening stainless steels was conducted at 610, 630, and 650 °C for 2 h using a complex salt bath heat-treatment, and the properties of the nitrided surface were systematically evaluated. Experimental results revealed that the microstructure and phase constituents of the nitrided surface alloy are highly process condition dependent. When 17-4PH stainless steel was subjected to complex salt bathing nitriding, the main phase of the nitrided layer was expanded martensite (α'), expanded austenite (γN), CrN, Fe4N, and (Fe,Cr) x O y . In the sample nitrided above 610 °C, the expanded martensite transformed into expanded austenite. But in the sample nitrided at 650 °C, the expanded austenite decomposed into αN and CrN. The decomposed αN then disassembled into CrN and alpha again. The nitrided layer depth thickened intensively with the increasing nitriding temperature. The activation energy of nitriding in this salt bath was 125 ± 5 kJ/mol.

The Effect of Constant and Pulsed Current Gas Tungsten Arc Welding on Joint Properties of 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel to 316L Austenitic Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neissi, R.; Shamanian, M.; Hajihashemi, M.

2016-05-01

In this study, dissimilar 316L austenitic stainless steel/2205 duplex stainless steel (DSS) joints were fabricated by constant and pulsed current gas tungsten arc welding process using ER2209 DSS as a filler metal. Microstructures and joint properties were characterized using optical and electron scanning microscopy, tensile, Charpy V-notch impact and micro-hardness tests, and cyclic polarization measurements. Microstructural observations confirmed the presence of chromium nitride and delta ferrite in the heat-affected zone of DSS and 316L, respectively. In addition, there was some deviation in the austenite/ferrite ratio of the surface welding pass in comparison to the root welding pass. Besides having lower pitting potential, welded joints produced by constant current gas tungsten arc welding process, consisted of some brittle sigma phase precipitates, which resulted in some impact energy reduction. The tensile tests showed high tensile strength for the weld joints in which all the specimens were broken in 316L base metal.

Microstructure, Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Friction Stir-Processed AISI D2 Tool Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasavol, Noushin; Jafari, Hassan

2015-05-01

In this study, AISI D2 tool steel underwent friction stir processing (FSP). The microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance of the FSPed materials were then evaluated. A flat WC-Co tool was used; the rotation rate of the tool varied from 400 to 800 rpm, and the travel speed was maintained constant at 385 mm/s during the process. FSP improved mechanical properties and produced ultrafine-grained surface layers in the tool steel. Mechanical properties improvement is attributed to the homogenous distribution of two types of fine (0.2-0.3 μm) and coarse (1.6 μm) carbides in duplex ferrite-martensite matrix. In addition to the refinement of the carbides, the homogenous dispersion of the particles was found to be more effective in enhancing mechanical properties at 500 rpm tool rotation rate. The improved corrosion resistance was observed and is attributed to the volume fraction of low-angle grain boundaries produced after friction stir process of the AISI D2 steel.

Hydrogen permeation properties of plasma-sprayed tungsten*1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderl, R. A.; Pawelko, R. J.; Hankins, M. R.; Longhurst, G. R.; Neiser, R. A.

1994-09-01

Tungsten has been proposed as a plasma-facing component material for advanced fusion facilities. This paper reports on laboratory-scale studies that were done to assess the hydrogen permeation properties of plasma-sprayed tungsten for such applications. The work entailed deuterium permeation measurements for plasma-sprayed (PS) tungsten coatings, sputter-deposited (SP) tungsten coatings, and steel substrate material using a mass-analyzed, 3 keV D 3+ ion beam with fluxes of ˜6.5 × 10 19 D/m 2 s. Extensive characterization analyses for the plasma-sprayed tungsten coatings were made using Auger spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Observed permeation rates through composite PS-tungsten/steel specimens were several orders of magnitude below the permeation levels observed for SP-tungsten/steel composite specimens and pure steel specimens. Characterization analyses indicated that the plasma-sprayed tungsten coating had a nonhomogeneous microstructure that consisted of splats with columnar solidification, partially-melted particles with grain boundaries, and void regions. Reduced permeation levels can be attributed to the complex microstructure and a substantial surface-connected porosity.

The Microstructural Evolution of Fatigue Cracks in FCC Metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gross, David William

The microstructural evolution during fatigue crack propagation was investigated in a variety of planar and wavy slip FCC metals. The planar materials included Haynes 230, Nitronic 40, and 316 stainless steel, and the wavy materials included pure nickel and pure copper. Three different sets of experiments were performed to fully characterize the microstructural evolution. The first, performed on Haynes 230, mapped the strain field ahead a crack tip using digital image correlation and electron backscatter diffraction techniques. Focused ion beam (FIB) lift-out techniques were then utilized to extract transmission electron microscopy (TEM) samples at specific distances from the crack tip. TEM investigations compared the measured strain to the microstructure. Overall, the strain measured via DIC and EBSD was only weakly correlated to the density of planar slip bands in the microstructure. The second set of experiments concerned the dislocation structure around crack tips. This set of experiments was performed on all the materials. The microstructure at arrested fatigue cracks on the free surface was compared to the microstructure found beneath striations on the fracture surfaces by utilizing FIB micromachining to create site-specific TEM samples. The evolved microstructure depended on the slip type. Strong agreement was found between the crack tip microstructure at the free surface and the fracture surface. In the planar materials, the microstructure in the plastic zone consisted of bands of dislocations or deformation twins, before transitioning to a refined sub-grain microstructure near the crack flank. The sub-grain structure extended 300-500 nm away from the crack flank in all the planar slip materials studied. In contrast, the bulk structure in the wavy slip material consisted of dislocation cells and did not transition to a different microstructure as the crack tip was approached. The strain in wavy slip was highest near the crack tip, as the misorientations between the dislocation cells increased and the cell size decreased as the crack flank was approached. The final set of experiments involved reloading the arrested crack tips in monotonic tension. This was performed on both the Haynes 230 and 316 stainless steel. This technique exposed the fracture surface and location of the arrested crack tip away from the free surface, allowing for a sample to be extracted via FIB micromachining and TEM evaluation of the microstructure. This permitted the crack tip microstructure to be investigated without exposing the microstructure to crack closure or free surface effects. These experiments confirmed what was inferred from the earlier experiments, namely that the banded structure was a product of the crack tip plastic zone and the refined structure was a product of the strain associated with crack advance. Overall the microstructural complexity presented in this work was much higher than would be predicted by current models of fatigue crack propagation. It is recommended that future models attempt to simulate interactions between the dislocations emitted during fatigue crack growth and the pre-existing microstructure to more accurately simulate the processes occurring at the crack tip during crack growth.

Laser surface texturing of 316L stainless steel in air and water: A method for increasing hydrophilicity via direct creation of microstructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Razi, Sepehr; Madanipour, Khosro; Mollabashi, Mahmoud

2016-06-01

Laser processing of materials in water contact is sometimes employed for improving the machining, cutting or welding quality. Here, we demonstrate surface patterning of stainless steel grade 316L by nano-second laser processing in air and water. Suitable adjustments of laser parameters offer a variety of surface patterns on the treated targets. Furthermore alterations of different surface features such as surface chemistry and wettability are investigated in various processing circumstances. More than surface morphology, remarkable differences are observed in the surface oxygen content and wettability of the samples treated in air and water at the same laser processing conditions. Mechanisms of the changes are discussed extensively.

Recent Aspects on the Effect of Inclusion Characteristics on the Intragranular Ferrite Formation in Low Alloy Steels: A Review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mu, Wangzhong; Jönsson, Pär Göran; Nakajima, Keiji

2017-04-01

Intragranular ferrite (IGF), which nucleates from specific inclusion surfaces in low alloy steels, is the desired microstructure to improve mechanical properties of steel such as the toughness. This microstructure is especially important in the coarse grain heat affected zone (CGHAZ) of weldments. The latest review paper focusing on the role of non-metallic inclusions in the IGF formation in steels has been reported by Sarma et al. in 2009 (ISIJ int., 49(2009), 1063-1074). In recent years, large amount of papers have been presented to investigate different issues of this topic. This paper mainly highlights the frontiers of experimental and theoretical investigations on the effects of inclusion characteristics, such as the composition, size distribution and number density, on the IGF formation in low carbon low-alloyed steels, undertaken by the group of Applied Process Metallurgy, KTH Royal Institute of Technology. Related results reported in previous studies are also introduced. Also, plausible future work regarding various items of IGF formation is mentioned in each section. This work aims to give a better control of improving the steel quality during casting and in the heat affected zone (HAZ) of weldment, according to the concept of oxide metallurgy.

Nanostructure characterisation of flow-formed Cr-Mo-V steel using transmission Kikuchi diffraction technique.

PubMed

Birosca, S; Ding, R; Ooi, S; Buckingham, R; Coleman, C; Dicks, K

2015-06-01

Nowadays flow-forming has become a desired near net shape manufacturing method as it provides excellent mechanical properties with improved surface finish and significant manufacturing cost reduction. However, the material is subjected to excessive plastic deformation during flow-forming process, generating a very fine and complex microstructure. In addition, the intense dislocation density and residual stress that is generated in the component during processing makes the microstructure characterisation using conventional micro-analytical tools challenging. Thus, the microstructure/property relationship study in such a material is rather difficult. In the present study a flow-formed Cr-Mo-V steel nanostructure and crystallographic texture were characterised by means of Transmission Kikuchi Diffraction (TKD). Here, TKD is shown to be a powerful technique in revealing very fine martensite laths within an austenite matrix. Moreover, fine precipitates in the order of 20-70 nm on the martensite lath boundaries were clearly imaged and characterised. This greatly assisted in understanding the preferable site formation of the carbides in such a complex microstructure. The results showed that the actual TKD spatial resolution was in the range of 5-10 nm using 25 kV for flow-formed Cr-Mo-V steel. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Microstructural and microtextural characterization of oxide scale on steel using electron backscatter diffraction.

PubMed

Birosca, S; Dingley, D; Higginson, R L

2004-03-01

High-temperature oxidation of steel has been extensively studied. The microstructure of iron oxides is, however, not well understood because of the difficulty in imaging it using conventional methods, such as optical or electron microscopy. A knowledge of the oxide microstructure and texture is critical in understanding how the oxide film behaves during high-temperature deformation of steels and more importantly how it can be removed following processing. Recently, electron back-scatter diffraction (EBSD) has proved to be a powerful technique for distinguishing the different phases in scales. This technique gives valuable information both on the microstructure and on the orientation relationships between the steel and the scale layers. In the current study EBSD has been used to investigate the microstructure and microtexture of iron oxide layers grown on interstitial free steel at different times and temperatures. Heat treatments have been carried out under normal oxidation conditions in order to relate the results to real steel manufacturing in industry. The composition, morphologies, microstructure and microtexture of selected conditions have been studied using EBSD.

Effect of reduction of area on microstructure and mechanical properties of twinning-induced plasticity steel during wire drawing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Joong-Ki; Son, Il-Heon; Yoo, Jang-Yong; Zargaran, A.; Kim, Nack J.

2015-09-01

The effect of reduction of area (RA), 10%, 20%, and 30%, during wire drawing on the inhomogeneities in microstructure and mechanical properties along the radial direction of Fe-Mn-Al-C twinning-induced plasticity steel has been investigated. After wire drawing, the deformation texture developed into the major <111> and minor <100> duplex fiber texture. However, the <111> texture became more pronounced in both center and surface areas as the RA per pass increased. It also shows that a larger RA per pass resulted in a higher yield strength and smaller elongation than a smaller RA per pass at all strain levels. Although inhomogeneities in microstructure and mechanical properties along the radial direction decreased with increasing RA per pass, there existed an optimum RA per pass for maximum drawing limit. Insufficient penetration of strain from surface to center at small RA per pass (e.g., 10%) and high friction and unsound metal flow at large RA per pass (e.g., 30%) all resulted in heterogeneous microstructure and mechanical properties along the radial direction of drawn wire. On the other hand, 20% RA per pass improved the drawing limit by about 30% as compared to the 10% and 30% RAs per pass.

The Influence of Hydrogen on the Evolving Microstructure During Fatigue Crack Growth in Metastable and Stable Austenitic Stainless Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nygren, Kelly Elizabeth

The effect of high levels of internal hydrogen on the microstructure evolving during stage II fatigue crack growth was investigated through a series of tensile and fatigue studies in metastable (304) and stable (316, 316L) stainless steels. The first, a tensile study in 304 stainless steel, identified the underlying microstructure which resulted in the flat and quasi-cleavage features on the fracture surface of a hydrogen-charged tensile bar. The second study utilized single-edge notched tensile specimens loaded in fatigue, and compared the evolving microstructure ahead of a fatigue crack for cases of an uncharged, 10 wppm hydrogen-charged, and 104 wppm hydrogen-charged 304 and 316L alloy. The final fatigue study, a small fatigue crack growth study in round bars of 304 and 316, provided a contextual comparison of microstructures to previous results in literature. In the metastable 304 stainless steel, hydrogen is found to change the nature of the martensitic transformation and subsequent fracture path. This transformation is attributed to enhanced plasticity and hydrogen-dislocation interactions stabilizing the austenitic matrix and confining slip to particular close-packed planes. The martensite acts as a fast diffusion pathway for hydrogen, leading to final fracture along martensitic laths or cleavage planes. In 316L, the material deforms via slip and twinning and hydrogen does not induce a change in deformation mechanisms. Instead, the enhanced plasticity and hydrogen-dislocation interactions increase the degree of plasticity, leading to smaller dislocation cell sizes with thicker walls before the onset of twinning. The crack interacts with a heavily twinned structure superimposed on dislocation cells, resulting in a curvature of one twin-variant in the direction of crack growth and the formation of a refined region at the fracture surface. These structures are localized to the crack surface and limited in rotation in the presence of hydrogen. The presence of a hydrogen content above the solution-limit led to a strengthening effect over all other samples in the round bar samples for both 304 and 316. In the SENT studies, 304 stainless steel charged to these levels showed the greatest degree of hydrogen embrittlement, while in 316L stainless steel, the samples containing these levels of hydrogen were found to be stronger in fatigue life than the 10 wppm hydrogen-charged sample. Both of the 316L hydrogen-charged samples were weaker than their uncharged counterpart. Differences in the outcomes for the two studies was attributed to the geometry and testing condition employed. When strengthening was observed, the role of hydrogen was resolved to be two-fold: hydrogen hardens the matrix in the lattice, suppressing the process zone at the crack; and hydrogen at the dislocations enhances the plasticity experienced in the region where the material is yielding ahead of crack advance in the strain lobe. Irrespective of material class, increasing stress-state on the crack within the same stage of fatigue life leads to an increase in depth of the refinement layer and level of plasticity. The refinement at the surface can be attributed to the dislocation emission created during crack advance and the deformation induced in the crack wake. The former is the primary contributor to the SENT specimen studies, while the latter is responsible for the differences observed in the round-bar studies. In 316L, when the twin structure was observed to extend to the surface, regions of light and dark contrast were observed between the twinning bundle variants which corresponded to the peaks and troughs of the striations. This observation is counter to the current understanding that striations form during the crack advance process, independently of the evolved microstructure. The resulting microstructures in all hydrogen-induced studies are discussed in terms of the impact of hydrogen-dislocation interactions and enhanced plasticity. The evolving microstructure and unique observation of striations conforming to the microstructure developed ahead of crack advance emphasize the need to revisit how fatigue models are approached. Although a challenge, models must be informed by plasticity based arguments incorporating the deformation mechanisms observed in experiments to accurately reflect fatigue crack growth.

The Effect of Aggressive Corrosion Mediums on the Microstructure and Properties of Mild Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Araoyinbo, A. O.; Salleh, M. A. A. Mohd; Rahmat, A.; Azmi, A. I.; Rahim, W. M. F. Wan Abd; Achitei, D. C.; Jin, T. S.

2018-06-01

Mild steel is known to be one of the major construction materials and have been extensively used in most chemical and material industries due to its interesting properties which can be easily altered to suit various application areas. In this research, mild steel is exposed to different aggressive mediums in order to observe the effect of these interactions on its surface morphology and properties. The mild steel used was cut into dimensions of 7 cm length and width of 3 cm. The aggressive mediums used are 100 mls of aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide (40 g/L), and sodium chloride (35 g/L) at room temperature. The characterizations performed are the hardness test with the Rockwell hardness tester, the surface morphology by optical microscope, surface roughness and the weight loss from the immersion test. It was observed that the hardness value and the weight loss for the different cut samples of mild steel immersed in the different aggressive mediums reduces with prolong exposure and severe pitting form of corrosion was present on its surface.

Effect of bond coat and preheat on the microstructure, hardness, and porosity of flame sprayed tungsten carbide coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winarto, Winarto; Sofyan, Nofrijon; Rooscote, Didi

2017-06-01

Thermally sprayed coatings are used to improve the surface properties of tool steel materials. Bond coatings are commonly used as intermediate layers deposited on steel substrates (i.e. H13 tool steel) before the top coat is applied in order to enhance a number of critical performance criteria including adhesion of a barrier coating, limiting atomic migration of the base metal, and corrosion resistance. This paper presents the experimental results regarding the effect of nickel bond coat and preheats temperatures (i.e. 200°C, 300°C and 400°C) on microstructure, hardness, and porosity of tungsten carbide coatings sprayed by flame thermal coating. Micro-hardness, porosity and microstructure of tungsten carbide coatings are evaluated by using micro-hardness testing, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The results show that nickel bond coatings reduce the susceptibility of micro crack formation at the bonding area interfaces. The percentage of porosity level on the tungsten carbide coatings with nickel bond coat decreases from 5.36 % to 2.78% with the increase of preheat temperature of the steel substrate of H13 from 200°C to 400°C. The optimum hardness of tungsten carbide coatings is 1717 HVN in average resulted from the preheat temperature of 300°C.

A Metallurgical Investigation of the Direct Energy Deposition Surface Repair of Ferrous Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marya, Manuel; Singh, Virendra; Hascoet, Jean-Yves; Marya, Surendar

2018-02-01

Among additive manufacturing (AM) processes, the direct energy deposition (DED) by laser is explored to establish its applicability for the repair of ferrous alloys such as UNS G41400 low-alloy steel, UNS S41000 martensitic stainless steel, UNS S17400 precipitation-strengthened martensitic stainless steel, and UNS S32750 super-duplex stainless steel. Unlike plating, thermal spray, and conventional cladding weld, DED laser powder deposition offers potential advantages, e.g., thin deposits, limited dilutions, narrow heat-affected zones (HAZ), potentially improved surface properties. In this investigation, all AM deposits were completed with an IREPA CLAD™ system using a powder feed of UNS N06625, an alloy largely selected for its outstanding corrosion resistance. This investigation first addresses topological aspects of AM deposits (including visual imperfections) before focusing on changes in microstructure, microhardness, chemical composition across AM deposits and base materials. It has been established that dense, uniform, hard ( 300 HVN), crack-free UNS N06625-compliant AM deposits of fine dendritic microstructures are reliably produced. However, except for the UNS S32750 steel, a significant martensitic hardening was observed in the HAZs of UNS G41400 ( 650 HVN), UNS S41000 ( 500 HVN), and UNS S17400 ( 370 HVN). In summary, this investigation demonstrates that the DED laser repair of ferrous parts with UNS N06625 may restore damaged surfaces, but it also calls for cautions and complementary investigations for alloys experiencing a high HAZ hardening, for which industry standard recommendations are exceeded and lead to an increased risk of delayed cracking in corrosive environments.

Impact of the nanostructuration on the corrosion resistance and hardness of irradiated 316 austenitic stainless steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hug, E.; Prasath Babu, R.; Monnet, I.; Etienne, A.; Moisy, F.; Pralong, V.; Enikeev, N.; Abramova, M.; Sauvage, X.; Radiguet, B.

2017-01-01

The influence of grain size and irradiation defects on the mechanical behavior and the corrosion resistance of a 316 stainless steel have been investigated. Nanostructured samples were obtained by severe plastic deformation using high pressure torsion. Both coarse grain and nanostructured samples were irradiated with 10 MeV 56Fe5+ ions. Microstructures were characterized using transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography. Surface mechanical properties were evaluated thanks to hardness measurements and the corrosion resistance was studied in chloride environment. Nanostructuration by high pressure torsion followed by annealing leads to enrichment in chromium at grain boundaries. However, irradiation of nanostructured samples implies a chromium depletion of the same order than depicted in coarse grain specimens but without metallurgical damage like segregated dislocation loops or clusters. Potentiodynamic polarization tests highlight a definitive deterioration of the corrosion resistance of coarse grain steel with irradiation. Downsizing the grain to a few hundred of nanometers enhances the corrosion resistance of irradiated samples, despite the fact that the hardness of nanocrystalline austenitic steel is only weakly affected by irradiation. These new experimental results are discussed in the basis of couplings between mechanical and electrical properties of the passivated layer thanks to impedance spectroscopy measurements, hardness properties of the surfaces and local microstructure evolutions.

Micro-mechanisms of Surface Defects Induced on Aluminum Alloys during Plastic Deformation at Elevated Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gali, Olufisayo A.

Near-surface deformed layers developed on aluminum alloys significantly influence the corrosion and tribological behavior as well as reduce the surface quality of the rolled aluminum. The evolution of the near-surface microstructures induced on magnesium containing aluminum alloys during thermomechanical processing has been investigated with the aim generating an understanding of the influence of individual forming parameters on its evolution and examine the microstructure of the roll coating induced on the mating steel roll through material transfer during rolling. The micro-mechanisms related to the various features of near-surface microstructure developed during tribological conditions of the simulated hot rolling process were identified. Thermomechanical processing experiments were performed with the aid of hot rolling (operating temperature: 550 to 460 °C, 4, 10 and 20 rolling pass schedules) and hot forming (operating temperature: 350 to 545 °C, strain rate: 4 x 10-2 s-1) tribo-simulators. The surface, near-surface features and material transfer induced during the elevated temperature plastic deformation were examined and characterized employing optical interferometry, SEM/EDS, FIB and TEM. Near-surface features characterized on the rolled aluminum alloys included; cracks, fractured intermetallic particles, aluminum nano-particles, oxide decorated grain boundaries, rolled-in oxides, shingles and blisters. These features were related to various individual rolling parameters which included, the work roll roughness, which induced the formation of shingles, rolling marks and were responsible for the redistribution of surface oxide and the enhancements of the depth of the near-surface damage. The enhanced stresses and strains experienced during rolling were related to the formation and propagation of cracks, the nanocrystalline structure of the near-surface layers and aluminum nano-particles. The mechanism of the evolution of the near-surface microstructure were determined to include grain boundary sliding which induced the cracks at the surface and subsurface of the alloy, magnesium diffusion to free surfaces, crack propagation from shear stresses and the shear strains inducing the nanocrystalline grain structure, the formation of shingles by the shear deformation of micro-wedges induced by the work roll grooves, and the deformation of this oxide covered micro-wedges inducing the rolled-in oxides. Magnesium diffusion to free surfaces was identified as inducing crack healing due to the formation of MgO within cracks and was responsible for the oxide decorated grain boundaries. An examination of the roll coating revealed a complex layered microstructure that was induced through tribo-chemical and mechanical entrapment mechanisms. The microstructure of the roll coating suggested that the work roll material and the rolled aluminum alloy were essential in determining its composition and structure. Subsequent hot forming processes revealed the rich oxide-layer of the near-surface microstructure was beneficial for reducing the coefficient of friction during tribological contact with the steel die. Damage to the microstructure include cracks induced from grain boundary sliding of near-surface grains and the formation of oxide fibres within cracks of the near-surface deformed layers.

Experimental Investigation of White Layer formation in Hard Turning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umbrello, D.; Rotella, G.; Crea, F.

2011-05-01

Hard turning with super hard cutting tools, like PCBN or Ceramics inserts, represents an interesting advance in the manufacturing industry, regarding the finishing of hardened steels. This innovative machining technique is considered an attractive alternative to traditional finish grinding operations because of the high flexibility, the ability to achieve higher metal removal rates, the possibility to operate without the use of coolants, and the capability to achieve comparable workpiece quality. However, the surface integrity effects of hard machining need to be taken into account due to their influence on the life of machined components. In particular, the formation of a usually undesirable white layer at the surface needs further investigation. Three different mechanisms have been proposed as main responsible of the white layer genesis: (i) microstructural phase transformation due to a rapid heating and quenching, (ii) severe plastic deformation resulting in a homogenous structure and/or a very fine grain size microstructure; (iii) surface reaction with the environment. In this research, an experimental campaign was carried out and several experimental techniques were used in order to analyzed the machined surface and to understand which of the above mentioned theories is the main cause of the white layer formation when AISI 52100 hardened steel is machined by PCBN inserts. In particular, the topography characterization has obtained by means of optical and scanning electron microscope (SEM) while microstructural phase composition and chemical characterization have been respectively detected using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. The results prove that the white layer is the result of microstructural alteration, i.e. the generation of a martensitic structure.

Effect of deformation schedule on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a thermomechanically processed C-Mn-Si transformation-induced plasticity steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Timokhina, I. B.; Hodgson, P. D.; Pereloma, E. V.

2003-08-01

Thermomechanical processing simulations were performed using a hot-torsion machine, in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of the effect of severe deformation in the recrystallized and nonrecrystallized austenite regions on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of the 0.2 wt pct C-1.55 wt pct Mn-1.5 wt pct Si transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) steel. The deformation schedule affected all constituents (polygonal ferrite, bainite in different morphologies, retained austenite, and martensite) of the multiphased TRIP steel microstructure. The complex relationships between the volume fraction of the retained austenite, the morphology and distribution of all phases present in the microstructure, and the mechanical properties of TRIP steel were revealed. The bainite morphology had a more pronounced effect on the mechanical behavior than the refinement of the microstructure. The improvement of the mechanical properties of TRIP steel was achieved by variation of the volume fraction of the retained austenite rather than the overall refinement of the microstructure.

Microstructure simulation of rapidly solidified ASP30 high-speed steel particles by gas atomization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Jie; Wang, Bo; Yang, Zhi-liang; Wu, Guang-xin; Zhang, Jie-yu; Zhao, Shun-li

2016-03-01

In this study, the microstructure evolution of rapidly solidified ASP30 high-speed steel particles was predicted using a simulation method based on the cellular automaton-finite element (CAFE) model. The dendritic growth kinetics, in view of the characteristics of ASP30 steel, were calculated and combined with macro heat transfer calculations by user-defined functions (UDFs) to simulate the microstructure of gas-atomized particles. The relationship among particle diameter, undercooling, and the convection heat transfer coefficient was also investigated to provide cooling conditions for simulations. The simulated results indicated that a columnar grain microstructure was observed in small particles, whereas an equiaxed microstructure was observed in large particles. In addition, the morphologies and microstructures of gas-atomized ASP30 steel particles were also investigated experimentally using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental results showed that four major types of microstructures were formed: dendritic, equiaxed, mixed, and multi-droplet microstructures. The simulated results and the available experimental data are in good agreement.

Experimental study on corrosion and precipitation in non-isothermal Pb-17Li system for development of liquid breeder blanket of fusion reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kondo, Masatoshi; Ishii, Masaomi; Norimatsu, Takayoshi; Muroga, Takeo

2017-07-01

The corrosion characteristics of RAFM steel JLF-1 in a non-isothermal Pb-17Li flowing system were investigated by means of the corrosion test using a non-isothermal mixing pot. The corrosion test was performed at 739K with a temperature gradient of 14K for 500 hours. The corrosion tests at a static and a flowing conditions in an isothermal Pb-17Li system were also performed at the same temperature for the same duration with the non-isothermal test. Then, the effect of mass transfer both by the flow and the temperature gradient on the corrosion behaviors was featured by the comparison of these results. The corrosion was caused by the dissolution of Fe and Cr from the steel surface into the flowing Pb-17Li. The specimen surface revealed a fine granular microstructure after the corrosion tests. A large number of pebbleshaped protrusions were observed on the specimen surface. This microstructure was different from the original martensite microstructure of the steel, and might be formed by the influence of the reaction with Li component in the alloy. The formation of the granular microstructure was accelerated by the flow and the temperature gradient. Some pebble-shaped protrusions had gaps at their bases. The removal of these pebble-shaped granules by the flowing Pb-17Li might cause a small-scale corrosion-erosion. The results of metallurgical analysis indicated that a large-scale corrosion-erosion was also caused by their destruction of the corroded layer on the surface. The non-isothermal mixing pot equipped a cold trap by a metal mesh in the low temperature region. The metal elements of Fe and Cr were recovered as they precipitated on the surface of the metal mesh. It was found that a Fe-Cr binary intermetallic compound was formed in the precipitation procedure. The overall mass transfer coefficient for the dissolution type corrosion in the non-isothermal system was much bigger than that in the isothermal system. This model evaluation indicated that the temperature gradient accelerated the corrosion.

Cleavage fracture in pearlitic eutectoid steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexander, D. J.; Bernstein, I. M.

1989-11-01

The effect of microstructure on flow and fracture properties of fully pearlitic steel has been studied by independently varying the prior austenite grain size and the pearlite interlamellar spacing through appropriate heat treatments. The yield strength is independent of the prior austenite grain size but increases as the interlamellar spacing or the temperature decreases. The microstructural dependence can be explained by using a model which assumes that yielding is controlled by dislocation motion in the ferrite lamellae. The critical tensile stress for cleavage fracture is found to be independent of prior austenite grain size, increasing as the interlamellar spacing decreases. The cleavage fracture stress is independent of temperature for fine pearlite but increases as the temperature decreases for coarse pearlite. The associated fracture in blunt notch specimens initiates at inclusions beneath notch surface near the location of maximum tensile stress. From the size of such inclusions, the effective surface energy for cleavage fracture can be directly calculated and is found to be independent of temperature and prior austenite grain size but to increase as the interlamellar spacing decreases, from about 5 to 13 J/m2 for the range of microstructures and temperatures used in this study. Additional measurements of the effective surface energy and further theoretical analyses of the cleavage process are needed.

Damage Mechanisms and Mechanical Properties of High-Strength Multiphase Steels.

PubMed

Heibel, Sebastian; Dettinger, Thomas; Nester, Winfried; Clausmeyer, Till; Tekkaya, A Erman

2018-05-09

The usage of high-strength steels for structural components and reinforcement parts is inevitable for modern car-body manufacture in reaching lightweight design as well as increasing passive safety. Depending on their microstructure these steels show differing damage mechanisms and various mechanical properties which cannot be classified comprehensively via classical uniaxial tensile testing. In this research, damage initiation, evolution and final material failure are characterized for commercially produced complex-phase (CP) and dual-phase (DP) steels in a strength range between 600 and 1000 MPa. Based on these investigations CP steels with their homogeneous microstructure are characterized as damage tolerant and hence less edge-crack sensitive than DP steels. As final fracture occurs after a combination of ductile damage evolution and local shear band localization in ferrite grains at a characteristic thickness strain, this strain measure is introduced as a new parameter for local formability. In terms of global formability DP steels display advantages because of their microstructural composition of soft ferrite matrix including hard martensite particles. Combining true uniform elongation as a measure for global formability with the true thickness strain at fracture for local formability the mechanical material response can be assessed on basis of uniaxial tensile testing incorporating all microstructural characteristics on a macroscopic scale. Based on these findings a new classification scheme for the recently developed high-strength multiphase steels with significantly better formability resulting of complex underlying microstructures is introduced. The scheme overcomes the steel designations using microstructural concepts, which provide no information about design and production properties.

Heavy Deformation of Patented Near-Eutectoid Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khanchandani, Heena; Banerjee, M. K.

2018-01-01

Evolution of microstructure in the patented near-eutectoid steel, forged under varying situations, is critically examined in the present investigation. Steel with 0.74 wt.% carbon is isothermally annealed at 500 °C to obtain fine pearlite microstructure. Steel samples, so patented, are subjected to mechanical deformation by forging at various temperatures with different amount of thickness reduction. Microstructural analyses have revealed that mechanical deformation by forging at lower temperatures brings about partial dissolution of cementite, which is followed by the formation of ɛ-carbide in the microstructures. In contrast, cementite is precipitated within ferrite matrix upon warm or hot forging at higher temperatures. It is further observed that increasing deformation percent during low-temperature forging reduces interlamellar spacing of pearlite, whereas an opposite trend is noticed in case of deformation at higher temperature; moreover, deformation induced the change in interlamellar spacing and formation of fine carbide phases in microstructures has caused appreciable enhancement in hardness of the steel.

Coating transformations in the early stages of hot-dip galvannealing of steel sheet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDevitt, Erin Todd

The present, comprehensive study of the reactions occurring early in galvanneal processing under conditions typical of commercial production represents the first detailed investigation of the microstructural evolution of the coating in the early stages of galvannealing and the results shed new light on the course of the coating microstructural development. During hot dipping, an Fe2Al5 inhibition layer formed on the surface of the steel substrate in the first instants of immersion in Zn baths containing as low as 0.10 wt.% Al. When hot-dipping in a 0.14 wt.% Al, the as-dipped coating microstructure consisted of an Fe2Al 5 layer on the steel surface. That layer was covered by a layer of the Fe-Zn compound Gamma1, which was covered by the zeta phase or unalloyed Zn. Substrate chemistry did not affect coating microstructure development in the bath. Thermodynamic predictions of the precipitation behavior during the bath reactions agrees well with experimental observations. A mechanism for coating microstructure development in the Zn bath which is consistent with all the experimental results is proposed. From this information, the metallurgical variables which govern inhibition layer formation are discerned. The breakdown of the Fe2Al5 inhibition layer during galvannealing at 500°C occurred without the formation of outbursts. Instead, the grain boundary diffusion of Al into the steel substrate accounted for dissolution of the inhibition layer in the first second of galvannealing. A mechanism for inhibition layer breakdown is presented. P-additions affected only the rate at which the inhibition layer dissolved and did not affect the rate of Fe-Zn compound formation. P in the substrate blocked grain boundary diffusion of Al into the substrate thus slowing inhibition layer dissolution. The slower overall galvannealing behavior often observed on P-bearing substrates is due to a longer period of inhibition layer survival which results in a longer incubation period for the initiation of the formation of Fe-Zn compounds. The coating solidified after inhibition layer dissolution by the continuous formation of new delta grains from the liquid at the solidification front. The microstructural evolution of the entire coating, including the formation of Gamma and Gammal, during solidification is also presented.

The effects of laser welding parameters on the microstructure of ferritic and duplex stainless steels welds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pekkarinen, J.; Kujanpää, V.

This study is focused to determine empirically, which microstructural changes occur in ferritic and duplex stainless steels when heat input is controlled by welding parameters. Test welds were done autogenously bead-on-plate without shielding gas using 5 kW fiber laser. For comparison, some gas tungsten arc welds were made. Used test material were 1.4016 (AISI 430) and 1.4003 (low-carbon ferritic) type steels in ferritic steels group and 1.4162 (low-alloyed duplex, LDX2101) and 1.4462 (AISI 2205) type steels in duplex steels group. Microstructural changes in welds were identified and examined using optical metallographic methods.

High temperature oxidation behavior of austenitic stainless steel AISI 304 in steam of nanofluids contain nanoparticle ZrO2

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Prajitno, Djoko Hadi, E-mail: djokohp@batan.go.id; Syarif, Dani Gustaman, E-mail: djokohp@batan.go.id

2014-03-24

The objective of this study is to evaluate high temperature oxidation behavior of austenitic stainless steel SS 304 in steam of nanofluids contain nanoparticle ZrO{sub 2}. The oxidation was performed at high temperatures ranging from 600 to 800°C. The oxidation time was 60 minutes. After oxidation the surface of the samples was analyzed by different methods including, optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). X-ray diffraction examination show that the oxide scale formed during oxidation of stainless steel AISI 304 alloys is dominated by iron oxide, Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}. Minor element such as Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} ismore » also appeared in the diffraction pattern. Characterization by optical microscope showed that cross section microstructure of stainless steel changed after oxidized with the oxide scale on the surface stainless steels. SEM and x-ray diffraction examination show that the oxide of ZrO{sub 2} appeared on the surface of stainless steel. Kinetic rate of oxidation of austenite stainless steel AISI 304 showed that increasing oxidation temperature and time will increase oxidation rate.« less

The microstructural dependence of wear resistance in austenite containing plate steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolfram, Preston Charles

The purpose of this project was to examine the microstructural dependence of wear resistance of various plate steels, with interests in exploring the influence of retained austenite (RA). Materials resistant to abrasive wear are desirable in the industrial areas of agriculture, earth moving, excavation, mining, mineral processing, and transportation. Abrasive wear contributes to significant financial cost associated with wear to the industry. The motivation for the current study was to determine whether it would be beneficial from a wear resistance perspective to produce plate steels with increased amounts of retained austenite. This thesis investigates this motivation through a material matrix containing AR400F, Abrasive (0.21 wt pct C, 1.26 wt pct Mn, 0.21 wt pct Si, 0.15 wt pct Ni, 0.18 wt pct Mo), Armor (0.46 wt pct C, 0.54 wt pct Mn, 0.36 wt pct Si, 1.74 wt pct Ni, 0.31 wt pct Mo), 9260, 301SS, Hadfield, and SAE 4325 steels. The Abrasive, Armor and 9260 steels were heat treated using different methods such as quench and temper, isothermal bainitic hold, and quench and partitioning (Q&P). These heat treatments yielded various microstructures and the test matrix allowed for investigation of steels with similar hardness and varying levels of RA. The wear test methods used consisted of dry sand rubber wheel (DSRW), impeller-tumbler impact-abrasion (impeller), and Bond abrasion wear testing. DSRW and impeller wear resistance was found to increase with hardness and retained austenite levels at certain hardness levels. Some Q&P samples exhibited similar or less wear than the Hadfield steels in DSRW and impeller tests. Scanning electron microscopy investigation of wear surfaces revealed different wear mechanisms for the different wear test methods ranging from micro-plowing, to micro-cutting and to fragmentation.

Effect of free Cr content on corrosion behavior of 3Cr steels in a CO2 environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Wei; Xu, Lining; Qiao, Lijie; Li, Jinxu

2017-12-01

The corrosion behavior of 3Cr steels with three microstructures (martensite, bainite, combined ferrite and pearlite) in simulated oil field formation water with a CO2 partial pressure of 0.8 MPa was investigated. The relationships between Cr concentrations in corrosion scales and corrosion rates were studied. The precipitated phases that contained Cr were observed in steels of different microstructures, and free Cr content levels were compared. The results showed that steel with the martensite microstructure had the highest free Cr content, and thus had the highest corrosion resistance. The free Cr content of bainite steel was lower than that of martensite steel, and the corrosion rate of bainite steel was higher than that of martensite steel. Because large masses of Cr were combined in ferrite and pearlite steel, the corrosion rates of ferrite and pearlite steel were the highest. Free Cr content in steel affects its corrosion behavior greatly.

Processing and refinement of steel microstructure images for assisting in computerized heat treatment of plain carbon steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Shubhank; Panda, Aditi; Naskar, Ruchira; Mishra, Dinesh Kumar; Pal, Snehanshu

2017-11-01

Steels are alloys of iron and carbon, widely used in construction and other applications. The evolution of steel microstructure through various heat treatment processes is an important factor in controlling properties and performance of steel. Extensive experimentations have been performed to enhance the properties of steel by customizing heat treatment processes. However, experimental analyses are always associated with high resource requirements in terms of cost and time. As an alternative solution, we propose an image processing-based technique for refinement of raw plain carbon steel microstructure images, into a digital form, usable in experiments related to heat treatment processes of steel in diverse applications. The proposed work follows the conventional steps practiced by materials engineers in manual refinement of steel images; and it appropriately utilizes basic image processing techniques (including filtering, segmentation, opening, and clustering) to automate the whole process. The proposed refinement of steel microstructure images is aimed to enable computer-aided simulations of heat treatment of plain carbon steel, in a timely and cost-efficient manner; hence it is beneficial for the materials and metallurgy industry. Our experimental results prove the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed technique.

Investigation of the Use of Laser Shock Peening for Enhancing Fatigue and Stress Corrosion Cracking Resistance of Nuclear Energy Materials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vasudevan, Vijay K.; Jackson, John; Teysseyre, Sebastien

The objective of this project, which includes close collaboration with scientists from INL and ANL, is to investigate and demonstrate the use of advanced mechanical surface treatments like laser shock peening (LSP) and ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (UNSM) and establish baseline parameters for enhancing the fatigue properties and SCC resistance of nuclear materials like nickel-based alloy 600 and 304 stainless steel. The research program includes the following key elements/tasks: 1) Procurement of Alloy 600 and 304 SS, heat treatment studies; 2) LSP and UNSM processing of base metal and welds/HAZ of alloys 600 and 304; (3) measurement and mapping ofmore » surface and sub-surface residual strains/stresses and microstructural changes as a function of process parameters using novel methods; (4) determination of thermal relaxation of residual stresses (macro and micro) and microstructure evolution with time at high temperatures typical of service conditions and modeling of the kinetics of relaxation; (5) evaluation of the effects of residual stress, near surface microstructure and temperature on SCC and fatigue resistance and associated microstructural mechanisms; and (6) studies of the effects of bulk and surface grain boundary engineering on improvements in the SCC resistance and associated microstructural and cracking mechanisms« less

Effect of isothermal heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of Reduced Activation Ferritic Martensitic steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandravathi, K. S.; Sasmal, C. S.; Laha, K.; Parameswaran, P.; Nandagopal, M.; Vijayanand, V. D.; Mathew, M. D.; Jayakumar, T.; Rajendra Kumar, E.

2013-04-01

Hardness, tensile properties and microstructural changes in 9Cr-1W-0.06Ta-0.22V-0.08C Reduced Activation Ferritic-Martensitic steel have been investigated after subjecting the steel with isothermal heat treatments for 5 min at temperatures in the range 973-1473 K (below Ac1 to above Ac3 transformation temperatures) followed by oil quenching and tempering at 1033 K for 1 h. These studies have been carried out in an effort to assess the strength of the steel at different microstructural conditions. Optical, scanning and transmission electron microscopic investigations have been carried out to assess the microstructural changes of the steel upon various heat treatments. The steel developed predominantly tempered martensitic structure after the heat treatments. The hardness, tensile strength and the prior austenitic grain size of the steel exhibited minimum values for soaking heat treatment in the intercritical temperature range (i.e.) between Ac1 and Ac3; whereas the ductility was maximum. With increase in isothermal heat treatment temperature above Ac3, hardness, tensile strength and grain size of the steel were found to increase with consequent decrease in tensile ductility. TEM investigations revealed that the coarsening of subgrain and precipitates at grain and sub-grain boundaries on heat treatment of the steel in the inter-critical temperature range. The tensile properties of the steel have been correlated with microstructure.

Effect of process parameters on formability of laser melting deposited 12CrNi2 alloy steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Qian; Dong, Shiyun; Kang, Xueliang; Yan, Shixing; Men, Ping

2018-03-01

As a new rapid prototyping technology, the laser melting deposition technology not only has the advantages of fast forming, high efficiency, but also free control in the design and production chain. Therefore, it has drawn extensive attention from community.With the continuous improvement of steel performance requirements, high performance low-carbon alloy steel is gradually integrated into high-tech fields such as aerospace, high-speed train and armored equipment.However, it is necessary to further explore and optimize the difficult process of laser melting deposited alloy steel parts to achieve the performance and shape control.This article took the orthogonal experiment on alloy steel powder by laser melting deposition ,and revealed the influence rule of the laser power, scanning speed, powder gas flow on the quality of the sample than the dilution rate, surface morphology and microstructure analysis were carried out.Finally, under the optimum technological parameters, the Excellent surface quality of the alloy steel forming part with high density, no pore and cracks was obtained.

Improvement of the cavitation erosion resistance for Cr3Si film on stainless steel by double cathode glow discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Hongqin; Qiu, Yujiang

2017-04-01

In this study, sputter-deposited Cr3Si film was prepared by double cathode glow discharge (DCGD) technique onto 304 stainless steel. The phase constituents, surface microstructure and chemical compositions of the film were examined by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). After the DCGD process, the hardness of Cr3Si film was 26 GPa, about 10 times of the stainless steel, 2.5 GPa. The cavitation erosion resistance of Cr3Si film and stainless steel were investigated by using an ultrasonic vibration cavitation erosion system. After 30 hours of cavitation tests, the cumulative mass loss of Cr3Si film was only 60% of the stainless steel. Compared with the untreated stainless steel, the cavitation erosion resistance of Cr3Si film was improved. The cavitation mechanism of Cr3Si film is due to the delamination and spalling of local surface layer derived from its inherent brittleness.

Effect of solidification rate on microstructure evolution in dual phase microalloyed steel

PubMed Central

Kostryzhev, A. G.; Slater, C. D.; Marenych, O. O.; Davis, C. L.

2016-01-01

In steels the dependence of ambient temperature microstructure and mechanical properties on solidification rate is not well reported. In this work we investigate the microstructure and hardness evolution for a low C low Mn NbTi-microalloyed steel solidified in the cooling rate range of 1–50 Cs−1. The maximum strength was obtained at the intermediate solidification rate of 30 Cs−1. This result has been correlated to the microstructure variation with solidification rate. PMID:27759109

Optimized postweld heat treatment procedures for 17-4 PH stainless steels

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bhaduri, A.K.; Sujith, S.; Srinivasan, G.

1995-05-01

The postweld heat treatment (PWHT) procedures for 17-4 PH stainless steel weldments of matching chemistry was optimized vis-a-vis its microstructure prior to welding based on microstructural studies and room-temperature mechanical properties. The 17-4 PH stainless steel was welded in two different prior microstructural conditions (condition A and condition H 1150) and then postweld heat treated to condition H900 or condition H1150, using different heat treatment procedures. Microstructural investigations and room-temperature tensile properties were determined to study the combined effects of prior microstructural and PWHT procedures.

Creep Deformation, Rupture Analysis, Heat Treatment and Residual Stress Measurement of Monolithic and Welded Grade 91 Steel for Power Plant Components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shrestha, Triratna

Modified 9Cr-1 Mo (Grade 91) steel is currently considered as a candidate material for reactor pressure vessels (RPVs) and reactor internals for the Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR), and in fossil-fuel fired power plants at higher temperatures and stresses. The tensile creep behavior of Grade 91 steel was studied in the temperature range of 600°C to 750°C and stresses between 35 MPa and 350 MPa. Heat treatment of Grade 91 steel was studied by normalizing and tempering the steel at various temperatures and times. Moreover, Thermo-Ca1c(TM) calculation was used to predict the precipitate stability and their evolution, and construct carbon isopleths of Grade 91 steel. Residual stress distribution across gas tungsten arc welds (GTAW) in Grade 91 steel was measured by the time-of-flight neutron diffraction using the Spectrometer for Materials Research at Temperature and Stress (SMARTS) diffractometer at Lujan Neutron Scattering Center, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA. Analysis of creep results yielded stress exponents of ˜9-11 in the higher stress regime and ˜1 in the lower stress regime. The creep behavior of Grade 91 steel was described by the modified Bird-Mukherjee-Dorn relation. The rate-controlling creep deformation mechanism in the high stress regime was identified as the edge dislocation climb with a stress exponent of n = 5. On the other hand, the deformation mechanism in the Newtonian viscous creep regime (n = 1) was identified as the Nabarro-Herring creep. Creep rupture data were analyzed in terms of Monkman-Grant relation and Larson-Miller parameter. Creep damage tolerance factor and stress exponent were used to identify the cause of creep damage. The fracture surface morphology of the ruptured specimens was studied by scanning electron microscopy to elucidate the failure mechanisms. Fracture mechanism map for Grade 91 steel was developed based on the available material parameters and experimental observations. The microstructural evolution of heat treated steel was correlated with the differential scanning calorimetric study. The combination of microstructural studies with optical microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, microhardness profiles, and calorimetric plots helped in the understanding of the evolution of microstructure and precipitates in Grade 91 steel. The residual stresses were determined at the mid-thickness of the plate, 4.35 mm and 2.35 mm below the surface of the as-welded and post-weld heat treated plate. The residual stresses of the as-welded plate were compared with the post-weld heat treated plate. The post-weld heat treatment significantly reduced the residual stress in the base metal, heat affected zone, and the weld zone. Vickers microhardness profiles of the as-welded, and post-weld heat treated specimens were also determined and correlated with the observed residual stress profile and microstructure.

Research on Microstructure and Property of TiC-Co Composite Material Made by Laser Cladding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Wei

The experiment of laser cladding on the surface of 2Cr13 steel was made. Titanium carbide (TiC) powder and Co-base alloy powder were used as cladding material. The microstructure and property of laser cladding layer were tested. The research showed that laser cladding layer had better properties such as minute crystals, deeper layer, higher hardness and good metallurgical bonding with base metal. The structure of cladding was supersaturated solid solution with dispersed titanium carbide. The average hardness of cladding zone was 660HV0.2. 2Cr13 steel was widely used in the field of turbine blades. Using laser cladding, the good wear layer would greatly increase the useful life of turbine blades.

Effect of processing conditions on microstructural features in Mn–Si sintered steels

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Oro, Raquel, E-mail: raqueld@chalmers.se; Hryha, Eduard, E-mail: hryha@chalmers.se; Campos, Mónica, E-mail: campos@ing.uc3m.es

2014-09-15

Sintering of steels containing oxidation sensitive elements is possible if such elements are alloyed with others which present lower affinity for oxygen. In this work, a master alloy powder containing Fe–Mn–Si–C, specifically designed to create a liquid phase during sintering, has been used for such purpose. The effect of processing conditions such as sintering temperature and atmosphere was studied with the aim of describing the microstructural evolution as well as the morphology and distribution of oxides in the sintered material, evaluating the potential detrimental effect of such oxides on mechanical properties. Chemical analyses, metallography and fractography studies combined with X-raymore » photoelectron spectroscopy analyses on the fracture surfaces were used to reveal the main mechanism of fracture and their correlation with the chemical composition of the different fracture surfaces. The results indicate that the main mechanism of failure in these steels is brittle fracture in the surrounding of the original master alloy particles due to degradation of grain boundaries by the presence of oxide inclusions. Mn–Si oxide inclusions were observed on intergranular decohesive facets. The use of reducing atmospheres and high sintering temperatures reduces the amount and size of such oxide inclusions. Besides, high heating and cooling rates reduce significantly the final oxygen content in the sintered material. A model for microstructure development and oxide evolution during different stages of sintering is proposed, considering the fact that when the master alloy melts, the liquid formed can dissolve some of the oxides as well as the surface of the surrounding iron base particles. - Highlights: • Oxide distribution in steels containing oxidation-sensitive elements • Mn, Si introduced in a master alloy powder, mixed with a base iron powder • Selective oxidation of Mn and Si on iron grain boundaries • Decohesive fracture caused by degradation of grain boundaries by oxide inclusions • Reducing agents efficient at low temperatures critical for avoiding oxide inclusions.« less

Comparative study of eddy current and Barkhausen noise nondestructive testing methods in microstructural examination of ferrite-martensite dual-phase steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghanei, S.; Kashefi, M.; Mazinani, M.

2014-04-01

The magnetic properties of ferrite-martensite dual-phase steels were evaluated using eddy current and Barkhausen noise nondestructive testing methods and correlated with their microstructural changes. Several routes were used to produce different microstructures of dual-phase steels. The first route was different heat treatments in γ region to vary the ferrite grain size (from 9.47 to 11.12 in ASTM number), and the second one was variation in intercritical annealing temperatures (from 750 to 890 °C) in order to produce different percentages of martensite in dual-phase microstructure. The results concerning magnetic Barkhausen noise are discussed in terms of height, position and shape of Barkhausen noise profiles, taking into account two main aspects: ferrite grain size, and different percentages of martensite. Then, eddy current testing was used to study the mentioned microstructural changes by detection of impedance variations. The obtained results show that microstructural changes have a noticeable effect on the magnetic properties of dual-phase steels. The results reveal that both magnetic methods have a high potential to be used as a reliable nondestructive tool to detect and monitor microstructural changes occurring during manufacturing of dual-phase steels.

Gravitational effects on the weld pool shape and microstructural evolution during gas tungsten arc and laser beam welding of 304 stainless steel and Al-4 wt% Cu alloy.

PubMed

Kang, Namhyun; Singh, Jogender; Kulkarni, Anil K

2004-11-01

Effects of gravitational acceleration were investigated on the weld pool shape and microstructural evolution for 304 stainless steel and Al-4wt% Cu alloy. Effects of welding heat source were investigated by using laser beam welding (LBW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). As the gravitational level was increased from low gravity (LG approximately 1.2 g) to high gravity (HG approximately 1.8 g) using a NASA KC-135 aircraft, the weld pool shape for 304 stainless steel was influenced considerably during GTAW. However, insignificant change in the microstructure and solute distribution was observed at gravitational levels between LG and HG. The GTAW on Al-4 wt% Cu alloy was used to investigate the effect of gravitational orientation on the weld solidification behavior. Gravitational orientation was manipulated by varying the welding direction with respect to gravity vector; that is, by welding upward opposing gravity ( ||-U) and downward with gravity ( ||-D) on a vertical weld piece and welding perpendicular to gravity (perpendicular) on a horizontal weld piece. Under the same welding conditions, a larger primary dendrite spacing in the ||-U weld was observed near the weld pool surface and the fusion boundary than in the case of perpendicular or ||-D welds. The ||-D weld exhibited different solidification morphology and abnormal S shape of solidification rate curve during its growth. For 304 stainless steel GTAW, significant effects of gravitational orientation were observed on the weld pool shape that was associated with weld surface morphology and convection flow. However, the weld pool shape for LBW was mostly constant with respect to the gravitational orientation.

A Constitutive Relationship between Fatigue Limit and Microstructure in Nanostructured Bainitic Steels

PubMed Central

Mueller, Inga; Rementeria, Rosalia; Caballero, Francisca G.; Kuntz, Matthias; Sourmail, Thomas; Kerscher, Eberhard

2016-01-01

The recently developed nanobainitic steels show high strength as well as high ductility. Although this combination seems to be promising for fatigue design, fatigue properties of nanostructured bainitic steels are often surprisingly low. To improve the fatigue behavior, an understanding of the correlation between the nanobainitic microstructure and the fatigue limit is fundamental. Therefore, our hypothesis to predict the fatigue limit was that the main function of the microstructure is not necessarily totally avoiding the initiation of a fatigue crack, but the microstructure has to increase the ability to decelerate or to stop a growing fatigue crack. Thus, the key to understanding the fatigue behavior of nanostructured bainite is to understand the role of the microstructural features that could act as barriers for growing fatigue cracks. To prove this hypothesis, we carried out fatigue tests, crack growth experiments, and correlated these results to the size of microstructural features gained from microstructural analysis by light optical microscope and EBSD-measurements. Finally, we were able to identify microstructural features that influence the fatigue crack growth and the fatigue limit of nanostructured bainitic steels. PMID:28773953

Influence of carbon steel grade on the initial attachment of bacteria and microbiologically influenced corrosion.

PubMed

Javed, M A; Neil, W C; Stoddart, P R; Wade, S A

2016-01-01

The influence of the composition and microstructure of different carbon steel grades on the initial attachment (≤ 60 min) of Escherichia coli and subsequent longer term (28 days) corrosion was investigated. The initial bacterial attachment increased with time on all grades of carbon steel. However, the rate and magnitude of bacterial attachment varied on the different steel grades and was significantly less on the steels with a higher pearlite phase content. The observed variations in the number of bacterial cells attached across different steel grades were significantly reduced by applying a fixed potential to the steel samples. Longer term immersion studies showed similar levels of biofilm formation on the surface of the different grades of carbon steel. The measured corrosion rates were significantly higher in biotic conditions compared to abiotic conditions and were found to be positively correlated with the pearlite phase content of the different grades of carbon steel coupons.

Friction Welding For Cladding Applications: Processing, Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Inertia Friction Welds of Stainless Steel to Low Carbon Steel and Evaluation of Wrought and Welded Austenitic Stainless Steels for Cladding Applications in Acidchloride Service

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Switzner, Nathan

Friction welding, a solid-state joining method, is presented as a novel alternative process step for lining mild steel pipe and forged components internally with a corrosion resistant (CR) metal alloy for petrochemical applications. Currently, fusion welding is commonly used for stainless steel overlay cladding, but this method is costly, time-consuming, and can lead to disbonding in service due to a hard martensite layer that forms at the interface due to partial mixing at the interface between the stainless steel CR metal and the mild steel base. Firstly, the process parameter space was explored for inertia friction butt welding using AISI type 304L stainless steel and AISI 1018 steel to determine the microstructure and mechanical properties effects. A conceptual model for heat flux density versus radial location at the faying surface was developed with consideration for non-uniform pressure distribution due to frictional forces. An existing 1 D analytical model for longitudinal transient temperature distribution was modified for the dissimilar metals case and to account for material lost to the flash. Microstructural results from the experimental dissimilar friction welds of 304L stainless steel to 1018 steel were used to discuss model validity. Secondly, the microstructure and mechanical property implications were considered for replacing the current fusion weld cladding processes with friction welding. The nominal friction weld exhibited a smaller heat softened zone in the 1018 steel than the fusion cladding. As determined by longitudinal tensile tests across the bond line, the nominal friction weld had higher strength, but lower apparent ductility, than the fusion welds due to the geometric requirements for neck formation adjacent to a rigid interface. Martensite was identified at the dissimilar friction weld interface, but the thickness was smaller than that of the fusion welds, and the morphology was discontinuous due to formation by a mechanism of solid-state mixing. Thirdly, the corrosion resistance of multiple austenitic stainless steels (types 304, 316, and 309) processed in varying ways was compared for acid chloride environments using advanced electrochemical techniques. Physical simulation of fusion claddings and friction weld claddings (wrought stainless steels) was used for sample preparation to determine compositional and microstructural effects. Pitting resistance correlated firstly with Cr content, with N and Mo additions providing additional benefits. The high ferrite fraction of as-welded samples reduced their corrosion resistance. Wrought type 309L outperformed as-welded type 309L in dissolved mass loss and reverse corrosion rate from the potentiodynamic scan in 1.0 N HCl/3.5% NaCl solution. Electrochemical impedance results indicated that wrought 309L and 316L developed a corrosion resistant passive film more rapidly than other alloys in 0.1 N HCl/3.5% NaCl, and also performed well in long term (160-day) corrosion testing in the same environment. Fourthly, to prove the concept of internal CR lining by friction welding, a conical work piece of 304L stainless steel was friction welded internally to 1018 steel.

Damage Mechanisms and Mechanical Properties of High-Strength Multiphase Steels

PubMed Central

Heibel, Sebastian; Dettinger, Thomas; Nester, Winfried; Tekkaya, A. Erman

2018-01-01

The usage of high-strength steels for structural components and reinforcement parts is inevitable for modern car-body manufacture in reaching lightweight design as well as increasing passive safety. Depending on their microstructure these steels show differing damage mechanisms and various mechanical properties which cannot be classified comprehensively via classical uniaxial tensile testing. In this research, damage initiation, evolution and final material failure are characterized for commercially produced complex-phase (CP) and dual-phase (DP) steels in a strength range between 600 and 1000 MPa. Based on these investigations CP steels with their homogeneous microstructure are characterized as damage tolerant and hence less edge-crack sensitive than DP steels. As final fracture occurs after a combination of ductile damage evolution and local shear band localization in ferrite grains at a characteristic thickness strain, this strain measure is introduced as a new parameter for local formability. In terms of global formability DP steels display advantages because of their microstructural composition of soft ferrite matrix including hard martensite particles. Combining true uniform elongation as a measure for global formability with the true thickness strain at fracture for local formability the mechanical material response can be assessed on basis of uniaxial tensile testing incorporating all microstructural characteristics on a macroscopic scale. Based on these findings a new classification scheme for the recently developed high-strength multiphase steels with significantly better formability resulting of complex underlying microstructures is introduced. The scheme overcomes the steel designations using microstructural concepts, which provide no information about design and production properties. PMID:29747417

Microstructure and mechanical properties of 2024-T3 and 7075-T6 aluminum alloys and austenitic stainless steel 304 after being exposed to hydrogen peroxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sofyan, Nofrijon Bin Imam

The effect of hydrogen peroxide used as a decontaminant agent on selected aircraft metallic materials has been investigated. The work is divided into three sections; bacterial attachment behavior onto an austenitic stainless steel 304 surface; effect of decontamination process on the microstructure and mechanical properties of aircraft metallic structural materials of two aluminum alloys, i.e. 2024-T3 and 7075-T6, and an austenitic stainless steel 304 as used in galley and lavatory surfaces; and copper dissolution rate into hydrogen peroxide. With respect to bacterial attachment, the results show that surface roughness plays a role in the attachment of bacteria onto metallic surfaces at certain extent. However, when the contact angle of the liquid on a surface increased to a certain degree, detachment of bacteria on that surface became more difficult. In its relation to the decontamination process, the results show that a corrosion site, especially on the austenitic stainless steel 304 weld and its surrounding HAZ area, needs more attention because it could become a source or a harborage of bio-contaminant agent after either incidental or intentional bio-contaminant delivery. On the effect of the decontamination process on the microstructure and mechanical properties of aircraft metallic structural materials, the results show that microstructural effects are both relatively small in magnitude and confined to a region immediately adjacent to the exposed surface. No systematic effect is found on the tensile properties of the three alloys under the conditions examined. The results of this investigation are promising with respect to the application of vapor phase hydrogen peroxide as a decontaminant agent to civilian aircraft, in that even under the most severe circumstances that could occur; only very limited damage was observed. The results from the dissolution of copper by concentrated liquid hydrogen peroxide showed that the rate of copper dissolution increased for the first 15 minutes of the reaction time with an activation energy of 19 kJ/mol, and then the fraction of copper dissolved became constant. This constant dissolution was expected to be due to the formation of copper hydroxide, which was observed to precipitate after the solution settled for some time. However, because the final consumption of hydrogen peroxide was not controlled, the exact reason for this constant dissolution cannot be determined at this time. The value of activation energy is within the range of activation energy found in the literature for other dissolution process. The low activation energy for dissolution of pure copper correlates with the observation of dissolution of copper from intermetallic particles in the aluminum alloys.

Microstructural Evolution of AerMet100 Steel Coating on 300M Steel Fabricated by Laser Cladding Technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jian; Li, Jia; Cheng, Xu; Wang, Huaming

2018-02-01

In this paper, the process of coating AerMet100 steel on forged 300M steel with laser cladding was investigated, with a thorough analysis of the chemical composition, microstructure, and hardness of the substrate and the cladding layer as well as the transition zone. Results show that the composition and microhardness of the cladding layer are macroscopically homogenous with the uniformly distributed bainite and a small amount of retained austenite in martensite matrix. The transition zone, which spans approximately 100 μm, yields a gradual change of composition from the cladding layer to 300M steel matrix. The heat-affected zone (HAZ) can be divided into three zones: the sufficiently quenched zone (SQZ), the insufficiently quenched zone (IQZ), and the high tempered zone (HTZ). The SQZ consists of martensitic matrix and bainite, as for the IQZ and the HTZ the microstructures are martensite + tempered martensite and tempered martensite + ferrite, respectively. These complicated microstructures in the HAZ are caused by different peak heating temperatures and heterogeneous microstructures of the as-received 300M steel.

Influence of Annealing on the Depth Microstructure of the Shot Peened Duplex Stainless Steel at Elevated Temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Qiang; She, Jia; Xiang, Yong; Wu, Xianyun; Wang, Chengxi; Jiang, Chuanhai

The depth profiles of residual stresses and lattice parameters in the surface layers of shot peened duplex stainless steel at elevated temperature were investigated utilizing X-ray diffraction analysis. At each deformation depth, residual stress distributions in both ferrite and austenite were studied by X-ray diffraction stress analysis which is performed on the basis of the sin2ψ method and the lattice parameters were explored by Rietveld method. The results reveal that difference changes of depth residual compressive stress profiles between ferrite and austenite under the same annealing condition are resulted from the diverse coefficient of thermal expansion, dislocation density, etc. for different phases in duplex stainless steel. The relaxations of depth residual stresses in austenite are more obvious than those in ferrite. The lattice parameters decrease in the surface layer with the extending of annealing time, however, they increase along the depth after annealing for 16min. The change of the depth lattice parameters can be ascribed to both thermal expansion and the relaxation of residual stress. The different changes of microstructure at elevated temperature between ferrite and austenite are discussed.

Water Droplet Erosion Behavior of High-Power Diode Laser Treated 17Cr4Ni PH Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mann, B. S.

2014-05-01

This article deals with water droplet erosion (WDE) behavior of high-power diode laser (HPDL) treated 17Cr4Ni PH stainless steel. After HPDL treatment, the water droplet erosion resistance (WDER) of 17Cr4Ni PH stainless steel has not improved. The main reason is the surface hardness, which has not improved after HPDL treatment though the microstructure has become much finer. On the other hand, precipitation hardening of the alloy at 490°C for 3 h has resulted in improved WDER more than twice. This is because of its increased microhardness and improved modified ultimate resilience (MUR), and formation of fine grained microstructure. The WDER has been correlated with MUR, a single mechanical property, based upon microhardness, ultimate tensile strength, and Young's modulus. WDERs of HPDL treated, untreated, and precipitation hardened 17Cr4Ni PH stainless steel samples were determined using a WDE test facility as per ASTM G73-1978. The WDE damage mechanism, compared on the basis of MUR and scanning electron micrographs, is discussed and reported in this article.

Microstructural development during solidification of stainless steel alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elmer, J. W.; Allen, S. M.; Eagar, T. W.

1989-10-01

The microstructures that develop during the solidification of stainless steel alloys are related to the solidification conditions and the specific alloy composition. The solidification conditions are determined by the processing method, i.e., casting, welding, or rapid solidification, and by parametric variations within each of these techniques. One variable that has been used to characterize the effects of different processing conditions is the cooling rate. This factor and the chemical composition of the alloy both influence (1) the primary mode of solidification, (2) solute redistribution and second-phase formation during solidification, and (3) the nucleation and growth behavior of the ferrite-to-austenite phase transformation during cooling. Consequently, the residual ferrite content and the microstructural morphology depend on the cooling rate and are governed by the solidification process. This paper investigates the influence of cooling rate on the microstructure of stainless steel alloys and describes the conditions that lead to the many microstructural morphologies that develop during solidification. Experiments were performed on a series of seven high-purity Fe-Ni-Cr alloys that spanned the line of twofold saturation along the 59 wt pct Fe isopleth of the ternary alloy system. High-speed electron-beam surface-glazing was used to melt and resolidify these alloys at scan speeds up to 5 m/s. The resulting cooling rates were shown to vary from 7°C/s to 7.5×106°C/s, and the resolidified melts were analyzed by optical metallographic methods. Five primary modes of solidification and 12 microstructural morphologies were characterized in the resolidified alloys, and these features appear to be a complete “set” of the possible microstructures for 300-series stainless steel alloys. The results of this study were used to create electron-beam scan speed vs composition diagrams, which can be used to predict the primary mode of solidification and the microstructural morphology for different processing conditions. Furthermore, changes in the primary solidification mode were observed in alloys that lie on the chromium-rich side of the line of twofold saturation when they are cooled at high rates. These changes were explained by the presence of metastable austenite, which grows epitaxially and can dominate the solidification microstructure throughout the resolidified zone at high cooling rates.

SEM and TEM characterization of microstructure of stainless steel composites reinforced with TiB{sub 2}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sulima, Iwona, E-mail: isulima@up.krakow.pl

Steel-8TiB{sub 2} composites were produced by two new sintering techniques, i.e. Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) and High Pressure-High Temperature (HP-HT) sintering. This study discusses the impact of these sintering methods on the microstructure of steel composites reinforced with TiB{sub 2} particles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (WDS), X-ray diffraction, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to analyze the microstructure evolution in steel matrix composites. The results of microscopic examinations revealed a close relationship between the composite microstructure and the methods and conditions of sintering. Substantial differences were observed in the grain size ofmore » materials sintered by HP-HT and SPS. It has been demonstrated that the composites sintered by HP-HT tend to form a chromium-iron-nickel phase in the steel matrix. In contrast, the microstructure of the composites sintered by SPS is characterized by the presence of complex borides and chromium-iron phase. - Highlights: •The steel-8TiB{sub 2} composites were fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) and High Pressure-High Temperature (HP-HT). •Sintering techniques has an important effect on changes in the microstructure of steel-8TiB{sub 2} composites. •New phases of different size and morphology were identified.« less

Effect of Pulse Detonation-Plasma Technology Treatment on T8 Steel Microstructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Jiuming; Zhang, Linwei; Liu, Keming; Lu, Lei; Lu, Deping; Zhou, Haitao

2017-12-01

T8 steel surfaces were treated by pulse detonation-plasma technology (PDT) at capacitance values of 600, 800, and 1000 μF, and the effects of PDT were analyzed using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electron back-scattered diffraction, and micro-hardness tester and friction wear tester. The surface of T8 steel is first smoothed out, and then, craters are formed due to the inhomogeneity of the PDT energy and targeting during PDT treatment. The initial martensite in the T8 steel surface layer changes to austenite, and Fe3N is formed due to nitriding. The thickness of the modified layer, which is composed of columnar and fine grain structures, increases with the increasing capacity. Preferential orientation occurred in the {110} 〈 001 〉 direction in the modified layer, and the number of low-angle grain boundaries increased significantly after PDT treatment. The micro-hardness and wear resistance of the T8 steel was improved by PDT treatment, even doubled after the treatment with the capacitance of 1000 μF.

Mechanical properties of steels with a microstructure of bainite/martensite and austenite islands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syammach, Sami M.

Advanced high strength steels (AHSS) are continually being developed in order to reduce weight and improve safety for automotive applications. There is need for economic steels with improved strength and ductility combinations. These demands have led to research and development of third generation AHSS. Third generation AHSS include steel grades with a bainitic and tempered martensitic matrix with retained austenite islands. These steels may provide improved mechanical properties compared to first generation AHSS and should be more economical than second generation AHSS. There is a need to investigate these newer types of steels to determine their strength and formability properties. Understanding these bainitic and tempered martensitic steels is important because they likely can be produced using currently available production systems. If viable, these steels could be a positive step in the evolution of AHSS. The present work investigates the effect of the microstructure on the mechanical properties of steels with a microstructure of bainite, martensite, and retained austenite, so called TRIP aided bainitic ferrite (TBF) steels. The first step in this project was creating the desired microstructure. To create a microstructure of bainite, martensite, and austenite an interrupted austempering heat treatment was used. Varying the heat treatment times and temperatures produced microstructures of varying amounts of bainite, martensite, and austenite. Mechanical properties such as strength, ductility, strain hardening, and hole-expansion ratios were then evaluated for each heat treatment. Correlations between mechanical properties and microstructure were then evaluated. It was found that samples after each of the heat treatments exhibited strengths between 1050 MPa and 1350 MPa with total elongations varying from 8 pct to 16 pct. By increasing the bainite and austenite volume fraction the strength of the steel was found to decrease, but the ductility increased. Larger martensite volume fraction increased the strength of the steel. Strain hardening results showed that increasing the martensite volume fraction increased the strain hardening exponent while bainite decreased the strain hardening behavior. Austenite was found to slightly increase the strain hardening behavior. Hole-expansion tests showed hole expansion ratios ranging from 20 pct to 45 pct. Increasing the bainite volume fraction was found to increase the hole-expansion ratio. Increasing the martensite volume fraction was found to decrease the hole-expansion ratio. Overall, each of the heat treatments resulted in a steel with attractive properties, and the results showed how the microstructure of bainite, martensite, and austenite influences the mechanical properties of this type of steels.

Effect of microstructure of superalloy guide plate on its surface wear resistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Jianbo; Zhang, Xizhen

2018-03-01

The microstructure had been observed for guide plate, the guide plate be made of casting for groove controlling of hot rolled seamless tube, be produced for the production of 1600 seamless steel pipe,which cause obvious surface deformation and can not be normally produced. The alloy elements in matrix and precipitate phase of the guide plate were analyzed with the help of EDS. The results show that the wear resistance of the guide plate is directly affected by the fact that the guide plate is unable to form typical carbides, it shows that the formation of typical carbide strengthening plays an important role in improving the surface wear resistance of the guide plate.

The Development and Microstructure Analysis of High Strength Steel Plate NVE36 for Large Heat Input Welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Zhang; Liangfa, Xie; Ming, Wei; Jianli, Li

In the shipbuilding industry, the welding efficiency of the ship plate not only has a great effect on the construction cost of the ship, but also affects the construction speed and determines the delivery cycle. The steel plate used for large heat input welding was developed sufficiently. In this paper, the composition of the steel with a small amount of Nb, Ti and large amount of Mn had been designed in micro-alloyed route. The content of C and the carbon equivalent were also designed to a low level. The technology of oxide metallurgy was used during the smelting process of the steel. The rolling technology of TMCP was controlled at a low rolling temperature and ultra-fast cooling technology was used, for the purpose of controlling the transformation of the microstructure. The microstructure of the steel plate was controlled to be the mixed microstructure of low carbon bainite and ferrite. Large amount of oxide particles dispersed in the microstructure of steel, which had a positive effects on the mechanical property and welding performance of the steel. The mechanical property of the steel plate was excellent and the value of longitudinal Akv at -60 °C is more than 200 J. The toughness of WM and HAZ were excellent after the steel plate was welded with a large heat input of 100-250 kJ/cm. The steel plate processed by mentioned above can meet the requirement of large heat input welding.

Relationship Between Solidification Microstructure and Hot Cracking Susceptibility for Continuous Casting of Low-Carbon and High-Strength Low-Alloyed Steels: A Phase-Field Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Böttger, B.; Apel, M.; Santillana, B.; Eskin, D. G.

2013-08-01

Hot cracking is one of the major defects in continuous casting of steels, frequently limiting the productivity. To understand the factors leading to this defect, microstructure formation is simulated for a low-carbon and two high-strength low-alloyed steels. 2D simulation of the initial stage of solidification is performed in a moving slice of the slab using proprietary multiphase-field software and taking into account all elements which are expected to have a relevant effect on the mechanical properties and structure formation during solidification. To account for the correct thermodynamic and kinetic properties of the multicomponent alloy grades, the simulation software is online coupled to commercial thermodynamic and mobility databases. A moving-frame boundary condition allows traveling through the entire solidification history starting from the slab surface, and tracking the morphology changes during growth of the shell. From the simulation results, significant microstructure differences between the steel grades are quantitatively evaluated and correlated with their hot cracking behavior according to the Rappaz-Drezet-Gremaud (RDG) hot cracking criterion. The possible role of the microalloying elements in hot cracking, in particular of traces of Ti, is analyzed. With the assumption that TiN precipitates trigger coalescence of the primary dendrites, quantitative evaluation of the critical strain rates leads to a full agreement with the observed hot cracking behavior.

Influences of Thermomechanical Processing on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a HSLA Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yu; Xu, Songsong; Zou, Yun; Li, Jinhui; Zhang, Z. W.

High strength low alloy (HSLA) steels with high strength, high toughness, good corrosion resistance and weldability, can be widely used in shipbuilding, automobile, construction, bridging industry, etc. The microstructure evolution and mechanical properties can be influenced by thermomechanical processing. In this study, themomechanical processing is optimized to control the matrix microstructure and nano-scale precipitates in the matrix simultaneously. It is found that the low-temperature toughness and ductility of the steels are significantly the matrix microstructure during enhancing the strength by introducing the nano-scale precipitates. The effects of alloying elements on the microstructure evolution and nano-scale precipitation are also discussed.

Microstructure and Hardness Profiles of Bifocal Laser-Welded DP-HSLA Steel Overlap Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grajcar, A.; Matter, P.; Stano, S.; Wilk, Z.; Różański, M.

2017-04-01

The article presents results related to the bifocal laser welding of overlap joints made of HSLA and DP high-strength steels. The joints were made using a disk laser and a head enabling the 50-50% distribution of laser power. The effects of the laser welding rates and the distance between laser spots on morphological features and hardness profiles were analyzed. It was established that the positioning of beams at angles of 0° or 90° determined the hardness of the individual zones of the joints, without causing significant differences in microstructures of the steels. Microstructural features were inspected using scanning electron microscopy. Both steels revealed primarily martensitic-bainitic microstructures in the fusion zone and in the heat-affected zone. Mixed multiphase microstructures were revealed in the inter-critical heat-affected zone of the joint. The research involved the determination of parameters making it possible to reduce the hardness of joints and prevent the formation of the soft zone in the dual-phase steel.

Microstructural Developments and Tensile Properties of Lean Fe-Mn-Al-C Lightweight Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sohn, S. S.; Lee, S.; Lee, B.-J.; Kwak, J.-H.

2014-09-01

Concepts of Fe-Al-Mn-C-based lightweight steels are fairly simple, but primary metallurgical issues are complicated. In this study, recent studies on lean-composition lightweight steels were reviewed, summarized, and emphasized by their microstructural development and mechanical properties. The lightweight steels containing a low-density element of Al were designed by thermodynamic calculation and were manufactured by conventional industrial processes. Their microstructures consisted of various secondary phases as κ-carbide, martensite, and austenite in the ferrite matrix according to manufacturing and annealing procedures. The solidification microstructure containing segregations of C, Mn, and Al produced a banded structure during the hot rolling. The (ferrite + austenite) duplex microstructure was formed after the annealing, and the austenite was retained at room temperature. It was because the thermal stability of austenite nucleated from fine κ-carbide was quite high due to fine grain size of austenite. Because these lightweight steels have outstanding properties of strength and ductility as well as reduced density, they give a promise for automotive applications requiring excellent properties.

Research on the Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Ti Micro-Alloyed Cold Rolled Hot-Dip Galvanizing DP980 Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Yun; Kuang, Shuang; Qi, Xiumei; Xie, Chunqian; Liu, Guanghui

Effects of galvanizing simulation parameters on microstructures and mechanical properties of Ti-microalloyed cold rolled hot-dip galvanizing DP980 steel were investigated in this study by optical microscopy (OM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and tensile test. Moreover, the precipitation behavior of Ti in the experimental steel was also studied. The results show that, as the heating temperature increases, the tensile strength of experimental galvanizing DP980 steel decreases while the yield ratio and elongation of the steel are enhanced. The microstructures of experimental steels exhibit typical dual phase steel character and the volume fractions of MA islands are almost 30%. In addition, lots of nano-sized TiC precipitates can be found in the ferrite grains.

Effects of Variations in Heat Treatment on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of ASTM A710 Grade A Class 3 Steel.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-05-01

CLASS 3 STEEL - by G. E. Hitcho *L. C. Smith S. Singhal R. J. Fields U.S. Department of Commerce National Bureau of Standards Fracture and Deformation...IN HEAT TREATMENT ON THE Research & Development MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND MICROSTRUCTURE OF ASTM A710 GRADE A CLASS 3 STEEL 4. PERFORMING ORGM REPORT...NOTES SIS 1IS. KEY MaR05 (C~ueus ee m. .E If .eum Edalr br Slek ami.) Age hardening steel Microstructure Cleavage fracture Precipitate Ductile

The Effects of Helium Bubble Microstructure on Ductility in Annealed and HERF 21Cr-6Ni-9Mn Stainless Steel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tosten, M.H.; Morgan, M.J.

1998-01-01

This study examined the effects of microstructure on the ambient temperature embrittlement from hydrogen isotopes and decay helium in 21Cr-6Ni-9Mn stainless steel. Hydrogen and tritium-exposed 21Cr-6Ni-9Mn stainless steel tensile samples were pulled to failure and then characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and optical microscopy. This study determined that ductility differences between annealed and high-energy-rate-forged (HERF) stainless steel containing tritium and its decay product, helium, could be related to differences in the helium bubble microstructures. The HERF microstructures were more resistant to tritium-induced embrittlement than annealed microstructures because the high number density of helium bubbles on dislocations trap tritium withinmore » the matrix and away from the grain boundaries.« less

Experimental study of microstructure changes due to low cycle fatigue of a steel nanocrystallised by Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment (SMAT)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun, Z.

Electron Backscatter Diffraction technique is used to characterize the microstructure of 316L steel generated by Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment (SMAT) before and after low cycle fatigue tests. A grain size gradient is generated from the top surface to the interior of the samples after SMAT so that three main regions can be distinguished below the treated surface: (i) the ultra-fine grain area within 5 μm under the top surface with preferably oriented grains, (ii) the intermediate area where the original grains are partially transformed, and (iii) the edge periphery area where the original grains are just mechanically deformed with themore » presence of plastic slips. Fatigue tests show that cyclic loading does not change the grain orientation spread and does not activate any plastic slip in the ultra-fine grain top surface area induced by SMAT. On the opposite, in the plastically SMAT affected region including the intermediate area and the edge periphery area, new slip systems are activated by low cycle fatigue while the grain orientation spread is increased. These results represent a first very interesting step towards the characterization and understanding of mechanical mechanisms involved during the fatigue of a grain size gradient material. - Highlights: •LCF tests are carried out on specimens processed by SMAT. •EBSD is used to investigate microstructural changes induced by LCF. •A grain size gradient is generated by SMAT from surface to the bulk of the fatigue samples. •New slip systems are activated by LCF and GOS is increased in plastically deformed region. •However, these phenomena are not observed in the top surface ultra-fine grain area.« less

Effect of Machining Parameters on Oxidation Behavior of Mild Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majumdar, P.; Shekhar, S.; Mondal, K.

2015-01-01

This study aims to find out a correlation between machining parameters, resultant microstructure, and isothermal oxidation behavior of lathe-machined mild steel in the temperature range of 660-710 °C. The tool rake angles "α" used were +20°, 0°, and -20°, and cutting speeds used were 41, 232, and 541 mm/s. Under isothermal conditions, non-machined and machined mild steel samples follow parabolic oxidation kinetics with activation energy of 181 and ~400 kJ/mol, respectively. Exaggerated grain growth of the machined surface was observed, whereas, the center part of the machined sample showed minimal grain growth during oxidation at higher temperatures. Grain growth on the surface was attributed to the reduction of strain energy at high temperature oxidation, which was accumulated on the sub-region of the machined surface during machining. It was also observed that characteristic surface oxide controlled the oxidation behavior of the machined samples. This study clearly demonstrates the effect of equivalent strain, roughness, and grain size due to machining, and subsequent grain growth on the oxidation behavior of the mild steel.

Microstructure and antibacterial properties of microwave plasma nitrided layers on biomedical stainless steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Li-Hsiang; Chen, Shih-Chung; Wu, Ching-Zong; Hung, Jing-Ming; Ou, Keng-Liang

2011-06-01

Nitriding of AISI 303 austenitic stainless steel using microwave plasma system at various temperatures was conducted in the present study. The nitrided layers were characterized via scanning electron microscopy, glancing angle X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and Vickers microhardness tester. The antibacterial properties of this nitrided layer were evaluated. During nitriding treatment between 350 °C and 550 °C, the phase transformation sequence on the nitrided layers of the alloys was found to be γ → (γ + γ N) → (γ + α + CrN). The analytical results revealed that the surface hardness of AISI 303 stainless steel could be enhanced with the formation of γ N phase in nitriding process. Antibacterial test also demonstrated the nitrided layer processed the excellent antibacterial properties. The enhanced surface hardness and antibacterial properties make the nitrided AISI 303 austenitic stainless steel to be one of the essential materials in the biomedical applications.

The effect of laser process parameters on microstructure and dilution rate of cladding coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bin, Liu; Heping, Liu; Xingbin, Jing; Yuxin, Li; Peikang, Bai

2018-02-01

In order to broaden the range of application of Q235 steel, it is necessary to repair the surface of steel. High performance 316L stainless steel coating was successfully obtained on Q235 steel by laser cladding technology. The effect of laser cladding parameters on the geometrical size and appearance of single cladding layer was investigated. The experimental results show that laser current has an important influence on the surface morphology of single channel cladding. When the current is from 155A to 165A, the cladding coating becomes smooth. The laser current has an effect on the geometric cross section size and dilution rate of single cladding. The results revealed that with the rising of laser current, the width, height and depth of layer increase gradually. With the rising of laser current, the dilution rate of cladding layer is gradually increasing.

Study on Composition, Microstructure and Wear Behavior of Fe-B-C Wear-Resistant Surfacing Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhuang, Minghui; Li, Muqin; Wang, Jun; Ma, Zhen; Yuan, Shidan

2017-12-01

Fe-B-C alloy layers with various microstructures were welded on Q235 steel plates using welding powders/H08Mn2Si and welding wires composite surfacing technology. The relationship existing between the chemical composition, microstructure and wear resistance of the surfacing alloy layers was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, electron backscatter diffraction and wear tests. The results demonstrated that the volume fractions and morphologies of the microstructures in the surfacing alloy layers could be controlled by adjusting the boron and carbon contents in the welding powders, which could further regulate the wear resistance of the surfacing alloy layers. The typical microstructures of the Fe-B-C surfacing alloy layers included dendritic Fe, rod-like Fe2B, fishbone-like Fe2B and daisy-like Fe3(C, B). The wear resistance of the alloy layers with various morphologies differed. The wear resistance order of the different microstructures was: rod-like Fe2B > fishbone-like Fe2B > daisy-like Fe3(C, B) > dendritic Fe. A large number of rod-like Fe2B with high microhardness could be obtained at the boron content of 5.70 5.90 wt.% and the carbon content of 0.50 0.60wt.%. The highest wear resistance of the Fe-B-C alloy layers reached the value of 24.1 g-1, which demonstrates the main microscopic cutting wear mechanism of the Fe-B-C alloy layers.

Characterization of a Laser Surface-Treated Martensitic Stainless Steel.

PubMed

Al-Sayed, S R; Hussein, A A; Nofal, A A; Hassab Elnaby, S I; Elgazzar, H

2017-05-29

Laser surface treatment was carried out on AISI 416 machinable martensitic stainless steel containing 0.225 wt.% sulfur. Nd:YAG laser with a 2.2-KW continuous wave was used. The aim was to compare the physical and chemical properties achieved by this type of selective surface treatment with those achieved by the conventional treatment. Laser power of different values (700 and 1000 W) with four corresponding different laser scanning speeds (0.5, 1, 2, and 3 m•min-1) was adopted to reach the optimum conditions for impact toughness, wear, and corrosion resistance for laser heat treated (LHT) samples. The 0 °C impact energy of LHT samples indicated higher values compared to the conventionally heat treated (CHT) samples. This was accompanied by the formation of a hard surface layer and a soft interior base metal. Microhardness was studied to determine the variation of hardness values with respect to the depth under the treated surface. The wear resistance at the surface was enhanced considerably. Microstructure examination was characterized using optical and scanning electron microscopes. The corrosion behavior of the LHT samples was also studied and its correlation with the microstructures was determined. The corrosion data was obtained in 3.5% NaCl solution at room temperature by means of a potentiodynamic polarization technique.

Characterization of a Laser Surface-Treated Martensitic Stainless Steel

PubMed Central

Al-Sayed, S. R.; Hussein, A. A.; Nofal, A. A.; Hassab Elnaby, S. I.; Elgazzar, H.

2017-01-01

Laser surface treatment was carried out on AISI 416 machinable martensitic stainless steel containing 0.225 wt.% sulfur. Nd:YAG laser with a 2.2-KW continuous wave was used. The aim was to compare the physical and chemical properties achieved by this type of selective surface treatment with those achieved by the conventional treatment. Laser power of different values (700 and 1000 W) with four corresponding different laser scanning speeds (0.5, 1, 2, and 3 m·min−1) was adopted to reach the optimum conditions for impact toughness, wear, and corrosion resistance for laser heat treated (LHT) samples. The 0 °C impact energy of LHT samples indicated higher values compared to the conventionally heat treated (CHT) samples. This was accompanied by the formation of a hard surface layer and a soft interior base metal. Microhardness was studied to determine the variation of hardness values with respect to the depth under the treated surface. The wear resistance at the surface was enhanced considerably. Microstructure examination was characterized using optical and scanning electron microscopes. The corrosion behavior of the LHT samples was also studied and its correlation with the microstructures was determined. The corrosion data was obtained in 3.5% NaCl solution at room temperature by means of a potentiodynamic polarization technique. PMID:28772955

Surface Chemistry, Microstructure, and Tribological Properties of Cubic Boron Nitride Films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watanabe, Shuichi; Wheeler, Donald R.; Abel, Phillip B.; Street, Kenneth W.; Miyoshi, Kazuhisa; Murakawa, Masao; Miyake, Shojiro

1998-01-01

This report deals with the surface chemistry, microstructure, bonding state, morphology, and friction and wear properties of cubic boron nitride (c-BN) films that were synthesized by magnetically enhanced plasma ion plating. Several analytical techniques - x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and surface profilometry - were used to characterize the films. Sliding friction experiments using a ball-on-disk configuration were conducted for the c-BN films in sliding contact with 440C stainless-steel balls at room temperature in ultrahigh vacuum (pressure, 10(exp -6), in ambient air, and under water lubrication. Results indicate that the boron-to-nitrogen ratio on the surface of the as-deposited c-BN film is greater than 1 and that not all the boron is present as boron nitride but a small percentage is present as an oxide. Both in air and under water lubrication, the c-BN film in sliding contact with steel showed a low wear rate, whereas a high wear rate was observed in vacuum. In air and under water lubrication, c-BN exhibited wear resistance superior to that of amorphous boron nitride, titanium nitride, and titanium carbide.

Microstructural investigation of vintage pipeline steels highly susceptible to stress corrosion cracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torres, Monica

The use of pipelines for the transmission of gas offers not only efficiency, but a number of economic advantages. Nevertheless, pipelines are subject to aggressive operating conditions and environments which can lead to in-service degradation [1] and thus to failures. These failures can have catastrophic consequences, such as environmental damage and loss of life [2]. One of the most dangerous threats to pipeline integrity is stress corrosion cracking (SCC). Despite the substantial progress that has been achieved in the field, due to the complex nature of this phenomenon there is still not a complete understanding of this form of external corrosion. This makes its detection and prevention a challenge and therefore a risk to pipeline integrity, and most importantly, to the safety of the population. SCC cracks are the result of the interaction between a corrosive environment, applied stresses, and a susceptible microstructure. To date, what defines a susceptible microstructure remains ambiguous, as SCC has been observed in a range of steel grades, microstructures, chemical composition, and grain sizes. Therefore, in order to be able to accurately predict and prevent this hazardous form of corrosion, it is imperative to advance our knowledge on the subject and gain a better understanding on the microstructural features of highly susceptible pipeline materials, especially in the subsurface zone where crack nucleation must take place. Therefore, a microstructural characterization of the region near the surface layer was carried-out utilizing TEM. TEM analysis revealed the dislocation character, ferrite morphology, and apparent carbide precipitation in some grain boundaries. Furthermore, light microscopy, SEM, and hardness testing were performed to expand our knowledge on the microscopical features of highly SCC susceptible service components. This investigation presents a new approach to SCC characterization, which exposed the sub-surface region microscopical characteristics of service components with confirmed SCC.

Structure and properties of corrosion and wear resistant Cr-Mn-N steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lenel, U. R.; Knott, B. R.

1987-06-01

Steels containing about 12 pct Cr, 10 pct Mn, and 0.2 pct N have been shown to have an unstable austenitic microstructure and have good ductility, extreme work hardening, high fracture strength, excellent toughness, good wear resistance, and moderate corrosion resistance. A series of alloys containing 9.5 to 12.8 pct Cr, 5.0 to 10.4 pct Mn, 0.16 to 0.32 pct N, 0.05 pct C, and residual elements typical of stainless steels was investigated by microstructural examination and mechanical, abrasion, and corrosion testing. Microstructures ranged from martensite to unstable austenite. The unstable austenitic steels transformed to α martensite on deformation and displayed very high work hardening, exceeding that of Hadfield’s manganese steels. Fracture strengths similar to high carbon martensitic stainless steels were obtained while ductility and toughness values were high, similar to austenitic stainless steels. Resistance to abrasive wear exceeded that of commercial abrasion resistant steels and other stainless steels. Corrosion resistance was similar to that of other 12 pct Cr steels. Properties were not much affected by minor compositional variations or rolled-in nitrogen porosity. In 12 pct Cr-10 pct Mn alloys, ingot porosity was avoided when nitrogen levels were below 0.19 pet, and austenitic microstructures were obtained when nitrogen levels exceeded 0.14 pct.

CFRTP and stainless steel laser joining: Thermal defects analysis and joining parameters optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiao, Junke; Xu, Zifa; Wang, Qiang; Sheng, Liyuan; Zhang, Wenwu

2018-07-01

Experiments with different joining parameters were carried out on fiber laser welding system to explore the mechanism of CFRTP/stainless steel joining and the influence of the parameters on the joining quality. The thermal defect and the microstructure of the joint was tested by SEM, EDS. The joint strength and the thermal defect zone width was measured by the tensile tester and the laser confocal microscope, respectively. The influence of parameters such as the laser power, the joining speed and the clamper pressure on the stainless steel surface thermal defect and the joint strength was analyzed. The result showed that the thermal defect on the stainless steel surface would change metal's mechanical properties and reduce its service life. A chemical bonding was found between the CFRTP and the stainless steel besides the physical bonding and the mechanical bonding. The highest shear stress was obtained as the laser power, the joining speed and the clamper pressure is 280 W, 4 mm/s and 0.15 MPa, respectively.

Utilization of FEM model for steel microstructure determination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kešner, A.; Chotěborský, R.; Linda, M.; Hromasová, M.

2018-02-01

Agricultural tools which are used in soil processing, they are worn by abrasive wear mechanism cases by hard minerals particles in the soil. The wear rate is influenced by mechanical characterization of tools material and wear rate is influenced also by soil mineral particle contents. Mechanical properties of steel can be affected by a technology of heat treatment that it leads to a different microstructures. Experimental work how to do it is very expensive and thanks to numerical methods like FEM we can assumed microstructure at low cost but each of numerical model is necessary to be verified. The aim of this work has shown a procedure of prediction microstructure of steel for agricultural tools. The material characterizations of 51CrV4 grade steel were used for numerical simulation like TTT diagram, heat capacity, heat conduction and other physical properties of material. A relationship between predicted microstructure by FEM and real microstructure after heat treatment shows a good correlation.

Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Dissimilar Friction Stir Welds of 11Cr-Ferritic/Martensitic Steel to 316 Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Yutaka S.; Kokawa, Hiroyuki; Fujii, Hiromichi T.; Yano, Yasuhide; Sekio, Yoshihiro

2015-12-01

Dissimilar joints between ferritic and austenitic steels are of interest for selected applications in next generation fast reactors. In this study, dissimilar friction-stir welding of an 11 pct Cr ferritic/martensitic steel to a 316 austenitic stainless steel was attempted and the mechanical properties and microstructure of the resulting welds were examined. Friction-stir welding produces a stir zone without macroscopic weld-defects, but the two dissimilar steels are not intermixed. The two dissimilar steels are interleaved along a sharp zigzagging interface in the stir zone. During small-sized tensile testing of the stir zone, this sharp interface did not act as a fracture site. Furthermore, the microstructure of the stir zone was refined in both the ferritic/martensitic steel and the 316 stainless steel resulting in improved mechanical properties over the adjacent base material regions. This study demonstrates that friction-stir welding can produce welds between dissimilar steels that contain no macroscopic weld-defects and display suitable mechanical properties.

Design of Fully Austenitic Medium Manganese Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luan, G.; Volkova, O.; Mola, J.

2018-06-01

Due to their higher ferrite potential compared to high Mn twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP) steels, medium Mn steels usually exhibit austenitic-ferritic microstructures, which makes them suitable for third-generation advanced high-strength steel applications. Nevertheless, the strain hardening characteristics of medium Mn steels are inferior to those of fully austenitic high Mn steels. The present work introduces alloy design strategies to obtain fully austenitic medium Mn steels capable of the TWIP effect. To achieve a fully austenitic microstructure, the martensite start temperature is reduced by raising the C concentration to above 1 mass-%, which in turn facilitates the formation of cementite. The formation of cementite during cooling from austenitization temperature is counteracted by alloying with Al. Microstructural examination of slowly-cooled Fe‑Mn‑Al‑C and Fe‑Mn‑C steels indicated that Al changes the morphology of intergranular cementite from plate-shaped to equiaxed.

Evolution of Near-Surface Internal and External Oxide Morphology During High-Temperature Selective Oxidation of Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Story, Mary E.; Webler, Bryan A.

2018-05-01

In this work we examine some observations made using high-temperature confocal scanning laser microscopy (HT-CSLM) during selective oxidation experiments. A plain carbon steel and advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) were selectively oxidized at high temperature (850-900°C) in either low oxygen or water vapor atmospheres. Surface evolution, including thermal grooving along grain boundaries and oxide growth, was viewed in situ during heating. Experiments investigated the influence of the microstructure and oxidizing atmosphere on selective oxidation behavior. Sequences of CSLM still frames collected during the experiment were processed with ImageJ to obtain histograms that showed a general darkening trend indicative of oxidation over time with all samples. Additional ex situ scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis supported in situ observations. Distinct oxidation behavior was observed for each case. Segregation, grain orientation, and extent of internal oxidation were all found to strongly influence surface evolution.

Effect of Annealing Temperature on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Hot-Dip Galvanizing DP600 Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hai-yan, Sun; Zhi-li, Liu; Yang, Xu; Jian-qiang, Shi; Lian-xuan, Wang

Hot-dip galvanizing dual phase steel DP600 steel grade with low Si was produced by steel plant and experiments by simulating galvanizing thermal history. The microstructure was observed and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effect of different annealing temperatures on the microstructure and mechanical properties of dual-phase steel was also discussed. The experimental results show that the dual-phase steel possesses excellent strength and elongation that match EN10346 600MPa standards. The microstructure is ferrite and martensite. TEM micrograph shows that white ferrite with black martensite islands inlay with a diameter of around 1um and the content of 14 18%. The volume will expand and phase changing take the form of shear transformation when ferrite converted to martensite. So there are high density dislocations in ferrite crystalline grain near martensite. The martensite content growing will be obvious along with annealing temperature going up. But the tendency will be weak when temperature high.

Simulation of springback and microstructural analysis of dual phase steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalyan, T. Sri.; Wei, Xing; Mendiguren, Joseba; Rolfe, Bernard

2013-12-01

With increasing demand for weight reduction and better crashworthiness abilities in car development, advanced high strength Dual Phase (DP) steels have been progressively used when making automotive parts. The higher strength steels exhibit higher springback and lower dimensional accuracy after stamping. This has necessitated the use of simulation of each stamped component prior to production to estimate the part's dimensional accuracy. Understanding the micro-mechanical behaviour of AHSS sheet may provide more accuracy to stamping simulations. This work can be divided basically into two parts: first modelling a standard channel forming process; second modelling the micro-structure of the process. The standard top hat channel forming process, benchmark NUMISHEET'93, is used for investigating springback effect of WISCO Dual Phase steels. The second part of this work includes the finite element analysis of microstructures to understand the behaviour of the multi-phase steel at a more fundamental level. The outcomes of this work will help in the dimensional control of steels during manufacturing stage based on the material's microstructure.

Mechanical and Microstructural Characterization of a New Corrosion Resistant Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voiculescu, I.; Geantă, V.; Stefănoiu, R.; Cotruţ, C.; Ciocoiu, R.; Ionescu, M.

2018-06-01

The paper investigates the manner in which the chemical composition and delivery status of a new type of stainless steel, highly alloyed with Ni and Cr, affect mechanical properties, microstructure and corrosion resistance. The results obtained during the mechanical test (tensile, compression, Charpy test and micro-hardness) have revealed promising values. During the corrosion test, the preferential attack of the reagent (Aqua regia) located on the grain boundaries, inclusions or polyhedral precipitates have been observed. On the corroded surfaces, some localized pitting effects on grain boundaries have been revealed. The analyses of the parameter values recorded during the corrosion test revealed that the corrosion current density had a low value, comparable to that of other specific types of stainless steels. The actual Icorr (1.089 µA/cm2) value measured for the experimental alloy proves good resistance to corrosion in 3% NaCl saline solution. The estimated rate of corrosion presented acceptable values (0.011 mm/year).

The effect of hot isostatic pressing parameters on microstructure and mechanical properties of Eurofer powder HIPed material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gentzbittel, J. M.; Chu, I.; Burlet, H.

2002-12-01

The production of reduced activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steel by powder metallurgy and high isostatic pressing (HIP) offers numerous advantages for different nuclear applications. The objective of this work is to optimise the Eurofer powder HIP process in order to obtain RAFM solid HIPed steel with similar mechanical properties to those of a forged material. Starting from the forged solid Eurofer steel batch, the material is atomized and the Eurofer powder is characterized in terms of granulometry, chemical composition, surface oxides, etc. Different compaction HIP cycle parameters in the temperature range (950-1100 °C) are tested. The chemical composition of the HIPed material is comparable to the initial forged Eurofer. All the obtained materials are fully dense and the microstructure of the compacted material is well martensitic. The prior austenite grain size seems to be constant in this temperature range. The mechanical tests performed at room temperature reveal acceptable hardness, tensile and Charpy impact properties regarding the ITER specification.

Microstructures, Mechanical Properties, and Strain Hardening Behavior of an Ultrahigh Strength Dual Phase Steel Developed by Intercritical Annealing of Cold-Rolled Ferrite/Martensite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazaheri, Y.; Kermanpur, A.; Najafizadeh, A.

2015-07-01

A dual phase (DP) steel was produced by a new process utilizing an uncommon cold-rolling and subsequent intercritical annealing of a martensite-ferrite duplex starting structure. Ultrafine grained DP steels with an average grain size of about 2 μm and chain-networked martensite islands were achieved by short intercritical annealing of the 80 pct cold-rolled duplex microstructure. The strength of the low carbon steel with the new DP microstructure was reached about 1300 MPa (140 pct higher than that of the as-received state, e.g., 540 MPa), without loss of ductility. Tensile testing revealed good strength-elongation balance for the new DP steels (UTS × UE ≈ 11,000 to 15,000 MPa pct) in comparison with the previous works and commercially used high strength DP steels. Two strain hardening stages with comparable exponents were observed in the Holloman analysis of all DP steels. The variations of hardness, strength, elongation, and strain hardening behavior of the specimens with thermomechanical parameters were correlated to microstructural features.

Anomalous Annealing Response of Directed Energy Deposited Type 304L Austenitic Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Thale R.; Sugar, Joshua D.; Schoenung, Julie M.; San Marchi, Chris

2018-03-01

Directed energy deposited (DED) and forged austenitic stainless steels possess dissimilar microstructures but can exhibit similar mechanical properties. In this study, annealing was used to evolve the microstructure of both conventional wrought and DED type 304L austenitic stainless steels, and significant differences were observed. In particular, the density of geometrically necessary dislocations and hardness were used to probe the evolution of the microstructure and properties. Forged type 304L exhibited the expected decrease in measured dislocation density and hardness as a function of annealing temperature. The more complex microstructure-property relationship observed in the DED type 304L material is attributed to compositional heterogeneities in the solidification microstructure.

Temperature dependence of liquid metal embrittlement susceptibility of a modified 9Cr-1Mo steel under low cycle fatigue in lead-bismuth eutectic at 160-450 °C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, Xing; Marmy, Pierre; Qin, Ling; Verlinden, Bert; Wevers, Martine; Seefeldt, Marc

2016-01-01

Low cycle fatigue properties of a 9Cr-1Mo ferritic-martensitic steel (T91) have been tested in a low oxygen concentration (LOC) lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) environment and in vacuum at 160-450 °C. The results show a clear fatigue endurance "trough" in LOC LBE, while no such a strong temperature dependence of the fatigue endurance is observed when the steel is tested in vacuum. The fractographic observations by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) show that ductile microdimples are prevalent on the fracture surfaces of the specimens tested in vacuum, whereas the fracture surfaces produced in LOC LBE at all the temperatures are characterized by quasi-cleavage. Interestingly, using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), martensitic laths close to the fatigue crack walls or to the fracture surfaces of the specimens tested in vacuum are found to have transformed into very fine equiaxed subgrains. Nevertheless, such microstructural modifications do not happen to the specimens tested in LOC LBE at 160-450 °C. These interesting microstructural distinctions indicate that liquid metal embrittlement (LME) is able to occur throughout the fatigue crack propagation phase in the full range of the temperatures investigated, i.e. LME is not very sensitive to temperature during the fatigue crack propagation.

Effect of Cooling Rate on Microstructure and Centerline Segregation of a High-Strength Steel for Shipbuilding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Qibin; Liu, Zhenyu; Wang, Guodong

Ultra-fast cooling (UFC) has been increasingly applied in industry, but accompanying with great changes of rolling strategy. It is therefore of importance to evaluate the characteristics of steels produced by UFC as compared to those processed by conventional accelerated cooling (ACQ. The present study examines the microstructure through thickness and centerline segregation of solute elements between UFC and ACC steels, both of which were rolled at a final rolling temperature at around non-recrystallized temperature. UFC steel showed the pronounced microstructural transition from lath-type bainite with Widmanstätten ferrite at subsurface to acicular ferrite in an average size of 5 µm dispersed with degenerate pearlite in the interior. In contrast, ACC steel had the homogeneous microstructure through the thickness, which was distinguished with coarser polygonal ferrite grains and pearlite nodules. Moreover, the centerline segregation was significantly suppressed by applying UFC at a higher cooling rate of 40 K/s compared to 17K/s for ACC steel. The significant differences in the microstructure and centerline segregation caused by various cooling rate is discussed from the view of γ→α transformation.

Effect of microstructure on the stability of retained austenite in transformation-induced-plasticity steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Timokhina, I. B.; Hodgson, P. D.; Pereloma, E. V.

2004-08-01

Two Fe-0.2C-1.55Mn-1.5Si (in wt pct) steels, with and without the addition of 0.039Nb (in wt pct), were studied using laboratory rolling-mill simulations of controlled thermomechanical processing. The microstructures of all samples were characterized by optical metallography, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The microstructural behavior of phases under applied strain was studied using a heat-tinting technique. Despite the similarity in the microstructures of the two steels (equal amounts of polygonal ferrite, carbide-free bainite, and retained austenite), the mechanical properties were different. The mechanical properties of these transformation-induced-plasticity (TRIP) steels depended not only on the individual behavior of all these phases, but also on the interaction between the phases during deformation. The polygonal ferrite and bainite of the C-Mn-Si steel contributed to the elongation more than these phases in the C-Mn-Si-Nb-steel. The stability of retained austenite depends on its location within the microstructure, the morphology of the bainite, and its interaction with other phases during straining. Granular bainite was the bainite morphology that provided the optimum stability of the retained austenite.

Effects of Solid Solution Treatments on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a Nanoscale Precipitate-Strengthened Ferritic Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Y.; Guo, H.; Xu, S. S.; Mao, M. J.; Chen, L.; Gokhman, O.; Zhang, Z. W.

2018-05-01

Solid solution treatment (SST) and age hardening are the two main treatments used to produce nanoscale precipitation-strengthened steels. In this work, solution treatment and aging are employed to develop a nanoscale precipitation-strengthened steel displaying high degrees of strength, ductility, and toughness. The effects of SST on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the produced steel are investigated. The results show that the solution temperature strongly influences the matrix microstructure. Partial austenitization between A_{{{c}1}} and A_{{{c}3}} favors the formation of granular ferrite, while complete austenitization above A_{{{c}3}} leads to the formation of polygonal ferrite. Refined granular ferrite with a low dislocation density can effectively improve the plasticity and low-temperature toughness of steel. Precipitation strengthening is mainly related to the nature of the nano-precipitates, specifically their size and number density, independently of the matrix microstructure.

Characterization of X80 and X100 Microalloyed Pipeline Steel Using Quantitative X-ray Diffraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiskel, J. B.; Li, X.; Ivey, D. G.; Henein, H.

2018-06-01

Quantitative X-ray diffraction characterization of four (4) X80 and three (3) X100 microalloyed steels was undertaken. The effect of through-thickness position, processing parameters, and composition on the measured crystallite size, microstrain, and J index (relative magnitude of crystallographic texture) was determined. Microstructure analysis using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and electron-backscattered diffraction was also undertaken. The measured value of microstrain increased with increasing alloy content and decreasing cooling interrupt temperature. Microstructural features corresponding to crystallite size in the X80 steels were both above and below the detection limit for quantitative X-ray diffraction. The X100 steels consistently exhibited microstructure features below the crystallite size detection limit. The yield stress of each steel increased with increasing microstrain. The increase in microstrain from X80 to X100 is also associated with a change in microstructure from predominantly polygonal ferrite to bainitic ferrite.

Effects of the Tempering and High-Pressure Torsion Temperatures on Microstructure of Ferritic/Martensitic Steel Grade 91

PubMed Central

Ganeev, Artur; Nikitina, Marina; Sitdikov, Vil; Islamgaliev, Rinat; Hoffman, Andrew; Wen, Haiming

2018-01-01

Grade 91 (9Cr-1Mo) steel was subjected to various heat treatments and then to high-pressure torsion (HPT) at different temperatures. Its microstructure was studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Effects of the tempering temperature and the HPT temperature on the microstructural features and microhardness in the ultrafine-grained (UFG) Grade 91 steel were researched. The study of the UFG structure formation takes into account two different microstructures observed: before HPT in both samples containing martensite and in fully ferritic samples. PMID:29671761

Influence of gas-powder laser cladding’s technological parameters on structural characteristics of corrosion-resistant steels’ restored surface layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krylova, S. E.; Oplesnin, S. P.; Goltyapin, M. I.

2018-03-01

The results of the developed industrial technology for surface restoration of corrosion-resistant steels by laser surfacing are presented in the article. A comparative analysis of the microstructure of the welded wear-resistant layer, the fusion zone with the base material and the diffusion zone for different technological surfacing regimes are given. Dyrometric studies and nondestructive testing of the deposited layer for defects were performed

Effect of SMAT on microstructural and mechanical properties of AA2024

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tadge, Prashant; Sasikumar, C.

2016-05-01

In recent days surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) had attracted the attention of researchers as it produces a nano-crystalline surface with improved mechanical properties. In the present study Al-4%Cu alloy used in automobile and aerospace application is subjected to surface mechanical attrition treatment using steel shots. The microstructural changes introduced on the surface of the Al alloy was investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The secondary phases formed during the SMAT process is been investigated using EDX and XRD analysis. The effects of SMAT on the mechanical properties were analyzed using a tensile testing. The SMA treatment had resulted in severe plastic deformation of the surface, thereby yielded a nanocrystalline surface with a grain size of 30 to 50 nm. Further, it is also found that the SMAT produced ultra nanocrystalline particles of Cu2Al dispersed uniformly into α-Al matrix. These microstructural changes had resulted in considerable change in the mechanical properties of these alloys. The tensile strength of these alloys had increased from ˜212 MPa to 303 MPa while the fracture toughness increased up to 28% in 10 minutes of SMAT.

Controlled nanostructures formation on stainless steel by short laser pulses for products protection against falsification.

PubMed

Ageev, E I; Veiko, V P; Vlasova, E A; Karlagina, Y Y; Krivonosov, A; Moskvin, M K; Odintsova, G V; Pshenichnov, V E; Romanov, V V; Yatsuk, R M

2018-01-22

The coloration of stainless steel surface due to the formation of spatially periodic structures induced by laser pulses of nanosecond duration is demonstrated. The period of microstructures corresponds to the laser wavelength, and their orientation angle depends on the adjustment of laser polarization. The marking algorithm for the development of authentication patterns is presented. Such patterns provide several levels of protection against falsification (visual, colorimetric and structural) along with high recording speed and capability of automated reading.

Fracture Behavior of High-Nitrogen Austenitic Stainless Steel Under Continuous Cooling: Physical Simulation of Free-Surface Cracking of Heavy Forgings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhenhua; Xue, Hongpeng; Fu, Wantang

2018-03-01

18Mn18Cr0.6N steel was tension tested at 0.001 s-1 to fracture from 1473 K to 1363 K (1200 °C to 1090 °C, fracture temperature) at a cooling rate of 0.4 Ks-1. For comparison, specimens were tension tested at temperatures of 1473 K and 1363 K (1200 °C and 1090 °C). The microstructure near the fracture surface was examined using electron backscatter diffraction analysis. The lowest hot ductility was observed under continuous cooling and was attributed to the suppression of dynamic recrystallization nucleation.

Scanning-electron-microscopy observations and mechanical characteristics of ion-beam-sputtered surgical implant alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weigand, A. J.; Meyer, M. L.; Ling, J. S.

1977-01-01

An electron bombardment ion thruster was used as an ion source to sputter the surfaces of orthopedic prosthetic metals. Scanning electron microscopy photomicrographs were made of each ion beam textured surface. The effect of ion texturing an implant surface on its bond to bone cement was investigated. A Co-Cr-W alloy and surgical stainless steel were used as representative hard tissue implant materials to determine effects of ion texturing on bulk mechanical properties. Work was done to determine the effect of substrate temperature on the development of an ion textured surface microstructure. Results indicate that the ultimate strength of the bulk materials is unchanged by ion texturing and that the microstructure will develop more rapidly if the substrate is heated prior to ion texturing.

Effect of sliding velocity on the tribological behavior of copper and associated nanostructure development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Emge, Andrew

The unlubricated sliding of metals is important in many mechanical devices covering a wide range of sliding velocities. However, the effect of sliding velocity on the tribological behavior of unlubricated metals has not been widely studied. Similarly, the relationship between microstructures developed at high sliding velocities and tribological behavior has not been studied in depth. Microstructures produced at low sliding velocities have been studied extensively and commonly include nanocrystalline or fine grained material near the sliding surface with heavily deformed microstructures further from the surface. The current research relates two aspects of the sliding friction of ductile metals, the effect of sliding velocity and the production of nanocrystalline tribomaterial. The project focused on the effects of sliding velocity on the frictional behavior of oxygen free high conductivity (OFHC) copper sliding against 440C stainless steel, Nitronic 40 stainless steel, and copper. Low velocity tests were performed with a pin on disk tribometer. High velocity tests were performed with a rotating barrel gas gun (RBGG) which combined impact with sliding. The RBGG provides sliding velocities as high as 5.5 m/s and impact velocities as high as 12 m/s while maintaining sliding times on the order of tens of microseconds. Changes in the coefficient of friction, microstructure, and composition were studied. Surface and subsurface microstructures of the worn samples were characterized with a range of instruments including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), focused ion beam (FIB) milling and imaging, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with EDS, orientation imaging microscopy (OIM), and nanoindentation. In the case of self-mated copper the sliding velocity had little effect on the coefficient of friction for both experimental apparatuses. For the case of copper sliding against 440C stainless steel on the pin on disk system the friction was found to increase with sliding velocity and was strongly influenced by material transfer from the copper to the steel pin. An increase in the coefficient of friction with sliding velocity was observed for the sliding of OFHC copper against Nitronic 40 steel in RBGG tests. The increase in the coefficient of friction was correlated to an increase in subsurface plastic deformation and grain refinement. The growth of the nanocrystalline tribolayer in copper after sliding against 440C stainless steel at varying times was studied at sliding velocities of 0.05 and 1.0 m/s. A sliding velocity of 0.05 m/s produced a consistent nanocrystalline layer in as little as 10 s. The thickness of the nanocrystalline layer grew to an average thickness of 3 microm after 10 ks of sliding, but large variations in thickness were observed. A sliding velocity of 1.0 m/s produced a continuous nanocrystalline layer after 10 s of sliding. Ledges developed on the wear tracks at longer sliding times which greatly influenced the tribolayer thickness making it difficult to quantify. Dynamic recrystallization of the tribolayer also led to difficulties in measuring its thickness.

Wear Characteristic of Stellite 6 Alloy Hardfacing Layer by Plasma Arc Surfacing Processes

PubMed Central

Zhou, Xiaowei

2017-01-01

The microstructure and wear resistance of Stellite 6 alloy hardfacing layer at two different temperatures (room temperature and 300°C) were investigated by plasma arc surfacing processes on Q235 Steel. Tribological test was conducted to characterize the wear property. The microstructure of Stellite 6 alloy coating mainly consists of α-Co and (Cr, Fe)7C3 phases. The friction coefficient of Stellite 6 alloys fluctuates slightly under different loads at 300°C. The oxide layer is formed on the coating surface and serves as a special lubricant during the wear test. Abrasive wear is the dominant mechanism at room temperature, and microploughing and plasticity are the key wear mechanisms at 300°C. PMID:29359005

Rapid surface hardening and enhanced tribological performance of 4140 steel by friction stir processing

DOE PAGES

Lorenzo-Martin, Cinta; Ajayi, Oyelayo O.

2015-06-06

Tribological performance of steel materials can be substantially enhanced by various thermal surface hardening processes. For relatively low-carbon steel alloys, case carburization is often used to improve surface performance and durability. If the carbon content of steel is high enough (>0.4%), thermal treatments such as induction, flame, laser, etc. can produce adequate surface hardening without the need for surface compositional change. This paper presents an experimental study of the use of friction stir processing (FSP) as a means to hardened surface layer in AISI 4140 steel. The impacts of this surface hardening process on the friction and wear performance weremore » evaluated under both dry and lubricated contact conditions in reciprocating sliding. FSP produced the same level of hardening and superior tribological performance when compared to conventional thermal treatment, using only 10% of the energy and without the need for quenching treatments. With FSP surface hardness of about 7.8 GPa (62 Rc) was achieved while water quenching conventional heat treatment produced about 7.5 GPa (61 Rc) hardness. Microstructural analysis showed that both FSP and conventional heat treatment produced martensite. Although the friction behavior for FSP treated surfaces and the conventional heat treatment were about the same, the wear in FSP processed surfaces was reduced by almost 2× that of conventional heat treated surfaces. Furthermore, the superior performance is attributed to the observed grain refinement accompanying the FSP treatment in addition to the formation of martensite. As it relates to tribological performance, this study shows FSP to be an effective, highly energy efficient, and environmental friendly (green) alternative to conventional heat treatment for steel.« less

Effect of surface etching on the oxidation behavior of plasma chromizing-treated AISI440B stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, T. X.; Guo, Q.; Xi, W.; Ding, W. Q.; Liu, X. Z.; Lin, N. M.; Yu, S. W.; Liu, X. P.

2018-03-01

Double glow plasma surface alloying was applied to prepare chromizing layer in the surface of AISI440B stainless steel. Prior to chromizing, the stainless steel was etched by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition to change the surface morphology and composition, and then heated for chromizing at 950 °C for 3 h. The cyclical oxidation of steel after chromizing was carried out at 900 °C for 100 h. Scanning electron microscopy, glow discharge optical emission spectrometer and X-ray diffractometer were used to characterize microstructure, composition and phase structure of alloyed and oxidized samples. The results show that the surface was composed of the Cr-rich top layer and Cr23C6, Cr7C3 and {Cr,Fe}7C3 below layer after chromizing. The bonding between the chromizing layer and the substrate after etching treatment was obviously strengthened. AISI440B steel shows a poor oxidation resistance and the weight gain oxidized for 100 h was up to 31.1 mg/cm2. Weight gains for chromizing and etching + chromizing treated samples were 0.67 mg/cm2 and 8 mg/cm2, respectively. Both oxidized surfaces of chromizing and etching + chromizing were composed of Cr2O3, but the oxide scale of etching + chromizing treated samples was more compact than that of samples without etching.

Influence of Cooling Condition on the Performance of Grinding Hardened Layer in Grind-hardening

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, G. C.; Chen, J.; Xu, G. Y.; Li, X.

2018-02-01

45# steel was grinded and hardened on a surface grinding machine to study the effect of three different cooling media, including emulsion, dry air and liquid nitrogen, on the microstructure and properties of the hardened layer. The results show that the microstructure of material surface hardened with emulsion is pearlite and no hardened layer. The surface roughness is small and the residual stress is compressive stress. With cooling condition of liquid nitrogen and dry air, the specimen surface are hardened, the organization is martensite, the surface roughness is also not changed, but high hardness of hardened layer and surface compressive stress were obtained when grinding using liquid nitrogen. The deeper hardened layer grinded with dry air was obtained and surface residual stress is tensile stress. This study provides an experimental basis for choosing the appropriate cooling mode to effectively control the performance of grinding hardened layer.

On the sensitivity of some common metallographic reagents to restoring obliterated marks on medium carbon (0.31% C) steel surfaces.

PubMed

Yin, Siaw Hui; Kuppuswamy, R

2009-01-10

Chemical etching, which is the most sensitive method to recover obliterated serial numbers on metal surfaces, has been practised quite successfully in forensic science laboratories all over the world. A large number of etchants suitable for particular metal surfaces based on empirical studies is available in the literature. This article reviews the sensitivity and efficacy of some popular etchants for recovering obliterated marks on medium carbon steel (0.31% C with ferrite-pearlite microstructure) used in automobile parts. The experiments involved engraving these carbon steel plates with some alphanumeric characters using a computer controlled machine "Gravograph" and erasing them to several depths below the bottom of their engraving depth. Seven metallographic reagents of which most of them were copper containing compounds were chosen for etching. The erased plates were etched with every one of these etchants using swabbing method. The results have revealed that Fry's reagent comprising cupric chloride 90 g, hydrochloric acid 120 mL and water 100mL provided the necessary contrast and was concluded to be the most sensitive. The same reagent was recommended by earlier workers for revealing strain lines in steel surfaces. Earlier, another reagent containing 5 g copper sulphate, 60 mL water, 30 mL (conc.) ammonium hydroxide, and 60 mL (conc.) hydrochloric acid was proved to be more sensitive to restore erased marks on low carbon steel (0.1% C with ferrite-pearlite structure) [M.A.M. Zaili, R. Kuppuswamy, H. Harun, Restoration of engraved marks on steel surfaces by etching technique, Forensic Sci. Int. 171 (2007) 27-32]. Thus the sensitivity of the etching reagent on steel surfaces appeared to be dependent on the content of carbon in the steel.

Effect of Al-Si Coating on Weld Microstructure and Properties of 22MnB5 Steel Joints for Hot Stamping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Wenhu; Li, Fang; Wu, Dongsheng; Chen, Xiaoguan; Hua, Xueming; Pan, Hua

2018-03-01

22MnB5 hot stamping steels are gradually being used in tailor-welded blank applications. In this experiment, 1-mm-thick Al-Si coated and de-coated 22MnB5 steels were laser-welded and then hot-stamped. The chemical compositions, solidification process, microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated to reveal the effect of Al-Si coating and heat treatment. In the welded condition, the coated joints had an Al content of approximately 2.5 wt.% in the fusion zone and the de-coated joints had 0.5 wt.% Al. The aluminum promoted the δ-ferrite formation as the skeletal structure during solidification. In the high-aluminum weld, the microstructure consisted of martensite and long and band-like δ-ferrite. Meanwhile, the low-aluminum weld was full of lath martensite. After the hot stamping process, the δ-ferrite fraction increased from 10 to 24% in the coated joints and the lath martensite became finer in the de-coated joints. The tensile strengths of the coated joints or de-coated joints were similar to that before hot stamping, but the strength of the coated joints was reduced heavily after hot stamping compared to the de-coated joints and base material. The effect of δ-ferrite on the tensile properties became stronger when the fusion zone was soft and deformed first in the hot-stamped specimens. The coated weld showed a brittle fracture surface with many cleavage planes, and the de-coated weld showed a ductile fracture surface with many dimples in hot-stamped conditions.

A study of microstructure, quasi-static response, fatigue, deformation and fracture behavior of high strength alloy steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kannan, Manigandan

The history of steel dates back to the 17th century and has been instrumental in the betterment of every aspect of our lives ever since, from the pin that holds the paper together to the Automobile that takes us to our destination steel touches everyone every day. Path breaking improvements in manufacturing techniques, access to advanced machinery and understanding of factors like heat treatment, corrosion resistance have aided in the advancement in the properties of steel in the last few years. In this dissertation document, the results of a study aimed at the influence of alloy chemistry, processing and influence of the quasi static and fatigue behavior of seven alloy steels is discussed. The microstructure of the as-received steel was examined and characterized for the nature and morphology of the grains and the presence of other intrinsic features in the microstructure. The tensile, cyclic fatigue and bending fatigue tests were done on a fully automated closed-loop servo-hydraulic test machine at room temperature. The failed samples of high strength steels were examined in a scanning electron microscope for understanding the fracture behavior, especially the nature of loading be it quasi static, cyclic fatigue or bending fatigue . The quasi static and cyclic fatigue fracture behavior of the steels examined coupled with various factors contributing to failure are briefly discussed in light of the conjoint and mutually interactive influences of intrinsic microstructural effects, nature of loading, and stress (load)-deformation-microstructural interactions.

Effects of the Process Parameters on the Microstructure and Properties of Nitrided 17-4PH Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jun; Lin, Yuanhua; Zeng, Dezhi; Yan, Jing; Fan, Hongyuan

2013-04-01

The effects of process parameters on the microstructure, microhardness, and dry-sliding wear behavior of plasma nitrided 17-4PH stainless steel were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and wear testing. The results show that a wear-resistant nitrided layer was formed on the surface of direct current plasma nitrided 17-4PH martensitic stainless steel. The microstructure and thickness of the nitrided layer is dependent on the treatment temperature rather than process pressure. XRD indicated that a single α N phase was formed during nitriding at 623 K (350 °C). When the temperature increased, the α N phase disappeared and CrN transformed in the nitrided layer. The hardness measurement demonstrated that the hardness of the stainless substrate steel increased from 320 HV0.1 in the untreated condition increasing to about 1275HV0.1 after nitriding 623 K (350 °C)/600 pa/4 hours. The extremely high values of the microhardness achieved by the great misfit-induced stress fields associated with the plenty of dislocation group and stacking fault. Dry-sliding wear resistance was improved by DC plasma nitriding. The best wear-resistance performance of a nitrided sample was obtained after nitriding at 673 K (350 °C), when the single α N-phase was produced and there were no CrN precipitates in the nitrided layer.

In-depth quantitative analysis of the microstructures produced by Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment (SMAT)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Samih, Y., E-mail: youssef.samih@univ-lorraine.fr; Université de Lorraine, Laboratory of Excellence on Design of Alloy Metals for low-mAss Structures; Beausir, B.

2013-09-15

Electron BackScattered Diffraction (EBSD) maps are used to characterize quantitatively the graded microstructure formed by Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment (SMAT) and applied here to the 316L stainless steel. In particular, the analysis of GNDs – coupled with relevant and reliable criteria – was used to depict the thickness of each zone identified in the SMAT-affected layers: (i) the “ultrafine grain” (UFG) zone present at the extreme top surface, (ii), the “transition zone” where grains were fragmented under the heavy plastic deformation and, finally, (iii) the “deformed zone” where initial grains are simply deformed. The interest of this procedure is illustratedmore » through the comparative analysis of the effect of some SMAT processing parameters (amplitude of vibration and treatment duration). The UFG and transition zones are more significantly modified than the overall affected thickness under our tested conditions. - Highlights: • EBSD maps are used to characterize quantitatively the microstructure of SMAT treated samples. • Calculation of the GND density to quantify strain gradients • A new method to depict the different zone thicknesses in the SMAT affected layer • Effects of SMAT processing parameters on the surface microstructure evolution.« less

Nondestructive examination of decarburised layer of steels using eddy current and magnetic Barkhausen noise testing techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Falahat, S.; Ghanei, S.; Kashefi, M.

2018-04-01

Eddy current and Barkhausen noise nondestructive testing techniques were considered to evaluate the magnetic properties of the decarburised steels as a function of microstructure. To make changes in decarburising depth, carbon steel samples were austenitised at 890 °C for 120-270 min. Considering different decarburised depths, height, position and width of the noise profiles were extracted in order to analyse the magnetic Barkhausen noise measurements. Next, the eddy current test was performed to detect the changes in the microstructure through decarburising of the steel taking into account the impedance variations. According to the results, both techniques allow us to detect changes in the magnetic properties of the decarburised steels and link them with their microstructural changes, nondestructively.

Microstructure refinement and mechanical properties improvement by developing IAF on inclusions in Ti–Al complex deoxidized HSLA steel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jiang, M., E-mail: jiangmin@ustb.edu.cn; Wang, X.H.; Hu, Z.Y.

2015-10-15

The present study focused on microstructure refinement in Ti–Al complex deoxidized low alloy structural steel by developing IAF on inclusions. The goal was to establish more determined relation between Ti, Al in steel and the produced microstructures. In steel sample with Ti and Al contents of 0.0035% and 0.0004%, respectively, IAF was well developed by inclusions characterized by TiO{sub x}–MnO oxide cores enwrapped by (MnO–SiO{sub 2}–Al{sub 2}O{sub 3})–MnS or (MnO–SiO{sub 2})–MnS surface layers. With the rise of Ti and Al contents, IAF volume decreased greatly because of different inclusion chemistry, TiO{sub x} + MnS, TiO{sub x}–Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} or Al{submore » 2}O{sub 3}, which inhibit the formation of IAF. Thermodynamic calculations were carried out for optimal Ti and Al contents in steel to target inclusions with proper chemistry for nucleating IAF. These laboratorial findings were successfully applied and reproducibly observed in pilot trials. It was indicated that low temperature impact toughness at 0 °C and − 20 °C of the produced medium plate was effectively improved despite lower Ti contents than common process, which was very meaningful in saving the cost of high Ti content steels. - Highlights: • IAF volume showed close relationship to Ti or Al contents. • To target IAF, there is no need to add too many titanium alloys. • Optimal Ti and Al were about 0.0020–0.0060% and 0.0005–0.0020%, respectively. • Impact toughness of steel plate at 0 °C and − 20 °C was successfully improved.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Inam, A., E-mail: aqil.ceet@pu.edu.pk; Brydson, R., E-mail: mtlrmdb@leeds.ac.uk; Edmonds, D.V., E-mail: d.v.edmonds@leeds.ac.uk

The potential for using graphite particles as an internal lubricant during machining is considered. Graphite particles were found to form during graphitisation of experimental medium-carbon steel alloyed with Si and Al. The graphite nucleation sites were strongly influenced by the starting microstructure, whether ferrite–pearlite, bainite or martensite, as revealed by light and electron microscopy. Favourable nucleation sites in the ferrite–pearlite starting microstructure were, not unexpectedly, found to be located within pearlite colonies, no doubt due to the presence of abundant cementite as a source of carbon. In consequence, the final distribution of graphite nodules in ferrite–pearlite microstructures was less uniformmore » than for the bainite microstructure studied. In the case of martensite, this study found a predominance of nucleation at grain boundaries, again leading to less uniform graphite dispersions. - Highlights: • Metallography of formation of graphite particles in experimental carbon steel. • Potential for using graphite in steel as an internal lubricant during machining. • Microstructure features expected to influence improved machinability studied. • Influence of pre-anneal starting microstructure on graphite nucleation sites. • Influence of pre-anneal starting microstructure on graphite distribution. • Potential benefit is new free-cutting steel compositions without e.g. Pb alloying.« less

Microstructure and mechanical behavior of pulsed laser surface melted AISI D2 cold work tool steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasavol, N.; Abdollah-zadeh, A.; Ganjali, M.; Alidokht, S. A.

2013-01-01

D2 cold work tool steel (CWTS) was subjected to pulse laser surface melting (PLSM) at constant frequency of 20 Hz Nd: YAG laser with different energies, scanning rate and pulse durations radiated to the surface. Characterizing the PLSM, with optical and field emission scanning electron microscopy, electron backscattered diffraction and surface hardness mapping technique was used to evaluate the microhardness and mechanical behavior of different regions of melting pool. Increasing laser energy and reducing the laser scanning rate results in deeper melt pool formation. Moreover, PLSM has led to entirely dissolution of the carbides and re-solidification of cellular/dendritic structure of a fine scale surrounded by a continuous interdendritic network. This caused an increase in surface microhardness, 2-4 times over that of the base metal.

The effect of steel chemistry on the formation of Fe-Zn intermetallic compounds of galvanneal-coated steel sheets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, C. S.; Meshii, M.

1994-10-01

The effects of steel chemistry on the formation of Fe-Zn intermetallic compounds in the galvanneal coatings have been investigated by examining the microstructure of galvanneal coat-ings on extra-low-carbon (ELC) steel, interstitial-free (IF) steel, and interstitial-free rephos-phorized (IFP) steel. The layer structure of the coatings was revealed by chemical etching. Phases present in each layer were then identified using electron diffraction in transmission elec-tron microscopy (TEM). A two-layer structure, one consisting of the δ phase with a small fraction of the ζ, phase dispersed on the surface and Γ phases and another consisting of the δ and Γ1 phases, was observed in the ELC sample and the IFP sample, respectively. A three-layer structure consisting of the δ, Γ1 + δ, and Γ phases was observed in the IF sample. The presence of C in the steel substrate retarded the alloying between Fe and Zn; while P in the steel favored the formation of the Γ1, phase over the Γ phase by its surface segregation in the steel substrate. The orientation relationship between coating and substrate was also studied by electron diffraction. Three α-Fe/Γ orientation relationships were frequently observed.

Evaluation of factors affecting the edge formability of two hot rolled multiphase steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukherjee, Monideepa; Tiwari, Sumit; Bhattacharya, Basudev

2018-02-01

In this study, the effect of various factors on the hole expansion ratio and hence on the edge formability of two hot rolled multiphase steels, one with a ferrite-martensite microstructure and the other with a ferrite-bainite microstructure, was investigated through systematic microstructural and mechanical characterization. The study revealed that the microstructure of the steels, which determines their strain hardening capacity and fracture resistance, is the principal factor controlling edge formability. The influence of other factors such as tensile strength, ductility, anisotropy, and thickness, though present, are secondary. A critical evaluation of the available empirical models for hole expansion ratio prediction is also presented.

Effects of Loading Frequency on Fatigue Behavior, Residual Stress, and Microstructure of Deep-Rolled Stainless Steel AISI 304 at Elevated Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikitin, I.; Juijerm, P.

2018-02-01

The effects of loading frequency on the fatigue behavior of non-deep-rolled (NDR) and deep-rolled (DR) austenitic stainless steel AISI 304 were systematically clarified at elevated temperatures, especially at temperatures exhibiting the dynamic strain aging (DSA) phenomena. Tension-compression fatigue tests were performed isothermally at temperatures of 573 K and 773 K (300 °C and 500 °C) with different loading frequencies of 5, 0.5, 0.05, and 0.005 Hz. For the DR condition, the residual stresses and work-hardening states will be presented. It was found that DSA would be detected at appropriate temperatures and deformation rates. The cyclic deformation curves and the fatigue lives of the investigated austenitic stainless steel AISI 304 are considerably affected by the DSA, especially on the DR condition having high dislocation densities at the surface and in near-surface regions. In the temperature range of the DSA, residual stresses and work-hardening states of the DR condition seem to be stabilized. The microstructural alterations were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). At an appropriate temperature with low loading frequency, the plastic deformation mechanism shifted from a wavy slip manner to a planar slip manner in the DSA regimes, whereas the dislocation movements were obstructed.

Microstructure Characterization and Corrosion Properties of Nitrocarburized AISI 4140 Low Alloy Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fattah, M.; Mahboubi, F.

2012-04-01

Plasma nitrocarburizing treatments of AISI 4140 low alloy steel have been carried out in a gas mixture of 85% N2-12% H2-3% CO2. All treatments were performed for 5 h at a chamber pressure of 4 mbar. Different treatment temperatures varying from 520 to 620 °C have been used to investigate the effect of treatment temperature on the corrosion and hardness properties and also microstructure of the plasma nitrocarburized steel. Scanning electron and optical microscopy, x-ray diffraction, microhardness measurement, and potentiodynamic polarization technique in 3.5% NaCl solution were used to study the treated surfaces. The results revealed that plasma nitrocarburizing at temperatures below 570 °C can readily produce a monophase ɛ compound layer. The compound layer formed at 620 °C is composed of two sub-layers and is supported by an austenite zone followed by the diffusion layer. The thickest diffusion layer was related to the sample treated at 620 °C. Microhardness results showed a reduction of surface hardness with increasing the treatment temperature from 520 to 620 °C. It has also been found that with increasing treatment temperature from 520 to 545 °C the corrosion resistance increases up to a maximum and then decreases with further increasing treatment temperature from 545 to 620 °C.

Spatial distribution of crystalline corrosion products formed during corrosion of stainless steel in concrete

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Serdar, Marijana; Meral, Cagla; Kunz, Martin

2015-05-15

The mineralogy and spatial distribution of nano-crystalline corrosion products that form in the steel/concrete interface were characterized using synchrotron X-ray micro-diffraction (μ-XRD). Two types of low-nickel high-chromium reinforcing steels embedded into mortar and exposed to NaCl solution were investigated. Corrosion in the samples was confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). μ-XRD revealed that goethite (α-FeOOH) and akaganeite (β-FeOOH) are the main iron oxide–hydroxides formed during the chloride-induced corrosion of stainless steel in concrete. Goethite is formed closer to the surface of the steel due to the presence of chromium in the steel, while akaganeite is formed further away from themore » surface due to the presence of chloride ions. Detailed microstructural analysis is shown and discussed on one sample of each type of steel. - Highlights: • Synchrotron micro-diffraction used to map the distribution of crystalline phases. • Goethite and akaganeite are the main corrosion products during chloride induced corrosion in mortar. • Layers of goethite and akaganeite are negatively correlated. • EDS showed Cr present in corrosion products identified by SEM.« less

Effect of microstructure on static and dynamic mechanical properties of high strength steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qu, Jinbo

The high speed deformation behavior of a commercially available dual phase (DP) steel was studied by means of split Hopkinson bar apparatus in shear punch (25m/s) and tension (1000s-1) modes with an emphasis on the influence of microstructure. The cold rolled sheet material was subjected to a variety of heat treatment conditions to produce several different microstructures, namely ferrite plus pearlite, ferrite plus bainite and/or acicular ferrite, ferrite plus bainite and martensite, and ferrite plus different fractions of martensite. Static properties (0.01mm/s for shear punch and 0.001s -1 for tension) of all the microstructures were also measured by an MTS hydraulic machine and compared to the dynamic properties. The effects of low temperature tempering and bake hardening were investigated for some ferrite plus martensite microstructures. In addition, two other materials, composition designed as high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel and transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) steel, were heat treated and tested to study the effect of alloy chemistry on the microstructure and property relationship. A strong effect of microstructure on both static and dynamic properties and on the relationship between static and dynamic properties was observed. According to the variation of dynamic factor with static strength, three groups of microstructures with three distinct behaviors were identified, i.e. classic dual phase (ferrite plus less than 50% martensite), martensite-matrix dual phase (ferrite plus more than 50% martensite), and non-dual phase (ferrite plus non-martensite). Under the same static strength level, the dual phase microstructure was found to absorb more dynamic energy than other microstructures. It was also observed that the general dependence of microstructure on static and dynamic property relationship was not strongly influenced by chemical composition, except the ferrite plus martensite microstructures generated by the TRIP chemistry, which exhibited much better dynamic factor values. This may suggest that solid solution strengthening should be more utilized in the design of crashworthy dual phase steels.

Hydrogen-enhanced-plasticity mediated decohesion for hydrogen-induced intergranular and ``quasi-cleavage'' fracture of lath martensitic steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagao, Akihide; Dadfarnia, Mohsen; Somerday, Brian P.; Sofronis, Petros; Ritchie, Robert O.

2018-03-01

Hydrogen embrittlement of lath martenistic steels is characterized by intergranular and "quasi-cleavage" transgranular fracture. Recent transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses (Nagao et al., 2012a, 2014a, 2014b, 2014c) of samples lifted from beneath fracture surfaces through focused ion beam machining (FIB) revealed a failure mechanism that can be termed hydrogen-enhanced-plasticity mediated decohesion. Fracture occurs by the synergistic action of the hydrogen-enhanced localized plasticity and decohesion. In particular, intergranular cracking takes place by dislocation pile-ups impinging on prior austenite grain boundaries and "quasi-cleavage" is the case when dislocation pile-ups impinge on block boundaries. These high-angle boundaries, which have already weakened by the presence of hydrogen, debond by the pile-up stresses. The micromechanical model of Novak et al. (2010) is used to quantitatively describe and predict the hydrogen-induced failure of these steels. The model predictions verify that introduction of nanosized (Ti,Mo)C precipitates in the steel microstructure enhances the resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. The results are used to discuss microstructural designs that are less susceptible to hydrogen-induced failure in systems with fixed hydrogen content (closed systems).

Effect of Nitrogen on Transformation Behaviors and Microstructure of V-N Microalloyed Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Baochun; Zhao, Tan; Li, Guiyan; Lu, Qiang

Multi-pass deformation simulation tests were performed on V-N microalloyed steels with different nitrogen addition by using a Gleeble-3800 thermo-mechanical simulator and the corresponding continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagrams were determined by thermal dilation method and metallographic method. The deformed austenite transformation behavior and resultant microstructure of the tested steels were studied. Furthermore, the effect of nitrogen addition on the transformation behavior and microstructure evolution was analyzed. The results show that the transformed microstructures in the three tested steels are ferrite, pearlite and bainite respectively while the transformation temperatures are not the same. For the two tested steel with higher nitrogen additions, higher ferrite start temperature and critical cooling rates are observed. Furthermore, an increase in nitrogen addition leads to increasing quantities of ferrite and the transformed ferrite is smaller in size. The hardness test results reveal that the hardness number increases with increasing nitrogen addition at low cooling rate while the value tends to be smaller due to increasing nitrogen addition at high cooling rate. Therefore, the hardness number of the steel with high nitrogen addition is not so sensitive to cooling rate as that of the steel with low nitrogen addition.

Prediction of Continuous Cooling Transformation Diagrams for Dual-Phase Steels from the Intercritical Region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colla, V.; Desanctis, M.; Dimatteo, A.; Lovicu, G.; Valentini, R.

2011-09-01

The purpose of the present work is the implementation and validation of a model able to predict the microstructure changes and the mechanical properties in the modern high-strength dual-phase steels after the continuous annealing process line (CAPL) and galvanizing (Galv) process. Experimental continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagrams for 13 differently alloying dual-phase steels were measured by dilatometry from the intercritical range and were used to tune the parameters of the microstructural prediction module of the model. Mechanical properties and microstructural features were measured for more than 400 dual-phase steels simulating the CAPL and Galv industrial process, and the results were used to construct the mechanical model that predicts mechanical properties from microstructural features, chemistry, and process parameters. The model was validated and proved its efficiency in reproducing the transformation kinetic and mechanical properties of dual-phase steels produced by typical industrial process. Although it is limited to the dual-phase grades and chemical compositions explored, this model will constitute a useful tool for the steel industry.

Effect of Rare Earth Cerium Addition on Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Low Carbon High Manganese Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, M. Z.; Yu, Y. C.; Li, H.; Ren, X.; Wang, S. B.

2017-02-01

Low carbon high manganese steels with different Ce contents were melted in medium frequency vacuum induction furnace. The microstructures and mechanical properties of steels were studied by OM, SEM, EDS and mechanical property testing. The results showed that the microstructures of experimental steels were refined remarkably, inclusions distributed more finely and uniformly, the tensile strength and impact toughness of tested steels both improved greatly after the addition of Ce. Thermodynamic calculation results demonstrated that Ce contained inclusions were Ce2O3 and Ce3S4, which agreed well with the results observed by SEM and EDS. By analysis of two-dimensional lattice disregistry, it was shown that the lattice misfit parameter between δ-Fe and Ce2O3, Ce3S4 are less than 6 %, which indicated that Ce2O3 and Ce3S4 could effectively act as the heterogeneous nuclei of initial δ-Fe. Therefore, the microstructures were refined significantly and the mechanical properties were improved correspondingly in Ce-added low carbon high manganese steels.

J-R fracture characteristics of ferritic steels for RPVs and RCS piping of nuclear power plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, Ji-Hyun; Lee, Bong-Sang; Hong, Jun-Hwa

2001-10-01

J-R fracture resistance tests have been performed on 3 heats of SA508-Gr.3 nuclear reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steel as well as 2 heats of SA516-Gr.70 and a heat of SA508-Gr.1a steels for nuclear reactor coolant system (RCS) piping. For the latter two steels, dynamic in addition to static J-R fracture resistances were investigated. From the test results of the SA508-Gr.3 steels, the J-R fracture resistance was superior in the following order: Si-killing steel, modified VCD steel and VCD steel. Microstructural analyses were carried out to correlate J-R fracture resistances with microstructural characteristics. According to the test results for SA508-Gr.1a and SA516-Gr.70 steels, all of the tested steels showed steep drops in fracture resistance at certain temperature and loading rate combinations. One heat of SA516-Gr.70 steel was very sensitive to dynamic strain aging and its fracture resistance was significantly low. It was concluded that microstructural and chemical factors affect the J-R fracture and DSA characteristics of SA516-Gr.70 steels.

Improved the microstructures and properties of M3:2 high-speed steel by spray forming and niobium alloying

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lu, L.; Hou, L.G., E-mail: lghou@skl.ustb.edu.cn; Zhang, J.X.

The microstructures and properties of spray formed (SF) high-speed steels (HSSs) with or without niobium (Nb) addition were studied. Particular emphasis was placed on the effect of Nb on the solidification microstructures, decomposition of M{sub 2}C carbides, thermal stability and mechanical properties. The results show that spray forming can refine the cell size of eutectic carbides due to the rapid cooling effect during atomization. With Nb addition, further refinement of the eutectic carbides and primary austenite grains are obtained. Moreover, the Nb addition can accelerate the decomposition of M{sub 2}C carbides and increase the thermal stability of high-speed steel, andmore » also can improve the hardness and bending strength with slightly decrease the impact toughness. The high-speed steel made by spray forming and Nb alloying can give a better tool performance compared with powder metallurgy M3:2 and commercial AISI M2 high-speed steels. - Highlights: • Spray forming can effectively refine the microstructure of M3:2 steel. • Niobium accelerates the decomposition of M{sub 2}C carbides. • Niobium increases the hardness and bending strength of spray formed M3:2 steel. • Spray-formed niobium-containing M3:2 steel has the best tool performance.« less

A micromechanical interpretation of the temperature dependence of Beremin model parameters for french RPV steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mathieu, Jean-Philippe; Inal, Karim; Berveiller, Sophie; Diard, Olivier

2010-11-01

Local approach to brittle fracture for low-alloyed steels is discussed in this paper. A bibliographical introduction intends to highlight general trends and consensual points of the topic and evokes debatable aspects. French RPV steel 16MND5 (equ. ASTM A508 Cl.3), is then used as a model material to study the influence of temperature on brittle fracture. A micromechanical modelling of brittle fracture at the elementary volume scale already used in previous work is then recalled. It involves a multiscale modelling of microstructural plasticity which has been tuned on experimental inter-phase and inter-granular stresses heterogeneities measurements. Fracture probability of the elementary volume can then be computed using a randomly attributed defect size distribution based on realistic carbides repartition. This defect distribution is then deterministically correlated to stress heterogeneities simulated within the microstructure using a weakest-link hypothesis on the elementary volume, which results in a deterministic stress to fracture. Repeating the process allows to compute Weibull parameters on the elementary volume. This tool is then used to investigate the physical mechanisms that could explain the already experimentally observed temperature dependence of Beremin's parameter for 16MND5 steel. It is showed that, assuming that the hypothesis made in this work about cleavage micro-mechanisms are correct, effective equivalent surface energy (i.e. surface energy plus plastically dissipated energy when blunting the crack tip) for propagating a crack has to be temperature dependent to explain Beremin's parameters temperature evolution.

Laser-shock damage of iron-based materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Jinn P.; Banas, Grzegorz; Lawrence, Frederick V.; Rigsbee, James M.; Elsayed-Ali, Hani E.

1993-05-01

The effects of laser shock processing on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the manganese (1 percent C and 14 percent Mn) steels have been low carbon (0.04 wt. percent C) and Hadfield studied. Laser shock processing was performed with a 1.054 micrometers wavelength Nd-phosphate laser operating in a pulse mode (600 ps pulse length and up to 200 J energy) with power densities above 10 to the 11th power W/cm2. Shock waves were generated by volume expansion of the plasma formed when the material was laser irradiated. Maximum shock wave intensities were obtained using an energy-absorbing black paint coating without a plasma-confining overlay. Maximum modification of compressive residual stresses were achieved when laser shock processing induced deformation occurred without melting. Mechanical properties were improved through modifying the microstructure by laser shock processing. High density arrays of dislocations (greater than 10 to the 11th power/cm2) were generated in low carbon steel by high strain-rate deformation of laser shock processing, resulting in surface hardness increases of 30 to 80 percent. In austenitic Hadfield steel, laser shock processing caused extensive formation of Epsilon-hcp martensite (35 vol. percent), producing increases of 50 to 130 percent in surface hardness. The laser shock processing strengthening effect in Hadfield steel was attributed to the combined effects of the partial dislocation/stacking fault arrays and the grain refinement due to presence of the Epsilon-hcp martensite.

Homogeneous and heterogeneous micro-structuring of austenitic stainless steels by the low temperature plasma nitriding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aizawa, T.; Yoshihara, S.-I.

2018-06-01

The austenitic stainless steels have been widely utilized as a structural component and member as well as a die and mold substrate for stamping. AISI316 dies and molds require for the surface treatment to accommodate the sufficient hardness and wear resistance to them. In addition, the candidate treatment methods must be free from toxicity, energy consumption and inefficiency. The low temperature plasma nitriding process has become one of the most promising methods to make solid-solution hardening by the nitrogen super-saturation. In the present paper, the high density RF/DC plasma nitriding process was applied to form the uniform nitrided layer in the AISI316 matrix and to describe the essential mechanism of inner nitriding in this low temperature nitriding process. In case of the nitrided AISI316 at 673 K for 14.4ks, the nitrided layer thickness became 60 μm with the surface hardness of 1700 HV and the surface nitrogen content of 7 mass %. This inner nitriding process is governed by the synergetic interrelation among the nitrogen super-saturation, the lattice expansion, the phase transformation, the plastic straining, the microstructure refinement and the acceleration of nitrogen diffusion. As far as this interrelation is sustained during the nitriding process, the original austenitic microstructure is homogeneously nitrided to have fine grains with the average size of 0.1 μm and the high crystallographic misorientation angles and to have two phase (γ + α’) structures with the plateau of nitrogen content by 5 mass%. Once this interrelation does not work anymore, the homogeneous microstructure changed itself to the heterogeneous one. The plastic straining took place in the selected coarse grains; they were partially refined into subgrains. This plastic localization accompanied the localized phase transformation.

Effect of Post-Weld Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of X52 Linepipe HFIW Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kavousi Sisi, A.; Mirsalehi, S. E.

2015-04-01

In the present paper, influences of normalization heat treatment on microstructural and mechanical properties of high-frequency induction welded (HFIW) joints of X52 steel have been investigated. HFIW joints were post-weld heat treated at different times and temperatures. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the heat treated joints were then comprehensively investigated. Based on the results, a proper normalization of the primary fine grain steel caused the grain size to increase; but because of converting brittle microstructure into ductile microstructure, it caused the toughness to increase also. In addition, the ductility of the joints was enhanced. Nevertheless, tensile strength, yield strength, and hardness were reduced. The results showed that 950 °C was the optimum normalization temperature from the standpoint of fracture toughness for the X52 steel joints. At 1050 °C, the carbides and/or nitrides in the steel dissolved, and excessive grain growth occurred. Hence, the maximum allowable temperature for normalization was found to be 1000 °C.

Microstructural Evolutions During Reversion Annealing of Cold-Rolled AISI 316 Austenitic Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naghizadeh, Meysam; Mirzadeh, Hamed

2018-03-01

Microstructural evolutions during reversion annealing of a plastically deformed AISI 316 stainless steel were investigated and three distinct stages were identified: the reversion of strain-induced martensite to austenite, the primary recrystallization of the retained austenite, and the grain growth process. It was found that the slow kinetics of recrystallization at lower annealing temperatures inhibit the formation of an equiaxed microstructure and might effectively impair the usefulness of this thermomechanical treatment for the objective of grain refinement. By comparing the behavior of AISI 316 and 304 alloys, it was found that the mentioned slow kinetics is related to the retardation effect of solute Mo in the former alloy. At high reversion annealing temperature, however, an equiaxed austenitic microstructure was achieved quickly in AISI 316 stainless steel due to the temperature dependency of retardation effect of molybdenum, which allowed the process of recrystallization to happen easily. Conclusively, this work can shed some light on the issues of this efficient grain refining approach for microstructural control of austenitic stainless steels.

Microstructural Evolutions During Reversion Annealing of Cold-Rolled AISI 316 Austenitic Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naghizadeh, Meysam; Mirzadeh, Hamed

2018-06-01

Microstructural evolutions during reversion annealing of a plastically deformed AISI 316 stainless steel were investigated and three distinct stages were identified: the reversion of strain-induced martensite to austenite, the primary recrystallization of the retained austenite, and the grain growth process. It was found that the slow kinetics of recrystallization at lower annealing temperatures inhibit the formation of an equiaxed microstructure and might effectively impair the usefulness of this thermomechanical treatment for the objective of grain refinement. By comparing the behavior of AISI 316 and 304 alloys, it was found that the mentioned slow kinetics is related to the retardation effect of solute Mo in the former alloy. At high reversion annealing temperature, however, an equiaxed austenitic microstructure was achieved quickly in AISI 316 stainless steel due to the temperature dependency of retardation effect of molybdenum, which allowed the process of recrystallization to happen easily. Conclusively, this work can shed some light on the issues of this efficient grain refining approach for microstructural control of austenitic stainless steels.

Microstructural characterisation of friction stir welding joints of mild steel to Ni-based alloy 625

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rodriguez, J.; University of Campinas; Ramirez, A.J., E-mail: ramirezlondono.1@osu.edu

2015-12-15

In this study, 6-mm-thick mild steel and Ni-based alloy 625 plates were friction stir welded using a tool rotational speed of 300 rpm and a travel speed of 100 mm·min{sup −1}. A microstructural characterisation of the dissimilar butt joint was performed using optical microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (XEDS). Six different weld zones were found. In the steel, the heat-affected zone (HAZ) was divided into three zones and was composed of ferrite, pearlite colonies with different morphologies, degenerated regions of pearlite and allotriomorphic and Widmanstätten ferrite. The stir zone (SZ) of the steel showedmore » a coarse microstructure consisting of allotriomorphic and Widmanstätten ferrite, degenerate pearlite and MA constituents. In the Ni-based alloy 625, the thermo-mechanically affected zone (TMAZ) showed deformed grains and redistribution of precipitates. In the SZ, the high deformation and temperature produced a recrystallised microstructure, as well as fracture and redistribution of MC precipitates. The M{sub 23}C{sub 6} precipitates, present in the base material, were also redistributed in the stir zone of the Ni-based alloy. TMAZ in the steel and HAZ in the Ni-based alloy could not be identified. The main restorative mechanisms were discontinuous dynamic recrystallisation in the steel, and discontinuous and continuous dynamic recrystallisation in the Ni-based alloy. The interface region between the steel and the Ni-based alloy showed a fcc microstructure with NbC carbides and an average length of 2.0 μm. - Highlights: • Comprehensive microstructural characterisation of dissimilar joints of mild steel to Ni-based alloy • Friction stir welding of joints of mild steel to Ni-based alloy 625 produces sound welds. • The interface region showed deformed and recrystallised fcc grains with NbC carbides and a length of 2.0 μm.« less

Stainless steel valves with enhanced performance through microstructure optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barani, A. A.; Boukhattam, M.; Haggeney, M.; Güler, S.

2017-08-01

Compressor valves are made of hardened and tempered martensitic steels. The main design criterion for the material selection is the fatigue performance of the material under bending loads. In some cases impact loads and corrosive atmospheres additionally act on the part. For the first time, the microstructure of the most commonly used stainless steel and its influence on the properties relevant for flapper valves is presented and described in this paper. It is demonstrated how the tensile properties of a martensitic stainless steel can be enhanced by tailoring the microstructure. Electron back scatter diffraction method is carried out to explain the changes in monotonic mechanical properties. Through a modified heat treatment the martensite microstructure is refined resulting in an increase of yield and ultimate tensile strength and at the same time a significant increase of elongation.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Laser Clad and Post-cladding Tempered AISI H13 Tool Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Telasang, Gururaj; Dutta Majumdar, Jyotsna; Wasekar, Nitin; Padmanabham, G.; Manna, Indranil

2015-05-01

This study reports a detailed investigation of the microstructure and mechanical properties (wear resistance and tensile strength) of hardened and tempered AISI H13 tool steel substrate following laser cladding with AISI H13 tool steel powder in as-clad and after post-cladding conventional bulk isothermal tempering [at 823 K (550 °C) for 2 hours] heat treatment. Laser cladding was carried out on AISI H13 tool steel substrate using a 6 kW continuous wave diode laser coupled with fiber delivering an energy density of 133 J/mm2 and equipped with a co-axial powder feeding nozzle capable of feeding powder at the rate of 13.3 × 10-3 g/mm2. Laser clad zone comprises martensite, retained austenite, and carbides, and measures an average hardness of 600 to 650 VHN. Subsequent isothermal tempering converted the microstructure into one with tempered martensite and uniform dispersion of carbides with a hardness of 550 to 650 VHN. Interestingly, laser cladding introduced residual compressive stress of 670 ± 15 MPa, which reduces to 580 ± 20 MPa following isothermal tempering. Micro-tensile testing with specimens machined from the clad zone across or transverse to cladding direction showed high strength but failure in brittle mode. On the other hand, similar testing with samples sectioned from the clad zone parallel or longitudinal to the direction of laser cladding prior to and after post-cladding tempering recorded lower strength but ductile failure with 4.7 and 8 pct elongation, respectively. Wear resistance of the laser surface clad and post-cladding tempered samples (evaluated by fretting wear testing) registered superior performance as compared to that of conventional hardened and tempered AISI H13 tool steel.

Dry sliding wear behavior of TIG welding clad WC composite coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buytoz, Soner; Ulutan, Mustafa; Yildirim, M. Mustafa

2005-12-01

In this study, melted tungsten carbide powders on the surface of AISI 4340 steel was applied by using tungsten inert gas (TIG) method. It was observed that it has been solidified in different microstructures depending on the production parameters. As a result of microstructure examinations, in the surface modified layers an eutectic and dendrite solidification was observed together with WC, W 2C phases. In the layer produced, the hardness values varied between 950 and 1200 HV. The minimum mass loss was observed in the sample, which was treated in 1.209 mm/s production rate, 0.5 g/s powder feed rate and 13.9 kJ/cm heat input.

Modeling and Investigation of the Wear Resistance of Salt Bath Nitrided Aisi 4140 via ANN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ekinci, Şerafettin; Akdemir, Ahmet; Kahramanli, Humar

2013-05-01

Nitriding is usually used to improve the surface properties of steel materials. In this way, the wear resistance of steels is improved. We conducted a series of studies in order to investigate the microstructural, mechanical and tribological properties of salt bath nitrided AISI 4140 steel. The present study has two parts. For the first phase, the tribological behavior of the AISI 4140 steel which was nitrided in sulfinuz salt bath (SBN) was compared to the behavior of the same steel which was untreated. After surface characterization using metallography, microhardness and sliding wear tests were performed on a block-on-cylinder machine in which carbonized AISI 52100 steel discs were used as the counter face. For the examined AISI 4140 steel samples with and without surface treatment, the evolution of both the friction coefficient and of the wear behavior were determined under various loads, at different sliding velocities and a total sliding distance of 1000 m. The test results showed that wear resistance increased with the nitriding process, friction coefficient decreased due to the sulfur in salt bath and friction coefficient depended systematically on surface hardness. For the second part of this study, four artificial neural network (ANN) models were designed to predict the weight loss and friction coefficient of the nitrided and unnitrided AISI 4140 steel. Load, velocity and sliding distance were used as input. Back-propagation algorithm was chosen for training the ANN. Statistical measurements of R2, MAE and RMSE were employed to evaluate the success of the systems. The results showed that all the systems produced successful results.

Effect of Boron and Titanium Addition on the Hot Ductility of Low-Carbon Nb-Containing Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Wei-Jian; Li, Jing; Shi, Cheng-Bin; Huo, Xiang-Dong

2015-12-01

The effect of boron and titanium addition on the hot ductility of Nb-containing steel was investigated using hot tensile tests. The fracture surface and the quenched longitudinal microstructure were examined by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that both steel samples had the similar change from 1,100°C to 700°C. The hot ductility of Nb-containing steel with boron and titanium addition was higher than the steel without boron and titanium in the temperature range of 900-750°C. Because the formation of intergranular ferrite was inhibited by solute boron segregating on the grain boundary, the formation of TiN changed the distribution of Nb- and boron-containing precipitates and improved the amount of intragranular ferrite.

Effect of 0.2 and 0.5% Ti on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 13Cr supermartensitic stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lian, Yong; Huang, Jinfeng; Zhang, Jin; Zhang, Cheng; Gao, Wen; Zhao, Chao

2015-11-01

The effect that a 0, 0.2, and 0.5 wt.% titanium content has on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 13Cr supermartensitic stainless steel was investigated using an optical microscope, transmission electron microscope, and X-ray diffraction. The resultant microstructures of the three steels were tempered martensite with a reversed austenite dispersed throughout the matrix. Additionally, the formation of Cr-rich carbides was suppressed by stable Ti(C, N), which improved the strength without severely decreasing in the Ti-microalloyed steel toughness. Nano-precipitation of Ni3Ti was found for the 0.5 wt.% Ti steel during tempering, which significantly increased the strength, but decreased the toughness. The reversed austenite volume fraction also significantly influenced the mechanical properties.

Thermomechanical Testing and Microstructural Development of Class L Steel Wheel Alloy

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1994-03-01

Macrostructure, microstructure, and quantitative metallographic analysis is conducted on Association of American Railroads Class L wheel steel specimens tested in a Gleeble 1500 under combined mechanical compression and resistance heating to temperat...

The Microstructural and Property Changes of Laser Treated Electrodeposits

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-01-01

corresponds to the center of the LASER beam path. Examination of the underlying steel reveals a transformation which appears to be untempered martensite ...specimen after LASER interaction time of 50 ms. Phase transformations have advanced through the complete thickness of the specimen. ii. Hardness plot through...cooling. 13 This technique of achieving homogeneous phase transformations in the surface with sufficient control of surface depth has formed the basis

Evaluation of a Belt-Cast Austenitic Steel Alloy from Salzgitter Mannesmann Forschung: Effect of Hardness on the Ballistic Resistance against Two 0.30-cal. Projectile Types

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-08-01

obtained from Salzgitter Mannesmann Forschung, a German steel manufacturing concern. The steel samples were subjected to microstructural and quasi ... Experimental Procedures 4 4. Results and Discussion 7 4.1 Microstructural and Mechanical Properties 7 4.2 Ballistic Testing 14 5. Summary and Conclusions...austenitic steels. Reprinted with permission. ................................................................... 2 Fig. 2 Experimental setup. A

Controlling the mechanical properties of carbon steel by thermomechanical treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balavar, Mohsen; Mirzadeh, Hamed

2018-01-01

The effect of thermomechanical processing and heat treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of low carbon steel was studied. It was revealed that the dual phase ferritic-martensitic microstructure shows a good combination of tensile strength and ductility along with superior work hardening response. On the other hand, the bimodal-sized structure containing ultrafine grained (UFG) and micron-sized ferrite phase can be easily produced by cold rolling and annealing of the dual phase starting microstructure. This steel showed high yield stress, tensile strength, and ductility, but poor work hardening ability. The full annealed ferritic-pearlitic sheet with banded morphology exhibited low strength and high total elongation with the appearance of the yield point phenomenon. The martensitic steels, however, had high tensile strength and low ductility. By comparing the tensile properties of these steels, it was shown that it is possible to control the mechanical properties of low carbon steel by simple processing routes.

Preparation of a polymeric ionic liquid-coated solid-phase microextraction fiber by surface radical chain-transfer polymerization with stainless steel wire as support.

PubMed

Feng, Juanjuan; Sun, Min; Xu, Lili; Li, Jubai; Liu, Xia; Jiang, Shengxiang

2011-10-28

Polymeric 1-vinyl-3-octylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate was synthesized in situ on stainless steel wire by surface radical chain-transfer polymerization and used as sensitive coatings in solid-phase microextraction. The outer surface of the stainless steel wire was firstly coated with microstructured silver layer via silver mirror reaction and then functionalized with self-assembled monolayers of 1,8-octanedithiol, which acted as chain transfer agent in the polymerization. Coupled to gas chromatography, extraction performance of the fiber was studied with both headspace and direct-immersion modes using benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX), phenols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) as model analytes. In combination with the microstructured silver layer, the PIL-coated fiber exhibited high extraction efficiency. Linear ranges for BTEX with headspace mode were in the range of 0.2-1000 μg L(-1) for benzene, and 0.1-1000 μg L(-1) for toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes. Limits of detection (LODs) were from 0.02 to 0.05 μg L(-1). Wide linear ranges of direct-immersion mode for the extraction of several phenols and PAHs were also obtained with correlation coefficients (R) from 0.9943 to 0.9997. The proposed fiber showed good durability with long lifetime. RSDs of 56 times extraction were still in an acceptable range, from 8.85 to 22.8%. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The formation of periodic micro/nano structured on stainless steel by femtosecond laser irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Caizhen; Gao, Wei; Ye, Yayun; Jiang, Yong; Xu, Shizhen; Yuan, Xiaodong

2017-07-01

Stainless steel surface was irradiated by linear polarized laser (800 nm, 35 fs, 4 Hz and 0.7 J/cm2) with different pulse numbers. Environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM/EDS) was used for detailed morphology, microstructure and composition studies. The wettability of irradiated steel surface was tested by Interface Tensiometer JC-2000X and compared with untreated stainless steel. Results showed that micro/nanostripes with different periods were formed. The period increased with the increasing pulse numbers from 450 nm for 90 pulses to 500 nm for 180 pulses. The orientation of those stripes was parallel with the laser beam polarization. Nanoparticles were observed on those periodic structures. EDS indicated that the atomic ratio of Cr increased and the atomic ratios of Fe and Ni decreased after laser irradiation, which may enhance the corrosion resistance due to the Cr-rich layer. The prepared structure exhibited hydrophobic property without further treatment. The formation mechanism of micro/nanoperiodic structures was also explored.

Correlation between molten vanadium salts and the structural degradation of HK-type steel superheater tubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Carvalho Nunes, Frederico; de Almeida, Luiz Henrique; Ribeiro, André Freitas

2006-12-01

HK steels are among the most used heat-resistant cast stainless steels, being corrosion-resistant and showing good mechanical properties at high service temperatures. These steels are widely used in reformer furnaces and as superheater tubes. During service, combustion gases leaving the burners come in contact with these tubes, resulting in corrosive attack and a large weight loss occurs due to the presence of vanadium, which forms low melting point salts, removing the protective oxide layer. In this work the external surface of a tube with dramatic wall thickness reduction was analyzed using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The identification of the phases was achieved by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analyses. The results showed oxides arising from the external surface. In this oxidized region vanadium compounds inside chromium carbide particles were also observed, due to inward vanadium diffusion during corrosion attack. A chemical reaction was proposed to explain the presence of vanadium in the metal microstructure.

Microstructural and mechanical characterization of postweld heat-treated thermite weld in rails

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ilic, N.; Jovanovic, M.T.; Todorovic, M.

1999-10-01

This paper describes a comparative study of the hardness characteristics, mechanical properties, microstructures, and fracture mechanisms of the thermite welded rail steel joints before and after heat treatment. It has been found that heat treatment of the welded joint improves the mechanical properties (UTS and elongation), and changes the fracture mechanism from brittle to ductile. Improved strength and elongation are attributed to the finer ferrite-pearlite microstructure and the different fracture mechanism. Microporosity and numerous inclusions were seen on the fracture surface of the welded joint. The chemical composition of the inclusions indicated that the molten thermite mixture had reacted withmore » the magnesite lining of the ladle and the feeder.« less

Structure and corrosion properties of PVD Cr-N coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, C.; Bi, Q.; Ziegele, H.; Leyland, A.; Matthews, A.

2002-05-01

PVD Cr-N coatings produced by physical vapor deposition (PVD) are increasingly used for mechanical and tribological applications in various industrial sectors. These coatings are particularly attractive for their excellent corrosion resistance, which further enhances the lifetime and service quality of coated components. PVD Cr-N coated steels in an aqueous solution are usually corroded by galvanic attack via through-coating ``permeable'' defects (e.g., pores). Therefore, the corrosion performance of Cr-N coated steel is determined by a number of variables of the coating properties and corrosive environment. These variables include: (i) surface continuity and uniformity; (ii) through-coating porosity; (iii) film density and chemical stability; (iv) growth stresses; (v) interfacial and intermediate layers; (vi) coating thickness; (vii) coating composition; and (viii) substrate properties. In this article, PVD Cr-N coatings were prepared, by electron-beam PVD and sputter deposition, with different compositions, thicknesses, and surface roughnesses, by changing the N2 flow rate, applying multilayering techniques and changing the substrate finish prior to coating. The microstructure of such coatings is investigated by various analytical techniques such as glancing angle x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, which are also correlated with the corrosion performance of the coated steel. Both dc polarization and ac impedance spectroscopy were employed to investigate the corrosion resistance of Cr-N coated steel in a 0.5N NaCl solution. It has been found that the N2 flow rate during reactive deposition strongly determines the microstructure of Cr-N coatings (due to the changing nitrogen content in the film) and can thus affect the corrosion resistance of coated systems. The surface finish of the steel substrate also affects the uniformity and coverage of PVD coatings; grooves and inclusions on the original substrate can raise the susceptibility of coated systems to crevice corrosion. Increased coating thickness can also greatly reduce the incidence of through-coating porosity such that the improvement in corrosion performance of thicker Cr-N coatings is significant.

Influence of Powder Outgassing Conditions on the Chemical, Microstructural, and Mechanical Properties of a 14 wt% Cr Ferritic ODS Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sornin, D.; Giroux, P.-F.; Rigal, E.; Fabregue, D.; Soulas, R.; Hamon, D.

2017-11-01

Oxide dispersion-strengthened ferritic stainless steels are foreseen as fuel cladding tube materials for the new generation of sodium fast nuclear reactors. Those materials, which exhibit remarkable creep properties at high temperature, are reinforced by a dense precipitation of nanometric oxides. This precipitation is obtained by mechanical alloying of a powder and subsequent consolidation. Before consolidation, to obtain a fully dense material, the powder is vacuumed to outgas trapped gases and species adsorbed at the surface of the powder particles. This operation is commonly done at moderate to high temperature to evacuate as much as possible volatile species. This paper focuses on the influence of outgassing conditions on some properties of the further consolidated materials. Chemical composition and microstructural characterization of different materials obtained from various outgassing cycles are compared. Finally, impact toughness of those materials is evaluated by using Charpy testing. This study shows a significant influence of the outgassing conditions on the mechanical properties of the consolidated material. However, microstructure and oxygen contents seem poorly impacted by the various outgassing conditions.

Rapid Tempering of Martensitic Stainless Steel AISI420: Microstructure, Mechanical and Corrosion Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbasi-Khazaei, Bijan; Mollaahmadi, Akbar

2017-04-01

In this research, the effect of rapid tempering on the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of AISI 420 martensitic stainless steel has been investigated. At first, all test specimens were austenitized at 1050 °C for 1 h and tempered at 200 °C for 1 h. Then, the samples were rapidly reheated by a salt bath furnace in a temperature range from 300 to 1050 °C for 2 min and cooled in air. The tensile tests, impact, hardness and electrochemical corrosion were carried out on the reheated samples. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the microstructure and fracture surface. To investigate carbides, transmission electron microscopy and also scanning electron microscopy were used. X-ray diffraction was used for determination of the retained austenite. The results showed that the minimum properties such as the tensile strength, impact energy, hardness and corrosion resistance were obtained at reheating temperature of 700 °C. Semi-continuous carbides in the grain boundaries were seen in this temperature. Secondary hardening phenomenon was occurred at reheating temperature of 500 °C.

Microstructural Characterization of the Heat-Affected Zones in Grade 92 Steel Welds: Double-Pass and Multipass Welds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, X.; West, G. D.; Siefert, J. A.; Parker, J. D.; Thomson, R. C.

2018-04-01

The microstructure in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of multipass welds typical of those used in power plants and made from 9 wt pct chromium martensitic Grade 92 steel is complex. Therefore, there is a need for systematic microstructural investigations to define the different regions of the microstructure across the HAZ of Grade 92 steel welds manufactured using the traditional arc welding processes in order to understand possible failure mechanisms after long-term service. In this study, the microstructure in the HAZ of an as-fabricated two-pass bead-on-plate weld on a parent metal of Grade 92 steel has been systematically investigated and compared to a complex, multipass thick section weldment using an extensive range of electron and ion-microscopy-based techniques. A dilatometer has been used to apply controlled thermal cycles to simulate the microstructures in distinctly different regions in a multipass HAZ using sequential thermal cycles. A wide range of microstructural properties in the simulated materials were characterized and compared with the experimental observations from the weld HAZ. It has been found that the microstructure in the HAZ can be categorized by a combination of sequential thermal cycles experienced by the different zones within the complex weld metal, using the terminology developed for these regions based on a simpler, single-pass bead-on-plate weld, categorized as complete transformation, partial transformation, and overtempered.

Effect of Laser Power on Metallurgical, Mechanical and Tribological Characteristics of Hardfaced Surfaces of Nickel-Based Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gnanasekaran, S.; Padmanaban, G.; Balasubramanian, V.

2017-12-01

In this present work, nickel based alloy was deposited on 316 LN austenitic stainless steel (ASS) by a laser hardfacing technique to investigate the influence of laser power on macrostructure, microstructure, microhardness, dilution and wear characteristics. The laser power varied from 1.1 to 1.9 kW. The phase constitution, microstructure and microhardness were examined by optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersion spectroscopy and Vickers microhardness tester. The wear characteristics of the hardfaced surfaces and substrate were evaluated at room temperature (RT) under dry sliding wear condition (pin-on-disc). The outcome demonstrates that as the laser power increases, dilution increases and hardness of the deposit decreases. This is because excess heat melts more volume of substrate material and increases the dilution; subsequently it decreases the hardness of the deposit. The microstructure of the deposit is characterized by Ni-rich carbide, boride and silicide.

An Experimental Investigation on Hardness and Microstructure of Heat Treated EN 9 Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biswas, Palash; Kundu, Arnab; Mondal, Dhiraj

2017-08-01

In the modern engineering world, extensive research has led to the development of some special grades of steel, often suited for enhanced functions. EN 9 steel is one such grade, having major applications in power plants, automobile and aerospace industry. Different heat treatment processes are employed to achieve high hardness and high wear resistance, but machinability subsequently decreases. Existing literature is not sufficient to achieve a balance between hardness and machinability. The aim of this experimental work is to determine the hardness values and observe microstructural changes in EN9 steel, when it is subjected to annealing, normalizing and quenching. Finally, the effects of tempering after each of these heat treatments on hardness and microstructure have also been shown. It is seen that the tempering after normalizing the specimen achieved satisfactory results. The microstructure was also observed to be consisting of fine grains.

Continuous Cooling Transformations in Nuclear Pressure Vessel Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pous-Romero, Hector; Bhadeshia, Harry K. D. H.

2014-10-01

A class of low-alloy steels often referred to as SA508 represent key materials for the manufacture of nuclear reactor pressure vessels. The alloys have good properties, but the scatter in properties is of prime interest in safe design. Such scatter can arise from microstructural variations but most studies conclude that large components made from such steels are, following heat treatment, fully bainitic. In the present work, we demonstrate with the help of a variety of experimental techniques that the microstructures of three SA508 Gr.3 alloys are far from homogeneous when considered in the context of the cooling rates encountered in practice. In particular, allotriomorphic ferrite that is expected to lead to a deterioration in toughness, is found in the microstructure for realistic combinations of austenite grain size and the cooling rate combination. Parameters are established to identify the domains in which SA508 Gr.3 steels transform only into the fine bainitic microstructures.

Fractography of the high temperature hydrogen attack of a medium carbon steel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Melson, H. G.; Moorhead, R. D.

1975-01-01

Microscopic fracture processes were studied which are associated with hydrogen attack of a medium carbon steel in a well-controlled, high-temperature, high-purity hydrogen environment. Exposure to a hydrogen pressure and temperature of 3.5 MN/m2 and 575 C was found to degrade room temperature tensile properties with increasing exposure time. After 408 hr, yield and ultimate strengths were reduced by more than 40 percent and elongation was reduced to less than 2 percent. Initial fissure formation was found to be associated with manganese rich particles, most probably manganese oxide, aligned in the microstructure during the rolling operation. Fissure growth was found to be associated with a reduction in carbide content of the microstructure and was inhibited by the depletion of carbon. The interior surfaces of sectioned fissures or bubbles exhibit both primary and secondary cracking by intergranular separation. The grain surfaces were rough and rounded, suggesting a diffusion-associated separation process. Specimens that failed at room temperature after exposure to hydrogen were found to exhibit mixed mode fracture having varying amounts of intergranular separation, dimple formation, and cleavage, depending on exposure time.

Analysis of passivated A-286 stainless steel surfaces for mass spectrometer inlet systems by Auger electron and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy

DOE PAGES

Ajo, Henry; Blankenship, Donnie; Clark, Elliot

2014-07-25

In this study, various commercially available surface treatments are being explored for use on stainless steel components in mass spectrometer inlet systems. Type A-286 stainless steel coupons, approximately 12.5 mm in diameter and 3 mm thick, were passivated with one of five different surface treatments; an untreated coupon served as a control. The surface and near-surface microstructure and chemistry of the coupons were investigated using sputter depth profiling using Auger electron spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All the surface treatments studied appeared to change the surface morphology dramatically, as evidenced by lack of tool marks onmore » the treated samples in SEM images. In terms of the passivation treatment, Vendors A-D appeared to have oxide layers that were very similar in thickness to each other (0.7–0.9 nm thick), as well as to the untreated samples (the untreated sample oxide layers appeared to be somewhat larger). Vendor E’s silicon coating appears to be on the order of 200 nm thick.« less

Solid State Joining of Magnesium to Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jana, Saumyadeep; Hovanski, Yuri; Pilli, Siva P.; Field, David P.; Yu, Hao; Pan, Tsung-Yu; Santella, M. L.

Friction stir welding and ultrasonic welding techniques were applied to join automotive magnesium alloys to steel sheet. The effect of tooling and process parameters on the post-weld microstructure, texture and mechanical properties was investigated. Static and dynamic loading were utilized to investigate the joint strength of both cast and wrought magnesium alloys including their susceptibility and degradation under corrosive media. The conditions required to produce joint strengths in excess of 75% of the base metal strength were determined, and the effects of surface coatings, tooling and weld parameters on weld properties are presented.

Surface modification of 17-4PH stainless steel by DC plasma nitriding and titanium nitride film duplex treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi, F.; Leng, Y. X.; Huang, N.; Bai, B.; Zhang, P. Ch.

2007-04-01

17-4PH stainless steel was modified by direct current (DC) plasma nitriding and titanium nitride film duplex treatment in this study. The microstructure, wear resistance and corrosion resistance were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), pin-on-disk tribological test and polarization experiment. The results revealed that the DC plasma nitriding pretreatment was in favor of improving properties of titanium nitride film. The corrosion resistance and wear resistance of duplex treatment specimen was more superior to that of only coated titanium nitride film.

Microstructural and Electrochemical Evaluation of Fusion Welded Low-Nickel and 304 SS at Different Heat Input

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bansod, Ankur V.; Patil, Awanikumar P.; Moon, Abhijeet P.; Shukla, Sourabh

2017-12-01

The present research study investigates the effect of heat input using E 308 electrode (controlled by welding current, i.e., 70, 85 and 100 A) on microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of low-nickel and 304 stainless steel (SS) weldments produced by shielded metal arc welding technique. SEM investigation shows that with the higher heat input, δ-ferrite content was reduced. Dendrite and inter-dendritic length is also reduced by lowering the heat input. For all the heat inputs, it is observed that δ-ferrite content was higher in 304 stainless steel (SS) as compared to that of low-nickel austenitic stainless steel (Cr-Mn SS). Considering the heat input for Cr-Mn SS, coarse grains were observed in the heat-affected zone region. For low heat input (LHI), tensile fracture surface has exhibited river-like pattern with dimple appearance. Corrosion studies show better pitting resistance for low heat input (LHI) samples due to higher δ-ferrite present in the weld region. Similarly, higher interphase corrosion resistance is observed in both the SS grades causing more dissolution in the LHI samples.

Effect of Brass Interlayer Sheet on Microstructure and Joint Performance of Ultrasonic Spot-Welded Copper-Steel Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Satpathy, Mantra Prasad; Kumar, Abhishek; Sahoo, Susanta Kumar

2017-07-01

Solid-state ultrasonic spot welding (USW) inevitably offers a potential solution for joining dissimilar metal combination like copper (Cu) and steel (SS). In this study, the USW has been performed on Cu (UNS C10100) and SS (AISI 304) with brass interlayer by varying various welding parameters, aiming to identify the interfacial reaction, changes in microstructure and weld strength. The highest tensile shear and T-peel failure loads of 1277 and 174 N are achieved at the optimum conditions like 68 µm of vibration amplitude, 0.42 MPa of weld pressure and 1 s of weld time. The fractured surface analysis of brass interlayer and AISI 304 stainless steel samples reveals the features like swirls, voids and intermetallic compounds (IMCs). These IMCs are composed of CuZn and FeZn composite-like structures with 1.0 μm thickness. This confirms that the weld quality is specifically sensitive to the levels of input parameter combinations as well as the type of material present on the sonotrode side.

Modeling Periodic Adiabatic Shear Bands Evolution in a 304L Stainless Steel Thick-Walled Cylinder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Mingtao; Hu, Haibo; Fan, Cheng; Tang, Tiegang

2015-06-01

The self-organization of multiple shear bands in a 304L stainless steel thick-walled cylinder (TWC) was numerically studied. The microstructures of material lead to the non-uniform distribution of local yield stress, which plays a key role in the formation of spontaneous shear localization. We introduced a probability factor satisfied Gauss distribution into the macroscopic constitutive relationship to describe the non-uniformity of local yield stress. Using the probability factor, the initiation and propagation of multiple shear bands in TWC were numerically replicated in our 2D FEM simulation. Experimental results in the literature indicate that the machined surface at the internal boundary of a 304L stainless steel cylinder provides a work-hardened layer (about 20 μm) which has significantly different microstructures from base material. The work-hardened layer leads to the phenomenon that most shear bands are in clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In our simulation, periodic oriented perturbations were applied to describe the grain orientation in the work-hardened layer, and the spiral pattern of shear bands was successfully replicated.

Microstructure characterization in domestically-made TP310HNbN austenitic stainless steel after creep test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Yan; Lin, Lin; Hou, Shufang; Wang, Bohan

Microstructure characterization of domestically-made TP310HNbN austenitic stainless steel after creep test was investigated by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results revealed that M23C6 carbides precipitated both inside grains and at the grain boundaries and NbCrN particles were located inside grains for creep-rupture samples. It was clear that sigma phase and NbC particles precipitated inside grains for the creep-rupture sample at 670 C. M23C6 carbides with lattice parameter of three times of the austenite matrix grow in a cube to cube orientation relationship with the matrix. The amount of M23C6 carbide particles obviously increased with the testing time prolonged. Deformation hardening induced an enhanced hardness nearby rupture surface for the creep-rupture samples with a short testing time. For the domestically-made TP310HNbN steel, great attention should be paid to the distribution, size and amount of sigma phase and M23C6 during service.

Evolution of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Oxide Dispersion Strengthened Steels Made from Water-Atomized Ferritic Powder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arkhurst, Barton Mensah; Kim, Jeoung Han

2018-05-01

Nano-structured oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steels produced from a 410L stainless steel powder prepared by water-atomization was studied. The influences of Ti content and milling time on the microstructure and the mechanical properties were analysed. It was found that the ODS steels made from the Si bearing 410L powder contained Y-Ti-O, Y-Ti-Si-O, Y-Si-O, and TiO2 oxides. Most nanoparticles produced after 80 h of milling were aggregated nanoparticles; however, after 160 h of milling, most aggregated nanoparticles dissociated into smaller individual nanoparticles. Perfect mixing of Y and Ti was not achieved even after the longer milling time of 160 h; instead, the longer hours of milling rather resulted in Si incorporation into the Y-Ti-O rich nanoparticles and a change in the matrix morphology from an equiaxed microstructure to a tempered martensite-like microstructure. The overall micro-hardness of the ODS steel increased with the increase of milling time. After 80 and 160 h, the microhardnesses were over 400 HV, which primarily resulted from the finer dispersed nanoparticles and in part to the formation of martensitic phases. Tensile strength of the 410L ODS steels was comparable with that of ODS steel produced from gas-atomized powder.

Effect of heat treatment on microstructure and hardness of Grade 91 steel

DOE PAGES

Shrestha, Triratna; Alsagabi, Sultan; Charit, Indrajit; ...

2015-01-21

The modified 9Cr-1Mo steel (Grade 91) is a material of choice in fossil-fuel-fired power plants with increased efficiency, service life, and reduction in emission of greenhouse gases. It is also considered a prospective material for the Next Generation Nuclear Power Plant for application in reactor pressure vessels at temperatures up to 650°C. In this paper, heat treatment of the modified 9Cr-1Mo steel was studied by normalizing and tempering the steel at various temperatures and times, with the ultimate goal of improving its creep resistance and optimizing material hardness. The microstructural evolution of the heat treated steels was correlated with themore » differential scanning calorimetric results. Optical microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy in conjunction with microhardness profiles and calorimetric plots were used to understand the evolution of microstructure including precipitate structures in modified 9Cr-1Mo steel and relate it to the mechanical behavior of the steel. Thermo-CalcTM calculations were used to support experimental work and provide guidance in terms of the precipitate stability and microstructural evolution. Furthermore, the carbon isopleth and temperature dependencies of the volume fraction of different precipitates were constructed. The predicted and experimentally observed results were found to be in good agreement.« less

A comprehensive review on cold work of AISI D2 tool steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdul Rahim, Mohd Aidil Shah bin; Minhat, Mohamad bin; Hussein, Nur Izan Syahriah Binti; Salleh, Mohd Shukor bin

2017-11-01

As a common material in mould and die application, AISI D2 cold work tool steel has proven to be a promising chosen material in the industries. However, challenges remain in using AISI D2 through a modified version with a considerable progress having been made in recent years. This paper provides a critical review of the original as-cast AISI D2 cold work tool steel up to the modified version. The main purpose is to develop an understanding of current modified tool steel trend; the machinability of AISI D2 (drilling, milling, turning, grinding and EDM/WEDM; and the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of these cold work tool steels due to the presence of alloy materials in the steel matrix. The doping of rare earth alloy element, new steel fabrication processes, significant process parameter in machinability and surface treatment shows that there have been few empirical investigations into these cold work tool steel alloys. This study has discovered that cold work tool steel will remain to be explored in order to survive in the steel industries.

Effect of SMAT on microstructural and mechanical properties of AA2024

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tadge, Prashant, E-mail: prashant-tadge@rediffmail.com; Sasikumar, C., E-mail: csasimv@gmail.com

In recent days surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) had attracted the attention of researchers as it produces a nano-crystalline surface with improved mechanical properties. In the present study Al-4%Cu alloy used in automobile and aerospace application is subjected to surface mechanical attrition treatment using steel shots. The microstructural changes introduced on the surface of the Al alloy was investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The secondary phases formed during the SMAT process is been investigated using EDX and XRD analysis. The effects of SMAT on the mechanical properties were analyzed using a tensile testing. The SMA treatment had resulted inmore » severe plastic deformation of the surface, thereby yielded a nanocrystalline surface with a grain size of 30 to 50 nm. Further, it is also found that the SMAT produced ultra nanocrystalline particles of Cu{sub 2}Al dispersed uniformly into α-Al matrix. These microstructural changes had resulted in considerable change in the mechanical properties of these alloys. The tensile strength of these alloys had increased from ∼212 MPa to 303 MPa while the fracture toughness increased up to 28% in 10 minutes of SMAT.« less

Surface and Bulk Carbide Transformations in High-Speed Steel

PubMed Central

Godec, M.; Večko Pirtovšek, T.; Šetina Batič, B.; McGuiness, P.; Burja, J.; Podgornik, B.

2015-01-01

We have studied the transformation of carbides in AISI M42 high-speed steels in the temperature window used for forging. The annealing was found to result in the partial transformation of the large, metastable M2C carbides into small, more stable grains of M6C, with an associated change in the crystal orientation. In addition, MC carbides form during the transformation of M2C to M6C. From the high-speed-steel production point of view, it is beneficial to have large, metastable carbides in the cast structure, which later during annealing, before the forging, transform into a structure of polycrystalline carbides. Such carbides can be easily decomposed into several small carbides, which are then randomly distributed in the microstructure. The results also show an interesting difference in the carbide-transformation reactions on the surface versus the bulk of the alloy, which has implications for in-situ studies of bulk phenomena that are based on surface observations. PMID:26537780

The Effect of Rare-Earth Metals on Cast Steels

DTIC Science & Technology

1954-04-01

as the 1-inch section is also illustrated in Figure 23 and consists of tempered bainite and tempered martensite. Both of the control steels (AE-1...section Tempered bainite and tempered martensite 4 inch section Figure 23 Microstructure ol the Mn-Cr-Mo base control steels . Etched with... bainite 4-inch Section Figure 25—Microstructures of the MnCr-Mo + Rare Earths f B cast steels . Etched with picral, SOOX - .1 €. Figure 26

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nesterova, E.V.; Bouvier, S.; Bacroix, B.

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) microstructures of a high-strength dual-phase steel DP800 have been examined after moderate plastic deformations in simple shear and uniaxial tension. Special attention has been paid to the effect of the intergranular hard phase (martensite) on the microstructure evolution in the near-grain boundary regions. Quantitative parameters of dislocation patterning have been determined and compared with the similar characteristics of previously examined single-phase steels. The dislocation patterning in the interiors of the ferrite grains in DP800 steel is found to be similar to that already observed in the single-phase IF (Interstitial Free) steel whereas the martensite-affected zones presentmore » a delay in patterning and display very high gradients of continuous (gradual) disorientations associated with local internal stresses. The above stresses are shown to control the work-hardening of dual-phase materials at moderate strains for monotonic loading and are assumed to influence their microstructure evolution and mechanical behavior under strain-path changes. - Highlights: • The microstructure evolution has been studied by TEM in a DP800 steel. • It is influenced by both martensite and dislocations in the initial state. • The DP800 steel presents a high work-hardening rate due to internal stresses.« less

Microstructures and Continuous Cooling Transformation of CGHAZ in E36 Class V-N-Ti, V-Ti and Nb-Ti Shipbuilding Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Zhongran; Wang, Ruizhen; Wang, Qingfeng; Su, Hang; Chai, Feng; Yang, Caifu

For the purpose of obtaining the optimal microstructures and mechanical properties of the CGHAZ under high input welding, continuous cooling transformation diagrams of the coarse grain heat-affected zone (CGHAZ) and the corresponding microstructures were investigated for a E36 class V-N-Ti, V-Ti, and Nb-Ti shipbuilding steels. The results indicated that the CGHAZ continuous transformation behaviors of Nb-Ti and V-Ti steel were similar, but the V-retard phenomenon was not as apparent as that of Nb. In addition, the cooling rate of ferrite transformation of V-Ti steel was higher than that of Nb-Ti steel. The nitrogen addition in the V-Ti steel enhanced the ferrite transformation, since that increasing the nitrogen could obtain fine (Ti, V)(C, N) particles and refine the original austenite size, which can promote the ferrite nucleation. The bainite transformation range of V-N-Ti steel was obviously lower than that of Nb-Ti, V-Ti steel at the t8/5≥100s.

Studies on microstructure, mechanical and pitting corrosion behaviour of similar and dissimilar stainless steel gas tungsten arc welds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammed, Raffi; Dilkush; Srinivasa Rao, K.; Madhusudhan Reddy, G.

2018-03-01

In the present study, an attempt has been made to weld dissimilar alloys of 5mm thick plates i.e., austenitic stainless steel (316L) and duplex stainless steel (2205) and compared with that of similar welds. Welds are made with conventional gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process with two different filler wires namely i.e., 309L and 2209. Welds were characterized using optical microscopy to observe the microstructural changes and correlate with mechanical properties using hardness, tensile and impact testing. Potentio-dynamic polarization studies were carried out to observe the pitting corrosion behaviour in different regions of the welds. Results of the present study established that change in filler wire composition resulted in microstructural variation in all the welds with different morphology of ferrite and austenite. Welds made with 2209 filler showed plate like widmanstatten austenite (WA) nucleated at grain boundaries. Compared to similar stainless steel welds inferior mechanical properties was observed in dissimilar stainless steel welds. Pitting corrosion resistance is observed to be low for dissimilar stainless steel welds when compared to similar stainless steel welds. Overall study showed that similar duplex stainless steel welds having favorable microstructure and resulted in better mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Relatively dissimilar stainless steel welds made with 309L filler obtained optimum combination of mechanical properties and pitting corrosion resistance when compared to 2209 filler and is recommended for industrial practice.

Effect of high temperature tempering on the mechanical properties and microstructure of the modified 410 martensitic stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mabruri, Efendi; Pasaribu, Rahmat Ramadhan; Sugandi, Moh. Tri; Sunardi

2018-05-01

This paper reports the influence of high tempering temperature and holding time on the mechanical properties and microstructure of the recently modified 410 martensitic stainless steel. The modified steel was prepared by induction melting followed by hot forging, quenching and tempering. The hardness and tensile strength of the steels decreased with increasing tempering temperature from 600 to 700 °C and with increasing holding time from 1 to 6 h. Based on microstructural images, it was observed the coarsening of lath martensite and of the metal carbides as well. However, a relatively high hardness and strength were still exibited by this steel after tempering at a such high temperature of 600-700 °C. The partition of Mo into the carbides identified by EDS analysis may correlate with this situation.

Effect of Groove Design and Post-Weld Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of P91 Steel Weld

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandey, C.; Mahapatra, M. M.

2016-07-01

The martensitic creep-resistant steel designated as ASTM A335 for plate and as P91 for pipe is primarily used for high-temperature and high-pressure applications in steam power plants due to its excellent high-temperature properties such as high creep strength, high thermal conductivity, low thermal expansion, and so on. However, in the case of welded joints of such steels, the presence of an inter-critical heat-affected zone (IC-HAZ) can cause the joint to have lower creep strength than the base metal. In the present study, the effect of post-welding heat treatment (PWHT) and weld groove designs on the overall microstructure and mechanical properties of P91 steel pipe welds produced by the gas tungsten arc welding process was studied. Various regions of welded joints were characterized in detail for hardness and metallographic and tensile properties. Sub-size tensile samples were also tested to evaluate the mechanical properties of the weld metal and heat-affected zone (HAZ) with respect to PWHT. After PWHT, a homogenous microstructure was observed in the HAZ and tensile test fracture samples revealed shifting of the fracture location from the IC-HAZ to the fine-grained heat-affected zone. Before PWHT, the conventional V-grooved welded joints exhibited higher tensile strength compared to the narrow-grooved joints. However, after PWHT, both narrow- and V-grooved joints exhibited similar strength. Fractography of the samples indicates the presence of carbide precipitates such as Cr23C6, VC, and NbC on the fracture surface.

IN SITU Deposition of Fe-TiC Nanocomposite on Steel by Laser Cladding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Razavi, Mansour; Rahimipour, Mohammad Reza; Ganji, Mojdeh; Ganjali, Mansoreh; Gangali, Monireh

The possibility of deposition of Fe-TiC nanocomposite on the surface of carbon steel substrate with the laser coating method had been investigated. Mechanical milling was used for the preparation of raw materials. The mixture of milled powders was used as a coating material on the substrate steel surface and a CO2 laser was used in continuous mode for coating. Microstructural studies were performed by scanning electron microscopy. Determinations of produced phases, crystallite size and mean strain have been done by X-ray diffraction. The hardness and wear resistance of coated samples were measured. The results showed that the in situ formation of Fe-TiC nanocomposite coating using laser method is possible. This coating has been successfully used to improve the hardness and wear resistance of the substrate so that the hardness increased by about six times. Coated iron and titanium carbide crystallite sizes were in the nanometer scale.

Assessment of precipitation in alloy steel using nonlinear Rayleigh surface waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thiele, Sebastian; Matlack, Kathryn H.; Kim, Jin-Yeon; Qu, Jianmin; Wall, James J.; Jacobs, Laurence J.

2014-02-01

Nonlinear ultrasonic waves have shown to be sensitive to various microstructural changes in metals including coherent precipitates; these precipitates introduce a strain field in the lattice structure. The thermal aging of certain alloy steels leads to the formation of coherent precipitates, which pin dislocations and contribute to the generation of a second harmonic component. A precipitate hardenable material namely 17-4 PH stainless steel is thermally treated in this research to obtain different precipitation stages, and then the influence of precipitates on the acoustic nonlinearity parameter is assessed. Conclusions about the microstrucutural changes in the material are drawn based on the results from a nonlinear Rayleigh surface wave measurement and complementary thermo-electric power, hardness and ultrasonic velocity measurements. The results show that the nonlinear parameter is sensitive to coherent precipitates in the material and moreover that precipitation characteristics can be characterized based on the obtained experimental data.

Combined process "helical rolling-pressing" and its effect on the microstructure of ferrous and non-ferrous materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naizabekov, Abdrakhman; Lezhnev, Sergey; Arbuz, Alexandr; Panin, Evgeniy

2018-02-01

Ultrafine-grained materials are one of the most promising structural and functional materials. However, the known methods of obtaining them are not enough powerful and technologically advanced for profitable industrial applications. Development of the combined process "helical rolling-pressing" is an attempt to bring technology to produce ultrafine-grained materials to the industry. The combination of intense processing of the surface by helical rolling and the entire cross section of workpiece in equal channel angular matrix, with intense deformation by torsion between rolls and matrix will increase the degree of deformation per pass and allows to mutually compensate disadvantages of these methods in the case of their separate use. This paper describes the development of a laboratory stand and study of influence of combined process "helical rolling-pressing"on the microstructure of tool steel, technical copper and high alloy stainless high-temperature steel.

Bimodal metal micro-nanopowders for powder injection molding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pervikov, Aleksandr; Rodkevich, Nikolay; Glazkova, Elena; Lerner, Marat

2017-12-01

The paper studies a bimodal metal powder composition designed to prepare feedstock for powder injection molding, as well as microstructure and porosity of sintered pats. Two kinds of metal powder compositions are used, in particular, a mixture of micro- and nanopowders and a bimodal powder prepared with dispersion of steel wire. The feedstock is prepared by mixing a bimodal metal powder composition with acetylacetone and paraffin wax. The microstructure of the debound parts is observed by scanning electron microscopy. The sintered parts are characterized by density measurements and metallographic analysis. The technique of the metal powder composition proves to affect the characteristics of sintered parts. Nanoparticles are shown in the interstitial spaces among the microparticles upon mixing micro- and nanopowders, but the regular distribution of nanoparticles on the surface of microparticles is observed in the bimodal powder providing the reduction of the porosity of sintered parts and increasing the density to the proper density of steel.

Joining of aluminum and stainless steel using AlSi10 brazing filler: Microstructure and mechanical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fedorov, Vasilii; Uhlig, Thomas; Wagner, Guntram

2017-07-01

Joining of dissimilar materials like stainless steel and aluminum is of special interest for automotive applications. Due to the different properties of these materials, suitable joining techniques are required. Brazing offers the possibilities to manufacture high performance joints in one step and at low joining temperatures. However, these joints often need to withstand a high number of high cyclic loads during application. Therefore, in addition to the monotonic properties, the fatigue behavior of the produced joints must be considered and evaluated. In the present work, specimens are manufactured by induction brazing using an AlSi10 filler and a non-corrosive flux. The mechanical properties are determined by tensile shear tests as well as in fatigue tests at ambient and elevated temperatures. The microstructure of the brazed joints and the fracture surfaces of the tested samples are investigated by SEM.

Application Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Methods to Evaluation Corrosion Behavior of Stainless steels 304 in Nanofluids Media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hadi Prajitno, Djoko; Umar, Efrizon; Gustaman Syarif, Dani

2017-01-01

Corrosion is a common problem in many engineering metals and alloys. Electrochemical methods are commonly instrument to use as tool to study the corrosion behavior of the metals and alloy. This method was examined interaction between a surface of the metals and alloys in corrosive media. The present paper, the effects of nano particle ZrO2 as an additive to aqua de mineralized on the corrosion behavior of stainless steel were investigated. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) testing was performed in both de mineralized water and demineralized water contain nano particle 0,01% ZrO2 as Nano fluid. Surface morphology examination of the specimens showed that microstructure of stainless steel 304 alloys relatively unchanged after corrosion and EIS testing. According to the corrosion potential examination of the stainless steel 304 in nanofluid media, it showed that stainless steel 304 actively corroded in nanofluida media. The value of anodic Tafel slope stainless steel 304 in nanofluid higher compare with in demineralized water. Tafel polarization examination show that corrosion rate of stainless steel 304 in nanofluid higher compare with corrosin rate in demineralized media.EIS technique show that impedance of stainless steel 304 in nanofluid lower compare with in demineralized media, resulting in an increase in the corrosion rates of these stainless steel 304 specimens in nano fluids

SEM stereo-section fractography (SSF) observations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, X.J.; Tregoning, R.L.; Armstrong, R.W.

1997-12-31

Cleavage initiation in engineering materials is governed by local microstructural inhomogeneities. These features are often the principal reason for the large scatter evident in fracture toughness measurements which, in extreme cases, can mask the fundamental relationship between cracking resistance and global material properties. The SEM stereo-section fractography (SSF) technique can be used to carefully evaluate these local inhomogeneities through simultaneous observation of both the fracture surface and the underlying microstructure. By sectioning the fracture surface close to the cleavage initiation site (within 10 {micro}m), and perpendicular to both the fracture surface and the precrack front, a direct correspondence between initiationmore » and the local microstructure can be established. Information obtained from this technique can provide quantitative input about important, local microstructural features which can then be used to calibrate or create realistic micromechanical models. A compendium of SSF results is presented herein for cleavage cracking in disparate materials (A533B steel plates, MIL-70S multi-pass weldments, and Ti6A14V forgings), under various testing conditions. In each case, the SSF technique was able to unambiguously identify the dominant, local features which triggered cleavage initiation.« less

SEM stereo-section fractography observations. Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, X.J.; Tregoning, R.L.; Armstrong, R.W.

1998-05-01

Cleavage initiation in engineering materials is governed by local microstructural inhomogeneities. These features are often the principal reason for the large scatter evident in fracture toughness measurements which, in extreme cases, can mask the fundamental relationship between cracking resistance and global material properties. The SEM stereo-section fractography (SSF) technique can be used to carefully evaluate these local inhomogeneities through simultaneous observation of both the fracture surface and the underlying microstructure. By sectioning the fracture surface close to the cleavage initiation site (within 10 microns), and perpendicular to both the fracture surface and the pre crack front, a direct correspondence betweenmore » initiation and the local microstructure can be established. Information obtained from this technique can provide quantitative input about important, local microstructural features which can then be used to calibrate or create realistic micromechanical models. A compendium of SSF results is presented herein for cleavage cracking in disparate materials (A533B steel plates, MIL-70S multi-pass weldments, and Ti6A14V forgings), under various testing conditions. In each case, the SSF technique was able to unambiguously identify the dominant, local features which triggered cleavage initiation.« less

Effect of cryogenic treatment on microstructure, mechanical and wear behaviors of AISI H13 hot work tool steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koneshlou, Mahdi; Meshinchi Asl, Kaveh; Khomamizadeh, Farzad

2011-01-01

This paper focuses on the effects of low temperature (subzero) treatments on microstructure and mechanical properties of H13 hot work tool steel. Cryogenic treatment at -72 °C and deep cryogenic treatment at -196 °C were applied and it was found that by applying the subzero treatments, the retained austenite was transformed to martensite. As the temperature was decreased more retained austenite was transformed to martensite and it also led to smaller and more uniform martensite laths distributed in the microstructure. The deep cryogenic treatment also resulted in precipitation of more uniform and very fine carbide particles. The microstructural modification resulted in a significant improvement on the mechanical properties of the H13 tool steel.

Effect of substrates on microstructure and mechanical properties of nano-eutectic 1080 steel produced by aluminothermic reaction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

La, Peiqing, E-mail: pqla@lut.cn; Li, Zhengning; Li, Cuiling

2014-06-01

Nano-eutectic bulk 1080 carbon steel was prepared on glass and copper substrates by an aluminothermic reaction casting. The microstructure of the steel was analyzed by an optical microscope, transmission electron microscopy, an electron probe micro-analyzer, a scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. Results show that the microstructure of the steel consisted of a little cementite and lamellar eutectic pearlite. Average lamellar spacing of the pearlite prepared on copper and glass substrates was about 230 nm and 219 nm, respectively. Volume fraction of the pearlite of the two steels was about 95%. Hardness of the steel was about 229 and 270more » HV. Tensile strength was about 610 and 641 MPa and tensile elongation was about 15% and 8%. Compressive strength was about 1043 and 1144 MPa. Compared with the steel prepared on copper substrate, the steel prepared on glass substrate had smaller lamellar spacing of the pearlite phase and higher strength, and low ductility due to the smaller spacing. - Highlights: • 1080-carbon steels were successfully prepared by an aluminothermic reaction casting. • Lamellar spacing of the nanoeutetic pearlite is less than 250 nm. • The compressive strength of the steel is about 1144 MPa. • The tensile ductility of the steel is about 15%.« less

Effect of Bainitic Microstructure on Ballistic Performance of Armour Steel Weld Metal Using Developed High Ni-Coated Electrode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pramanick, A. K.; Das, H.; Reddy, G. M.; Ghosh, M.; Nandy, S.; Pal, T. K.

2018-05-01

Welding of armour steel has gained significant importance during the past few years as recent civilian and military requirements demand weld metal properties matching with base metal having good ballistic performance along with high strength and toughness at - 40 °C as per specification. The challenge of armour steel welding therefore lies in controlling the weld metal composition which is strongly dependent on welding electrode/consumables, resulting in desired weld microstructure consisting of lower bainite along with retained austenite. The performance of butt-welded armour steel joints produced by the developed electrodes was evaluated using tensile testing, ballistic testing, impact toughness at room temperature and subzero temperature. Microstructures of weld metals are exclusively characterized by x-ray diffraction technique, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscopy with selected area diffraction pattern. Experimental results show that weld metal with relatively lower carbon, higher manganese and lower nickel content was attributed to lower bainite with film type of retained austenite may be considered as a most covetable microstructure for armour steel weld metal.

Effect of Bainitic Microstructure on Ballistic Performance of Armour Steel Weld Metal Using Developed High Ni-Coated Electrode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pramanick, A. K.; Das, H.; Reddy, G. M.; Ghosh, M.; Nandy, S.; Pal, T. K.

2018-04-01

Welding of armour steel has gained significant importance during the past few years as recent civilian and military requirements demand weld metal properties matching with base metal having good ballistic performance along with high strength and toughness at - 40 °C as per specification. The challenge of armour steel welding therefore lies in controlling the weld metal composition which is strongly dependent on welding electrode/consumables, resulting in desired weld microstructure consisting of lower bainite along with retained austenite. The performance of butt-welded armour steel joints produced by the developed electrodes was evaluated using tensile testing, ballistic testing, impact toughness at room temperature and subzero temperature. Microstructures of weld metals are exclusively characterized by x-ray diffraction technique, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscopy with selected area diffraction pattern. Experimental results show that weld metal with relatively lower carbon, higher manganese and lower nickel content was attributed to lower bainite with film type of retained austenite may be considered as a most covetable microstructure for armour steel weld metal.

Influence of different temperatures on the thermal fatigue behavior and thermal stability of hot-work tool steel processed by a biomimetic couple laser technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, Chao; Zhou, Hong; Zhou, Ying; Gao, Ming; Tong, Xin; Cong, Dalong; Wang, Chuanwei; Chang, Fang; Ren, Luquan

2014-04-01

Three kinds of biomimetic non-smooth shapes (spot-shape, striation-shape and reticulation-shape) were fabricated on the surface of H13 hot-work tool steel by laser. We investigated the thermal fatigue behavior of biomimetic non-smooth samples with three kinds of shapes at different thermal cycle temperature. Moreover, the evolution of microstructure, as well as the variations of hardness of laser affected area and matrix were studied and compared. The results showed that biomimetic non-smooth samples had better thermal fatigue behavior compared to the untreated samples at different thermal cycle temperatures. For a given maximal temperature, the biomimetic non-smooth sample with reticulation-shape had the optimum thermal fatigue behavior, than with striation-shape which was better than that with the spot-shape. The microstructure observations indicated that at different thermal cycle temperatures the coarsening degrees of microstructures of laser affected area were different and the microstructures of laser affected area were still finer than that of the untreated samples. Although the resistance to thermal cycling softening of laser affected area was lower than that of the untreated sample, laser affected area had higher microhardness than the untreated sample at different thermal cycle temperature.

Effect of Heat Treatment on the Microstructure and Hardness of 17Cr-0.17N-0.43C-1.7 Mo Martensitic Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krishna, S. Chenna; Gangwar, Narendra Kumar; Jha, Abhay K.; Pant, Bhanu; George, Koshy M.

2015-04-01

The microstructure and hardness of a nitrogen-containing martensitic stainless steel were investigated as a function of heat treatment using optical microscopy, electron microscopy, amount of retained austenite, and hardness measurement. The steel was subjected to three heat treatments: hardening, cryo treatment, and tempering. The hardness of the steel in different heat-treated conditions ranged within 446-620 HV. The constituents of microstructure in hardened condition were lath martensite, retained austenite, M23C6, M7C3, MC carbides, and M(C,N) carbonitrides. Upon tempering at 500 °C, two new phases have precipitated: fine spherical Mo2C carbides and needle-shaped Cr2N particles.

Polarization and fluence effects in femtosecond laser induced micro/nano structures on stainless steel with antireflection property

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Caizhen; Ye, Yayun; Jia, Baoshen; Li, Yuan; Ding, Renjie; Jiang, Yong; Wang, Yuxin; Yuan, Xiaodong

2017-12-01

In this paper, micro/nano structures on stainless steel were prepared in single spot irradiation mode and scan mode by using femtosecond laser technique. The influence of polarization and fluence on the formation of micro/nano structures were explored. Surface morphology, microstructure, roughness and composition of prepared samples were characterized. The antireflection property and wettability of laser treated samples were also tested and compared with that of original stainless steel.Results showed that the laser-induced spot consists of two distinct regions due to the Gaussian beam profile: a core region of moth-eye-like structure and a peripheral region of nanoparticles-covered laser-induced periodic surface structure (NC-LIPSS). The proportion of the core region and dimension of micro/nano structure increase with increasing laser fluence. Polarization can be used to tune the direction of NC-LIPSS. Atomic ratios of Cr and Mn increase and atomic ratio of Ni decreases after laser irradiation. Oxygen is not detected on laser irradiated samples, indicating that oxidation reactions are not significant during the interaction process between femtosecond laser and 304 stainless steel. These are good for the application of stainless steel as its physical properties would not change or even enhanced. The overlaps between two laser scan lines significantly influence the surface roughness and should be controlled carefully during the preparation process. The laser irradiated surface has a better antireflection property in comparison with that of original stainless steel, which may due to the scattering and absorption of micro/nano structures. Contact angle of micro/nano structured stainless steel decreases with the increase of laser fluence. The hydrophilic property can be explained by Wenzel's model. The interference between the surface plasmon wave and the incident light wave leads to the formation of NC-LIPSS.

Effect of heat treatment on the characteristics of tool steel deposited by the directed energy deposition process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Jun Seok; Lee, Min-Gyu; Cho, Yong-Jae; Sung, Ji Hyun; Jeong, Myeong-Sik; Lee, Sang-Kon; Choi, Yong-Jin; Kim, Da Hye

2016-01-01

The directed energy deposition process has been mainly applied to re-work and the restoration of damaged steel. Differences in material properties between the base and the newly deposited materials are unavoidable, which may affect the mechanical properties and durability of the part. We investigated the effect of heat treatment on the characteristics of tool steel deposited by the DED process. We prepared general tool steel materials of H13 and D2 that were deposited onto heat-treated substrates of H13 and D2, respectively, using a direct metal tooling process. The hardness and microstructure of the deposited steel before and after heat treatment were investigated. The hardness of the deposited H13 steel was higher than that of wrought H13 steel substrate, while that of the deposited D2 was lower than that of wrought D2. The evolution of the microstructures by deposition and heat treatment varied depending on the materials. In particular, the microstructure of the deposited D2 steel after heat treatment consisted of fine carbides in tempered martensite and it is expected that the deposited D2 steel will have isotropic properties and high hardness after heat treatment.

Phase transformations in steels: Processing, microstructure, and performance

DOE PAGES

Gibbs, Paul J.

2014-04-03

In this study, contemporary steel research is revealing new processing avenues to tailor microstructure and properties that, until recently, were only imaginable. Much of the technological versatility facilitating this development is provided by the understanding and utilization of the complex phase transformation sequences available in ferrous alloys. Today we have the opportunity to explore the diverse phenomena displayed by steels with specialized analytical and experimental tools. Advances in multi-scale characterization techniques provide a fresh perspective into microstructural relationships at the macro- and micro-scale, enabling a fundamental understanding of the role of phase transformations during processing and subsequent deformation.

An Archaeometallurgical Investigation of a Steel Sword from the Safavid Dynasty

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dini, Ghasem

2018-02-01

In this study, a steel sword belonging to the Safavid dynasty was investigated to identify its chemistry, microstructure, mechanical properties, and processing. To this aim, chemical and phase analyses, optical microscopy investigations and a hardness test were conducted. The results indicated that the sword blade material was plain carbon steel containing 1.42 wt.% C. The microstructure consisted of spheroidal cementite particles in a ferrite matrix, facilitating the formation of a curved sword. It seemed that a combination of heat treatment and metal-forming techniques (thermo-mechanical process) was utilized to obtain this microstructure.

An Archaeometallurgical Investigation of a Steel Sword from the Safavid Dynasty

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dini, Ghasem

2017-12-01

In this study, a steel sword belonging to the Safavid dynasty was investigated to identify its chemistry, microstructure, mechanical properties, and processing. To this aim, chemical and phase analyses, optical microscopy investigations and a hardness test were conducted. The results indicated that the sword blade material was plain carbon steel containing 1.42 wt.% C. The microstructure consisted of spheroidal cementite particles in a ferrite matrix, facilitating the formation of a curved sword. It seemed that a combination of heat treatment and metal-forming techniques (thermo-mechanical process) was utilized to obtain this microstructure.

Additive Manufacturing of 17-4 PH Stainless Steel: Post-processing Heat Treatment to Achieve Uniform Reproducible Microstructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheruvathur, Sudha; Lass, Eric A.; Campbell, Carelyn E.

2016-03-01

17-4 precipitation hardenable (PH) stainless steel is a useful material when a combination of high strength and good corrosion resistance up to about 315°C is required. In the wrought form, this steel has a fully martensitic structure that can be strengthened by precipitation of fine Cu-rich face-centered cubic phase upon aging. When fabricated via additive manufacturing (AM), specifically laser powder-bed fusion, 17-4 PH steel exhibits a dendritic structure containing a substantial fraction of nearly 50% of retained austenite along with body centered cubic/martensite and fine niobium carbides preferentially aligned along interdendritic boundaries. The effect of post-build thermal processing on the material microstructure is studied in comparison to that of conventionally produced wrought 17-4 PH with the intention of creating a more uniform, fully martensitic microstructure. The recommended stress relief heat treatment currently employed in industry for post-processing of AM 17-4 PH steel is found to have little effect on the as-built dendritic microstructure. It is found that, by implementing the recommended homogenization heat treatment regimen of Aerospace Materials Specification 5355 for CB7Cu-1, a casting alloy analog to 17-4 PH, the dendritic solidification structure is eliminated, resulting in a microstructure containing about 90% martensite with 10% retained austenite.

Roles of microstructures on deformation response of 316 stainless steel made by 3D printing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pham, Minh-Son; Hooper, Paul

2017-10-01

One of the main challenges in additive manufacturing (AM) of metals is to manufacture high quality materials and ensure the performance of AM materials in service duties. This challenge can only be solved when the relationships between build process parameters, microstructure and deformation behaviour are understood. This present study is part of holistic efforts at Imperial College to reveal such relationships. In this study, we present our study of porosity condition, grain morphology, texture and metastable phases in AM stainless steel 316. To provide samples for mechanical and microstructural study, cylindrical samples of stainless steel 316 were printed by powder-bed laser melting with a bi-directional hatch pattern. Scanning electron microscopy and electron backscattered diffraction were used to investigate fine microstructures (such as grain morphology, texture and crystal phases) after 3D printing and deformation. Subsequently, a detailed 3D structure of columnar grains in as-printed 316 steel is constructed thanks to microscopic observation. Most of grains in as-built samples have a spherical bowl morphology, and being stacked on others to form the columnar structure. Examinations on microstructures show that the small sub-grains in as-printed samples is likely responsible for high yield strength at room temperature (significantly higher than that of conventional steel). In addition, residual stresses after rapid cooling probably promote the deformation-induced twinning that assists the plasticity during deformation, leading to a good ductility of the AM steel (almost as same as that of conventional 316 steel). Currently, a more detailed study is being undertaken to confirm this hypothesis.

Analysis of Fatigue Crack Paths in Cold Drawn Pearlitic Steel

PubMed Central

Toribio, Jesús; González, Beatriz; Matos, Juan-Carlos

2015-01-01

In this paper, a fracto-metallographic analysis was performed on the cracked specimens of cold drawn pearlitic steel subjected to fatigue tests. Fatigue cracks are transcollonial and exhibit a preference for fracturing pearlitic lamellae, with non-uniform crack opening displacement values, micro-discontinuities, branchings, bifurcations and frequent local deflections that create microstructural roughness. At the micro-level, the cold drawn pearlitic steel exhibits higher micro-roughness than the hot rolled bar (this is a consequence of the manufacturing process by cold drawing), so that the actual fractured surface in the cold drawn wire is greater than that in the hot rolled bar, due to the fact that the crack deflection events are more frequent and with higher angle in the former (the heavily drawn prestressing steel wire). These findings show the relevant role on the manufacturing process by cold drawing in the fatigue crack propagation in pearlitic steel. PMID:28793647

Analysis of Fatigue Crack Paths in Cold Drawn Pearlitic Steel.

PubMed

Toribio, Jesús; González, Beatriz; Matos, Juan-Carlos

2015-11-04

In this paper, a fracto-metallographic analysis was performed on the cracked specimens of cold drawn pearlitic steel subjected to fatigue tests. Fatigue cracks are transcollonial and exhibit a preference for fracturing pearlitic lamellae, with non-uniform crack opening displacement values, micro-discontinuities, branchings, bifurcations and frequent local deflections that create microstructural roughness. At the micro-level, the cold drawn pearlitic steel exhibits higher micro-roughness than the hot rolled bar (this is a consequence of the manufacturing process by cold drawing), so that the actual fractured surface in the cold drawn wire is greater than that in the hot rolled bar, due to the fact that the crack deflection events are more frequent and with higher angle in the former (the heavily drawn prestressing steel wire). These findings show the relevant role on the manufacturing process by cold drawing in the fatigue crack propagation in pearlitic steel.

Small angle neutron scattering study of nano sized microstructure in Fe-Cr ODS steels for gen IV in-core applications.

PubMed

Han, Young-Soo; Mao, Xiadong; Jang, Jinsung

2013-11-01

The nano-sized microstructures in Fe-Cr oxide dispersion strengthened steel for Gen IV in-core applications were studied using small angle neutron scattering. The oxide dispersion strengthened steel was manufactured through hot isostatic pressing with various chemical compositions and fabrication conditions. Small angle neutron scattering experiments were performed using a 40 m small angle neutron scattering instrument at HANARO. Nano sized microstructures, namely, yttrium oxides and Cr-oxides were quantitatively analyzed by small angle neutron scattering. The yttrium oxides and Cr-oxides were also observed by transmission electron microscopy. The microstructural analysis results from small angle neutron scattering were compared with those obtained by transmission electron microscopy. The effects of the chemical compositions and fabrication conditions on the microstructure were investigated in relation to the quantitative microstructural analysis results obtained by small angle neutron scattering. The volume fraction of Y-oxide increases after fabrication, and this result is considered to be due to the formation of non-stochiometric Y-Ti-oxides.

High strength, high ductility low carbon steel

DOEpatents

Koo, Jayoung; Thomas, Gareth

1978-01-01

A high strength, high ductility low carbon steel consisting essentially of iron, 0.05-0.15 wt% carbon, and 1-3 wt% silicon. Minor amounts of other constituents may be present. The steel is characterized by a duplex ferrite-martensite microstructure in a fibrous morphology. The microstructure is developed by heat treatment consisting of initial austenitizing treatment followed by annealing in the (.alpha. + .gamma.) range with intermediate quenching.

Modelling the influence of carbon content on material behavior during forging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korpała, G.; Ullmann, M.; Graf, M.; Wester, H.; Bouguecha, A.; Awiszus, B.; Behrens, B.-A.; Kawalla, R.

2017-10-01

Nowadays the design of single process steps and even of whole process chains is realized by the use of numerical simulation, in particular finite element (FE) based methods. A detailed numerical simulation of hot forging processes requires realistic models, which consider the relevant material-specific parameters to characterize the material behavior, the surface phenomena, the dies as well as models for the machine kinematic. This data exists partial for several materials, but general information on steel groups depending on alloying elements are not available. In order to generate the scientific input data regarding to material modelling, it is necessary to take into account the mathematical functions for deformation behavior as well as recrystallization kinetic, which depends alloying elements, initial microstructure and reheating mode. Besides the material flow characterization, a detailed description of surface changes caused by oxide scale is gaining in importance, as these phenomena affect the material flow and the component quality. Experiments to investigate the influence of only one chemical element on the oxide scale kinetic and the inner structure at high temperatures are still not available. Most data concerning these characteristics is provided for the steel grade C45, so this steel will be used as basis for the tests. In order to identify the effect of the carbon content on the material and oxidation behavior, the steel grades C15 and C60 will be investigated. This paper gives first approaches with regard to the influence of the carbon content on the oxide scale kinetic and the flow stresses combined with the initial microstructure.

Mechanical and Microstructural Effects of Thermal Aging on Cast Duplex Stainless Steels by Experiment and Finite Element Method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schwarm, Samuel C.; Mburu, Sarah N.; Kolli, Ratna P.

Cast duplex stainless steel piping in light water nuclear reactors expe- rience thermal aging embrittlement during operational service. Interest in extending the operational life to 80 years requires an increased understanding of the microstructural evolution and corresponding changes in mechanical behavior. We analyze the evolution of the microstructure during thermal aging of cast CF-3 and CF-8 stainless steels using electron microscopy and atom probe tomography. The evolution of the mechanical properties is measured concurrently by mechanical methods such as tensile tests, Charpy V-notch tests, and instrumented nanoinden- tation. A microstructure-based finite element method model is developed and uti- lized inmore » conjunction with the characterization results in order to correlate the local stress-strain effects in the microstructure with the bulk measurements. This work is supported by the DOE Nuclear Energy University Programs (NEUP), contract number DE-NE0000724.« less

A Compendium of Brazed Microstructures For Fission Power Systems Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Locci, Ivan E.; Bowman, Cheryl L.

2012-01-01

NASA has been supporting design studies and technology development for fission-based power systems that could provide power to an outpost on the Moon, Mars, or an asteroid. Technology development efforts have included fabrication and evaluation of components used in a Stirling engine power conversion system. This investigation is part of the development of several braze joints crucial for the heat exchanger transfer path from a hot-side heat exchanger to a Stirling engine heat acceptor. Dissimilar metal joints are required to impart both mechanical strength and thermal path integrity for a heater head of interest. Preliminary design work for the heat exchanger involved joints between low carbon stainless steel to Inconel 718, where the 316L stainless steel would contain flowing liquid metal NaK while Inconel 718, a stronger alloy, would be used as structural reinforcement. This paper addressed the long-term microstructural stability of various braze alloys used to join 316L stainless steel heater head to the high conductivity oxygen-free copper acceptor to ensure the endurance of the critical metallic components of this sophisticated heat exchanger. The bonding of the 316L stainless steel heater head material to a copper heat acceptor is required to increase the heat-transfer surface area in contact with flowing He, which is the Stirling engine working fluid.

Effects of Laser Shock Processing on Morphologies and Mechanical Properties of ANSI 304 Stainless Steel Weldments Subjected to Cavitation Erosion

PubMed Central

Zhang, Lei; Lu, Jin-Zhong; Zhang, Yong-Kang; Ma, Hai-Le; Luo, Kai-Yu; Dai, Feng-Ze

2017-01-01

Effects of laser shock processing (LSP) on the cavitation erosion resistance of laser weldments were investigated by optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations, roughness tester, micro hardness tester, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) technology. The morphological microstructures were characterized. Cumulative mass loss, incubation period, erosion rate, and damaged surface areas were monitored during cavitation erosion. Surface roughness, micro-hardness, and residual stress were measured in different zones. Results showed that LSP could improve the damage of morphological microstructures and mechanical properties after cavitation erosion. The compressive residual stresses were generated during the process of LSP, which was an effective guarantee for the improvement of the above mentioned properties. PMID:28772652

Surface modification of investment cast-316L implants: microstructure effects.

PubMed

El-Hadad, Shimaa; Khalifa, Waleed; Nofal, Adel

2015-03-01

Artificial femur stem of 316L stainless steel was fabricated by investment casting using vacuum induction melting. Different surface treatments: mechanical polishing, thermal oxidation and immersion in alkaline solution were applied. Thicker hydroxyapatite (HAP) layer was formed in the furnace-oxidized samples as compared to the mechanically polished ones. The alkaline treatment enhanced the precipitation of HAP on the samples. It was also observed that the HAP precipitation responded differently to the different phases of the microstructure. The austenite phase was observed to have more homogeneous and smoother layer of HAP. In addition, the growth of HAP was sometimes favored on the austenite phase rather than on ferrite phase. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Microstructural characterization in dissimilar friction stir welding between 304 stainless steel and st37 steel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jafarzadegan, M.; State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding Production Technology, School of Materials Science and Eng., Harbin Institute of Technology, P.O. Box: 150001, Harbin; Feng, A.H.

2012-12-15

In the present study, 3 mm-thick plates of 304 stainless steel and st37 steel were welded together by friction stir welding at a welding speed of 50 mm/min and tool rotational speed of 400 and 800 rpm. X-ray diffraction test was carried out to study the phases which might be formed in the welds. Metallographic examinations, and tensile and microhardness tests were used to analyze the microstructure and mechanical properties of the joint. Four different zones were found in the weld area except the base metals. In the stir zone of the 304 stainless steel, a refined grain structure withmore » some features of dynamic recrystallization was evidenced. A thermomechanically-affected zone was characterized on the 304 steel side with features of dynamic recovery. In the other side of the stir zone, the hot deformation of the st37 steel in the austenite region produced small austenite grains and these grains transformed to fine ferrite and pearlite and some products of displacive transformations such as Widmanstatten ferrite and martensite by cooling the material after friction stir welding. The heat-affected zone in the st37 steel side showed partially and fully refined microstructures like fusion welding processes. The recrystallization in the 304 steel and the transformations in the st37 steel enhanced the hardness of the weld area and therefore, improved the tensile properties of the joint. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer FSW produced sound welds between st37 low carbon steel and 304 stainless steel. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The SZ of the st37 steel contained some products of allotropic transformation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The material in the SZ of the 304 steel showed features of dynamic recrystallization. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The finer microstructure in the SZ increased the hardness and tensile strength.« less

Numerical simulation and experimental investigation of laser dissimilar welding of carbon steel and austenitic stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nekouie Esfahani, M. R.; Coupland, J.; Marimuthu, S.

2015-07-01

This study reports an experimental and numerical investigation on controlling the microstructure and brittle phase formation during laser dissimilar welding of carbon steel to austenitic stainless steel. The significance of alloying composition and cooling rate were experimentally investigated. The investigation revealed that above a certain specific point energy the material within the melt pool is well mixed and the laser beam position can be used to control the mechanical properties of the joint. The heat-affected zone within the high-carbon steel has significantly higher hardness than the weld area, which severely undermines the weld quality. A sequentially coupled thermo-metallurgical model was developed to investigate various heat-treatment methodology and subsequently control the microstructure of the HAZ. Strategies to control the composition leading to dramatic changes in hardness, microstructure and service performance of the dissimilar laser welded fusion zone are discussed.

Influence of cryogenic treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of high strength AISI D2 tool steel =

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghasemi Nanesa, Hadi

Cryogenic treatment, known as treating materials at sub-zero temperatures, has been added to conventional heat treatment cycle of high alloyed steels where martensitic transformation is incomplete after quenching to room temperature. Incomplete martensitic transformation occurs due to the effect of high content of alloying elements on pushing down martensite start and finish temperatures to very low values, specifically, on tool steels. In spite of obtaining significant improvements in mechanical and wear properties after cryogenic treatment, there is no cohesive picture about what exactly modifies the microstructure of tool steels during cryogenic treatment and therefore divergent opinions on the influence of process parameters are still reported. For example, the suggested time length for cryogenic treatment starts from few seconds to several days indicating the lack of understanding about micromechanisms responsible for microstructural evolution while holding at cryogenic temperatures. In this regard, the main objective of this project is to develop a better understanding on the fundamental micromechanisms operating during cryogenic treatment. To attain this objective, the following milestones are pursued. - To study the conventional cryogenic treatment and finding challenges. - To identify and characterize the optimum starting microstructure before cryogenic treatment. - To determine the important processing parameters those control the evolution of microstructure and hardness. - To investigate the interaction between carbide precipitation and martensitic transformation in the AISI D2 steel. - To propose an optimal cryogenic treatment for AISI D2 steel.

Surface martensitization of Carbon steel using Arc Plasma Sintering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wahyudi, Haris; Dimyati, Arbi; Sebayang, Darwin

2018-03-01

In this paper new technology of surface structure modification of steel by short plasma exposure in Arc Plasma Sintering (APS) device is presented. APS is an apparatus working based on plasma generated by DC pulsed current originally used for synthesizing materials via sintering and melting. Plasma exposure in APS was applied into the specimens for 1 and 3 seconds which generate temperature approximately about 1300-1500°C. The SUP9, pearlitic carbon steel samples were used. The hardness, hardening depth and microstructure of the specimens have been investigated by Vickers micro hardness test and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) supported by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The results have showed that the mechanical property was significantly improved due to the formation of single martensitic structures as identified by SEM. The hardness of treated surface evaluated by Vickers hardness test showed significant improvement nearly three time from 190 VHN before to 524 VHN after treatment. Furthermore, EDX confirmed that the formation of martensite layer occurred without altering its composition. The APS also produced uniform hardened layer up to 250 μm. The experiment has demonstrated that arc plasma process was successfully improved the mechanical properties of steel in relatively very short time.

Determination of Proper Austenitization Temperatures for Hot Stamping of AISI 4140 Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samadian, Pedram; Parsa, Mohammad Habibi; Shakeri, Amid

2014-04-01

High strength steels are desirable materials for use in automobile bodies in order to reduce vehicle weight and increase the safety of car passengers, but steel grades with high strength commonly show poor formability. Recently, steels with controlled microstructures and compositions are used to gain adequate strength after hot stamping while maintaining good formability during processing. In this study, microstructure evolutions and changes in mechanical properties of AISI 4140 steel sheets resulting from the hot stamping process at different austenitization temperatures were investigated. To determine the proper austenitization temperatures, the results were compared with those of the cold-worked and cold-worked plus quench-tempered specimens. Comparisons showed that the austenitization temperatures of 1000 and 1100 °C are proper for hot stamping of 3-mm-thick AISI 4140 steel sheets due to the resultant martensitic microstructure which led to the yield and ultimate tensile strength of 1.3 and 2.1 GPa, respectively. Such conditions resulted in more favorable simultaneous strength and elongation than those of hot-stamped conventional boron steels.

Effective grain size and charpy impact properties of high-toughness X70 pipeline steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Byoungchul; Kim, Yang Gon; Lee, Sunghak; Kim, Young Min; Kim, Nack J.; Yoo, Jang Yong

2005-08-01

The correlation of microstructure and Charpy V-notch (CVN) impact properties of a high-toughness API X70 pipeline steel was investigated in this study. Six kinds of steel were fabricated by varying the hot-rolling conditions, and their microstructures, effective grain sizes, and CVN impact properties were analyzed. The CVN impact test results indicated that the steels rolled in the single-phase region had higher upper-shelf energies (USEs) and lower energy-transition temperatures (ETTs) than the steels rolled in the two-phase region because their microstructures were composed of acicular ferrite (AF) and fine polygonal ferrite (PF). The decreased ETT in the steels rolled in the single-phase region could be explained by the decrease in the overall effective grain size due to the presence of AF having a smaller effective grain size. On the other hand, the absorbed energy of the steels rolled in the two-phase region was considerably lower because a large amount of dislocations were generated inside PFs during rolling. It was further decreased when coarse martensite or cementite was formed during the cooling process.

Surface Modification of Micro-Alloyed High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel by Controlled TIG Arcing Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, P. K.; Kumar, Ravindra

2015-02-01

Surface modification of micro-alloyed HSLA steel plate has been carried out by autogenous conventional and pulse current tungsten inert gas arcing (TIGA) processes at different welding parameters while the energy input was kept constant. At a given energy input the influence of pulse parameters on the characteristics of surface modification has been studied in case of employing single and multi-run procedure. The role of pulse parameters has been studied by considering their summarized influence defined by a factor Φ. The variation in Φ and pulse frequency has been found to significantly affect the thermal behavior of fusion and accordingly the width and penetration of the modified region along with its microstructure, hardness and wear characteristics. It is found that pulsed TIGA is relatively more advantageous over the conventional TIGA process, as it leads to higher hardness, improved wear resistance, and a better control over surface characteristics.

Modification of surface properties of solids by femtosecond LIPSS writing: comparative studies on silicon and stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varlamova, Olga; Hoefner, Kevin; Ratzke, Markus; Reif, Juergen; Sarker, Debasish

2017-12-01

We investigate the implication of modified surface morphology on wettability of stainless steel (AISI 304) and silicon (100) targets covered by laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) on extended areas (10 × 10 mm2). Using multiple pulses from a Ti: Sapphire laser (790 nm/100 fs/1 kHz) at a fluence in the range of 0.35-2.1 J/cm2 on a spot of 1.13 × 10- 4 cm2, we scanned the target under the spot to cover a large area. A systematical variation of the irradiation dose by changing the scanning speed and thus dwelling time per spot results in the formation of surface patterns ranging from very regular linear structures with a lateral period of about 500-600 nm to complex patterns of 3D microstructures with several-µm feature size, hierarchically covered by nano-ripples.

Effects of Ti and Ta addition on microstructure stability and tensile properties of reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steel for nuclear fusion reactors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Han Kyu; Lee, Ji Won; Moon, Joonoh; Lee, Chang Hoon; Hong, Hyun Uk

2018-03-01

The effects of Ti and Ta addition on microstructure stability and tensile properties of a reduced activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steel have been investigated. Ti addition of 0.06 wt% to conventional RAFM reference base steel (Fe-9.3Cr-0.93W-0.22V-0.094Ta-0.1C) was intended to promote the precipitation of nano-sized (Ti,W) carbides with a high resistance to coarsening. In addition, the Ti addition was substituted for 0.094 wt% Ta. The Ti-added RAFM steel (Ti-RAFM) exhibited a higher yield strength (ΔYS = 32 MPa) at 600 °C than the reference base steel due to additional precipitation hardening by (Ti,W)-rich MX with an average size of 6.1 nm and the area fraction of 2.39%. However, after thermal exposure at 600 °C for 1000 h, this Ti-RAFM was more susceptible to degradation than the reference base steel; the block width increased by 77.6% in Ti-RAFM after thermal exposure while the reference base steel showed only 9.1% increase. In order to suppress diffusion rate during thermal exposure, the large-sized Ta element with low activation was added to Ti-RAFM. The Ta-added Ti-RAFM steel exhibited good properties with outstanding microstructure stability. Quantitative comparison in microstructures was discussed with a consideration of Ti and Ta addition.

Zr/ZrC modified layer formed on AISI 440B stainless steel by plasma Zr-alloying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, H. H.; Liu, L.; Liu, X. Z.; Guo, Q.; Meng, T. X.; Wang, Z. X.; Yang, H. J.; Liu, X. P.

2016-12-01

The surface Zr/ZrC gradient alloying layer was prepared by double glow plasma surface alloying technique to increase the surface hardness and wear resistance of AISI 440B stainless steel. The microstructure of the Zr/ZrC alloying layer formed at different alloying temperatures and times as well as its formation mechanism were discussed by using scanning electron microscopy, glow discharge optical emission spectrum, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The adhesive strength, hardness and tribological property of the Zr/ZrC alloying layer were also evaluated in the paper. The alloying surface consists of the Zr-top layer and ZrC-subsurface layer which adheres strongly to the AISI 440B steel substrate. The thickness of the Zr/ZrC alloying layer increases gradually from 16 μm to 23 μm with alloying temperature elevated from 900 °C to 1000 °C. With alloying time from 0.5 h to 4 h, the alloyed depth increases from 3 μm to 30 μm, and the ZrC-rich alloyed thickness vs time is basically parabola at temperature of 1000 °C. Both the hardness and wear resistance of the Zr/ZrC alloying layer obviously increase compared with untreated AISI 440B steel.

Stainless steel corrosion scale formed in reclaimed water: Characteristics, model for scale growth and metal element release.

PubMed

Cui, Yong; Liu, Shuming; Smith, Kate; Hu, Hongying; Tang, Fusheng; Li, Yuhong; Yu, Kanghua

2016-10-01

Stainless steels generally have extremely good corrosion resistance, but are still susceptible to pitting corrosion. As a result, corrosion scales can form on the surface of stainless steel after extended exposure to aggressive aqueous environments. Corrosion scales play an important role in affecting water quality. These research results showed that interior regions of stainless steel corrosion scales have a high percentage of chromium phases. We reveal the morphology, micro-structure and physicochemical characteristics of stainless steel corrosion scales. Stainless steel corrosion scale is identified as a podiform chromite deposit according to these characteristics, which is unlike deposit formed during iron corrosion. A conceptual model to explain the formation and growth of stainless steel corrosion scale is proposed based on its composition and structure. The scale growth process involves pitting corrosion on the stainless steel surface and the consecutive generation and homogeneous deposition of corrosion products, which is governed by a series of chemical and electrochemical reactions. This model shows the role of corrosion scales in the mechanism of iron and chromium release from pitting corroded stainless steel materials. The formation of corrosion scale is strongly related to water quality parameters. The presence of HClO results in higher ferric content inside the scales. Cl - and SO 4 2- ions in reclaimed water play an important role in corrosion pitting of stainless steel and promote the formation of scales. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Characterization of friction stir welded joint of low nickel austenitic stainless steel and modified ferritic stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mondal, Mounarik; Das, Hrishikesh; Ahn, Eun Yeong; Hong, Sung Tae; Kim, Moon-Jo; Han, Heung Nam; Pal, Tapan Kumar

2017-09-01

Friction stir welding (FSW) of dissimilar stainless steels, low nickel austenitic stainless steel and 409M ferritic stainless steel, is experimentally investigated. Process responses during FSW and the microstructures of the resultant dissimilar joints are evaluated. Material flow in the stir zone is investigated in detail by elemental mapping. Elemental mapping of the dissimilar joints clearly indicates that the material flow pattern during FSW depends on the process parameter combination. Dynamic recrystallization and recovery are also observed in the dissimilar joints. Among the two different stainless steels selected in the present study, the ferritic stainless steels shows more severe dynamic recrystallization, resulting in a very fine microstructure, probably due to the higher stacking fault energy.

Investigation of the Microstructure of Laser-Arc Hybrid Welded Boron Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Son, Seungwoo; Lee, Young Ho; Choi, Dong-Won; Cho, Kuk-Rae; Shin, Seung Man; Lee, Youngseog; Kang, Seong-Hoon; Lee, Zonghoon

2018-05-01

The microstructure of boron steel for automotive driving shaft manufacturing after laser-arc hybrid welding was investigated. Laser-arc hybrid welding technology was applied to 3-mm-thick plates of boron steel, ST35MnB. The temperature distribution of the welding pool was analyzed using the finite element method, and the microstructure of the welded boron steel was characterized using optical microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopies. The microstructure of the weld joint was classified into the fusion zone, the heat-affected zone (HAZ), and the base material. At the fusion zone, the bainite grains exist in the martensite matrix and show directionality because of heat input from the welding. The HAZ is composed of smaller grains, and the hardness of the HAZ is greater than that of the fusion zone. We discuss that the measured grain size and the hardness of the HAZ originate from undissolved precipitates that retard the grain growth of austenite.

Metallurgical/Alloy Optimization of High Strength and Wear Resistant Structural Quench and Tempered Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stalheim, Douglas G.; Peimao, Fu; Linhao, Gu; Yongqing, Zhang

Structural steels with yield strength requirements greater or equal to 690 MPa can be produced through controlled recrystallization hot rolling coupled with precipitation strengthening or purposeful heat treatment through quench and tempering (Q&T). High strength structural steel and wear/abrasion resistant requirements greater or equal to 360 Brinell hardness (BHN) are produced by the development of microstructures of tempered lower bainite and/or martensite through the Q&T process. While these Q&T microstructures can produce very high strengths and hardness levels making them ideal for 690 MPa plus yield strength or wear/abrasion resistant applications, they lack toughness/ductility and hence are very brittle and prone to cracking. While tempering the microstructures helps in improving the toughness/ductility and reducing the brittleness, strength and hardness can be sacrificed. In addition, these steels typically consist of alloy designs containing boron with carbon equivalents (CE) greater than 0.50 to achieve the desired microstructures. The higher CE has a negative influence on weldability.

Microstructural evolution of bainitic steel severely deformed by equal channel angular pressing.

PubMed

Nili-Ahmadabadi, M; Haji Akbari, F; Rad, F; Karimi, Z; Iranpour, M; Poorganji, B; Furuhara, T

2010-09-01

High Si bainitic steel has been received much of interest because of combined ultra high strength, good ductility along with high wear resistance. In this study a high Si bainitic steel (Fe-0.22C-2.0Si-3.0Mn) was used with a proper microstructure which could endure severe plastic deformation. In order to study the effect of severe plastic deformation on the microstructure and properties of bainitic steel, Equal Channel Angular Pressing was performed in two passes at room temperature. Optical, SEM and TEM microscopies were used to examine the microstructure of specimens before and after Equal Channel Angular Pressing processing. X-ray diffraction was used to measure retained austenite after austempering and Equal Channel Angular Pressing processing. It can be seen that retained austenite picks had removed after Equal Channel Angular Pressing which could attributed to the transformation of austenite to martensite during severe plastic deformation. Enhancement of hardness values by number of Equal Channel Angular Pressing confirms this idea.

Characterization of a cold-rolled 2101 lean duplex stainless steel.

PubMed

Bassani, Paola; Breda, Marco; Brunelli, Katya; Mészáros, Istvan; Passaretti, Francesca; Zanellato, Michela; Calliari, Irene

2013-08-01

Duplex stainless steels (DSS) may be defined as a category of steels with a two-phase ferritic-austenitic microstructure, which combines good mechanical and corrosion properties. However, these steels can undergo significant microstructural modification as a consequence of either thermo-mechanical treatments (ferrite decomposition, which causes σ- and χ-phase formation and nitride precipitation) or plastic deformation at room temperature [austenite transformation into strain-induced martensite (SIM)]. These secondary phases noticeably affect the properties of DSS, and therefore are of huge industrial interest. In the present work, SIM formation was investigated in a 2101 lean DSS. The material was subjected to cold rolling at various degrees of deformation (from 10 to 80% thickness reduction) and the microstructure developed after plastic deformation was investigated by electron backscattered diffraction, X-ray diffraction measurements, and hardness and magnetic tests. It was observed that SIM formed as a consequence of deformations higher than ~20% and residual austenite was still observed at 80% of thickness reduction. Furthermore, a direct relationship was found between microstructure and magnetic properties.

Microstructural design in low alloy steels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Honeycombe, R. W. K.

1982-01-01

The evolution of microalloyed steels from plain carbon steels is examined with emphasis on grain size control by use of Nb, Ti and V additions and by the application of controlled rolling. The structural changes during controlled rolling are described as well as the influence of alloying elements on these changes, and on the final microstructure. The achievement of high strength and toughness is discussed including the role of inclusions.

Microhardness and Stress Analysis of Laser-Cladded AISI 420 Martensitic Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alam, Mohammad K.; Edrisy, Afsaneh; Urbanic, Jill; Pineault, James

2017-03-01

Laser cladding is a surface treatment process which is starting to be employed as a novel additive manufacturing. Rapid cooling during the non-equilibrium solidification process generates non-equilibrium microstructures and significant amounts of internal residual stresses. This paper investigates the laser cladding of 420 martensitic stainless steel of two single beads produced by different process parameters (e.g., laser power, laser speed, and powder feed rate). Metallographic sample preparation from the cross section revealed three distinct zones: the bead zone, the dilution zone, and the heat-affected zone (HAZ). The tensile residual stresses were in the range of 310-486 MPa on the surface and the upper part of the bead zone. The compressive stresses were in the range of 420-1000 MPa for the rest of the bead zone and the dilution zone. The HAZ also showed tensile residual stresses in the range of 140-320 MPa for both samples. The post-cladding heat treatment performed at 565 °C for an hour had significantly reduced the tensile stresses at the surface and in the subsurface and homogenized the compressive stress throughout the bead and dilution zones. The microstructures, residual stresses, and microhardness profiles were correlated for better understanding of the laser-cladding process.

Simulation Kinetics of Austenitic Phase Transformation in Ti+Nb Stabilized IF and Microalloyed Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, Sumit; Dasharath, S. M.; Mula, Suhrit

2018-05-01

In the present study, the influence of cooling rates (low to ultrafast) on diffusion controlled and displacive transformation of Ti-Nb IF and microalloyed steels has been thoroughly investigated. Mechanisms of nucleation and formation of non-equiaxed ferrite morphologies (i.e., acicular ferrite and bainitic ferrite) have been analyzed in details. The continuous cooling transformation behavior has been studied in a thermomechanical simulator (Gleeble 3800) using the cooling rates of 1-150 °C/s. On the basis of the dilatometric analysis of each cooling rate, continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagrams have been constructed for both the steels to correlate the microstructural features at each cooling rate in different critical zones. In the case of the IF steel, massive ferrite grains along with granular bainite structures have been developed at cooling rates > 120 °C/s. On the other hand, a mixture of lath bainitic and lath martensite structures has been formed at a cooling rate of 80 °C/s in the microalloyed steel. A strong dependence of the cooling rates and C content on the microstructures and mechanical properties has been established. The steel samples that were fast cooled to a mixture of bainite ferrite and martensite showed a significant improvement of impact toughness and hardness (157 J, for IF steel and 174 J for microalloyed steel) as compared to that of the as-received specimens (133 J for IF steel and 116 J for microalloyed steel). Thus, it can be concluded that the hardness and impact toughness properties are correlated well with the microstructural constituents as indicated by the CCT diagram. Transformation mechanisms and kinetics of austenitic transformation to different phase morphologies at various cooling rates have been discussed in details to correlate microstructural evolution and mechanical properties.

Simulation Kinetics of Austenitic Phase Transformation in Ti+Nb Stabilized IF and Microalloyed Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, Sumit; Dasharath, S. M.; Mula, Suhrit

2018-04-01

In the present study, the influence of cooling rates (low to ultrafast) on diffusion controlled and displacive transformation of Ti-Nb IF and microalloyed steels has been thoroughly investigated. Mechanisms of nucleation and formation of non-equiaxed ferrite morphologies (i.e., acicular ferrite and bainitic ferrite) have been analyzed in details. The continuous cooling transformation behavior has been studied in a thermomechanical simulator (Gleeble 3800) using the cooling rates of 1-150 °C/s. On the basis of the dilatometric analysis of each cooling rate, continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagrams have been constructed for both the steels to correlate the microstructural features at each cooling rate in different critical zones. In the case of the IF steel, massive ferrite grains along with granular bainite structures have been developed at cooling rates > 120 °C/s. On the other hand, a mixture of lath bainitic and lath martensite structures has been formed at a cooling rate of 80 °C/s in the microalloyed steel. A strong dependence of the cooling rates and C content on the microstructures and mechanical properties has been established. The steel samples that were fast cooled to a mixture of bainite ferrite and martensite showed a significant improvement of impact toughness and hardness (157 J, for IF steel and 174 J for microalloyed steel) as compared to that of the as-received specimens (133 J for IF steel and 116 J for microalloyed steel). Thus, it can be concluded that the hardness and impact toughness properties are correlated well with the microstructural constituents as indicated by the CCT diagram. Transformation mechanisms and kinetics of austenitic transformation to different phase morphologies at various cooling rates have been discussed in details to correlate microstructural evolution and mechanical properties.

The Microstructure and Properties of Super Martensitic Stainless Steel Microalloyed with Tungsten and Copper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Dong; Li, Jun; Liu, Yu-Rong; Yong, Qi-Long; Su, Jie; Cao, Jian-Chun; Tao, Jing-Mei; Zhao, Kun-Yu

2011-06-01

The microstructure and properties of super martensitic stainless steel (SMSS) microalloyed with tungsten and copper were studied by means of optical microscopy, dilatometer, X-ray diffraction, and tensile tests. The results showed that the microstructure of SMSS, after quenching and tempering, was a typical biphase structure with tempered martensite and reversed austenite dispersedly distributed in the martensite matrix. W and Cu were added into the SMSS to reduce the transformation temperature (Ms) and improve the strength and hardness of the matrix by grain refining and solid solution strengthening. Thermocalc calculations confirmed that M23C6 compound and Laves phase were precipitated during tempering in the investigated steel. Compared with the traditional SMSS, the steel microalloyed with W and Cu performed better mechanical properties.

Development of High Temperature Dissimilar Joint Technology for Fission Surface Power Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Locci, Ivan E.; Bowman, Cheryl L.; Gabb, Timothy P.

2009-01-01

NASA is developing fission surface power (FSP) system technology as a potential option for use on the surface of the moon or Mars. The goal is to design a robust system that takes full advantage of existing materials data bases. One of the key components of the power conversion system is the hot-side Heat Exchanger (HX). One possible design for this heat exchanger requires a joint of the dissimilar metals 316L stainless steel and Inconel 718, which must sustain extended operation at high temperatures. This study compares two joining techniques, brazing and diffusion bonding, in the context of forming the requisite stainless steel to superalloy joint. The microstructures produced by brazing and diffusion bonding, the effect of brazing cycle on the mechanical tensile properties of the alloys, and the strength of several brazed joints will be discussed.

The Effect of Multiple Shot Peening on the Corrosion Behavior of Duplex Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Qiang; She, Jia; Wu, Xueyan; Wang, Chengxi; Jiang, Chuanhai

2018-03-01

Various types of shot peening treatments were applied to duplex stainless steel. The effects of shot peening intensity and working procedures on the microstructure were investigated. The domain size and microstrain evolution in the surface layer were characterized utilizing the Rietveld method. As the shot peening intensity increased, the surface roughness increased in the surface layer; however, it decreased after multiple (dual and triple) shot peening. The mole fraction of strain-induced martensite as a function of the intensity of shot peening was evaluated by XRD measurements. Both potentiodynamic polarization curves and salt spray tests of shot-peened samples in NaCl solution were investigated. The results indicate that traditional shot peening has negative effects on corrosion resistance with increasing shot peening intensity; however, the corrosion rate can be reduced by means of multiple shot peening.

Microstructure, corrosion and tribological and antibacterial properties of Ti-Cu coated stainless steel.

PubMed

Jin, Xiaomin; Gao, Lizhen; Liu, Erqiang; Yu, Feifei; Shu, Xuefeng; Wang, Hefeng

2015-10-01

A Ti-Cu coated layer on 316L stainless steel (SS) was obtained by using the Closed Field Unbalanced Magnetron Sputtering (CFUBMS) system to improve antibacterial activity, corrosion and tribological properties. The microstructure and phase constituents of Ti-Cu coated layer were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (GDOES). The corrosion and tribological properties of a stainless steel substrate, SS316L, when coated with Ti-Cu were investigated in a simulated body fluid (SBF) environment. The viability of bacteria attached to the antibacterial surface was tested using the spread plate method. The results indicate that the Ti-Cu coated SS316L could achieve a higher corrosion polarization resistance and a more stable corrosion potential in an SBF environment than the uncoated SS316L substrate. The desirable corrosion protection performance of Ti-Cu may be attributable to the formation of a Ti-O passive layer on the coating surface, protecting the coating from further corrosion. The Ti-Cu coated SS316L also exhibited excellent wear resistance and chemical stability during the sliding tests against Si3N4 balls in SBF environment. Moreover, the Ti-Cu coatings exhibited excellent antibacterial abilities, where an effective reduction of 99.9% of Escherichia coli (E.coli) within 12h was achieved by contact with the modified surface, which was attributed to the release of copper ions when the Ti-Cu coatings are in contact with bacterial solution. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reviews on factors affecting fatigue behavior of high-Mn steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Sangshik; Jeong, Daeho; Sung, Hyokyung

2018-01-01

A variety of factors affect the fatigue behavior of high-Mn steels, which include both extrinsic (i.e., loading type, R ratio, specimen type, surface condition, temperature, and environment) and intrinsic (i.e., chemical composition, grain size, microstructure, stacking fault energy) factors. Very often, the influence of extrinsic factors on the fatigue behavior is even greater than that of intrinsic factors, misleading the interpretation of fatigue data. The metallurgical factors influence the initiation and propagation behaviors of fatigue by altering the characteristics of slip that is prerequisite for fatigue damage accumulation. It is however not easy to separate the effect of each factor since they affect the fatigue behavior of high-Mn steels in complex and synergistic way. In this review, the fatigue data of high-Mn steels are summarized and the factors complicating the interpretation are discussed.

Formation of nano-laminated structures in a dry sliding wear-induced layer under different wear mechanisms of 20CrNi2Mo steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Cun-hong; Liang, Yi-long; Jiang, Yun; Yang, Ming; Long, Shao-lei

2017-11-01

The microstructures of 20CrNi2Mo steel underneath the contact surface were examined after dry sliding. Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Electron Backscattered Diffraction (EBSD) and an ultra-micro-hardness tester were used to characterize the worn surface and dry sliding wear-induced layer. Martensite laths were ultra-refined due to cumulative strains and a large strain gradient that occurred during cyclic loading in wear near the surface. The microstructure evolution in dominant abrasive wear differs from that in adhesive wear. In dominant abrasive wear, only bent martensite laths with high-density deformation dislocations were observed. In contrast, in dominant adhesive wear, gradient structures were formed along the depth from the wear surface. Cross-sectional TEM foils were prepared in a focused ion beam (FIB) to observe the gradient structures in a dry sliding wear-induced layer at depths of approximately 1-5 μm and 5-20 μm. The gradient structures contained nano-laminated structures with an average thickness of 30-50 nm and bent martensite laths. We found that the original martensite laths coordinated with the strain energy and provided origin boundaries for the formation of gradient structures. Geometrically necessary boundaries (GNBs) and isolated dislocation boundaries (IDBs) play important roles in forming the nano-laminated structures.

Creep and microstructural processes in a low-alloy 2.25%Cr1.6%W steel (ASTM Grade 23)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kucharova, K.; Sklenicka, V., E-mail: sklen@ipm.cz; CEITEC — IPM, Institute of Physics of Materials, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, CZ-616 62 Brno

2015-11-15

A low-alloy 2.25%Cr1%Mo steel (ASTM Grade 22) has been greatly improved by the substitution of almost all of the 1%Mo by 1.6%W. The improved material has been standardized as P/T23 steel (Fe–2.25Cr–1.6W–0.25V–0.05Nb–0.07C). The present investigation was conducted on T23 steel in an effort to obtain a more complete description and understanding of the role of the microstructural evolution and deformation processes in high-temperature creep. Constant load tensile creep tests were carried out in an argon atmosphere in the temperature range 500–650 °C at stresses ranging from 50 to 400 MPa. It was found that the diffusion in the matrix latticemore » is the creep-rate controlling process. The results of an extensive transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis programme to investigate microstructure evolution as a function of temperature are described and compared with the thermodynamic calculations using the software package Thermo-Calc. The significant creep-strength drop of T23 steel after long-term creep exposures can be explained by the decrease in dislocation hardening, precipitation hardening and solid solution hardening due to the instability of the microstructure at high temperature. - Highlights: • The constant load creep tests of T23 steel were carried out at 500–650 °C. • The stress exponents of the creep rate correspond to power law (dislocation) creep. • Diffusion in the matrix lattice is the creep-rate controlling process. • The microstructure instability is the main creep degradation process in T23 steel.« less

The substitution of aluminum for cobalt in nanostructured bainitic steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jing; Qiu, Hui; Xu, Pudong; Yu, Hui; Wang, Yuchen

2018-06-01

Two kinds of new steels are designed, in which the only difference is the use of the alloy element aluminum instead of cobalt. The effect of cobalt and aluminum addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of high-carbon nanostructured bainitic steels was studied. The microstructure and mechanical properties achieved by a low temperature au tempering treatment were investigated by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and hardness, tension, impact tests. The experimental results show that better mechanical properties were achieved in the high-carbon Al-contained steel.

Structure and properties of steel case-hardened by non-vacuum electron-beam cladding of carbon fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Losinskaya, A. A.; Lozhkina, E. A.; Bardin, A. I.

2017-12-01

At the present time, the actual problem of materials science is the increase in the steels performance characteristics. In the paper some mechanical properties of the case-hardened materials received by non-vacuum electron-beam cladding of carbon fibers are determined. The depth of the hardened layers varies from 1.5 to 3 mm. The impact strength of the samples exceeds 50 J/cm2. The wear resistance of the coatings obtained exceeds the properties of steel 20 after cementation and quenching with low tempering. The results of a study of the microhardness of the resulting layers and the microstructure are also given. The hardness of the surface layers exceeds 5700 MPa.

Effect of Filler and Heat Treatment on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of the Brazed Joint between Carbide Tip and Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winardi, Y.; Triyono; Wijayanta, A. T.

2017-02-01

In this study, the effect of filler and heat treatment on the physical and mechanical properties of the brazed joint carbide tip and steel was investigated. Tip carbide YG6 and low carbon steel (SS400) is joining by torch brazing with two filler metals, silver, and copper filler. Heat treatment was performed in induction furnace. Microstructure and shear strength of the brazed joint have been investigated. Many silver filler layer are formed on the surface of the base metal rather then using copper filler. The highest shear strength is achieved using a silver filler metal at temperatur 725°C. The highest shear load is 18.62 kN.

Effect of current and travel speed variation of TIG welding on microstructure and hardness of stainless steel SS 316L

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jatimurti, Wikan; Abdillah, Fakhri Aulia; Kurniawan, Budi Agung; Rochiem, Rochman

2018-04-01

One of the stainless steel types that widely used in industry is SS 316L, which is austenitic stainless steel. One of the welding methods to join stainless steel is Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG), which can affect its morphology, microstructure, strength, hardness, and even lead to cracks in the weld area due to the given heat input. This research has a purpose of analyzing the relationship between microstructure and hardness value of SS 316L stainless steel after TIG welding with the variation of current and travel speed. The macro observation shows a distinct difference in the weld metal and base metal area, and the weld form is not symmetrical. The metallographic test shows the phases that formed in the specimen are austenite and ferrite, which scattered in three welding areas. The hardness test showed that the highest hardness value found in the variation of travel speed 12 cm/min with current 100 A. Welding process and variation were given do not cause any defects in the microstructure, such as carbide precipitation and sigma phase, means that it does not affect the hardness and corrosion resistance of all welded specimen.

Effect of Ultra-Fast Cooling on Microstructure and Properties of High Strength Steel for Shipbuilding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Cheng; Ye, Qibin; Yan, Ling

The effect of ultra-fast cooling(UFC) and conventional accelerated cooling(AcC) on the mechanical properties and microstructure of controlled rolled AH32 grade steel plates on industrial scale were compared using tensile test, Charpy impact test, welding thermal simulation, and microscopic analysis. The results show that the properties of the plate produced by UFC are improved considerably comparing to that by AcC. The yield strength is increased with 54 MPa without deterioration in the ductility and the impact energy is improved to more than 260 J at -60 °C with much lower ductile-to-brittle transition temperature(DBTT). The ferrite grain size is refined to ASTM No. 11.5 in the UFC steel with uniform microstructure throughout the thickness direction, while that of the AcC steel is ASTM No. 9.5. The analysis of nucleation kinetics of α-ferrite indicates that the microstructure is refined due to the increased nucleation rate of α-ferrite by much lower γ→α transition temperature through the UFC process. The Hall-Petch effect is quantified for the improvement of the strength and toughness of the UFC steel attributed to the grain refinement.

Burnishing rolling process of the surface prepared in the turning process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kulakowska, Agnieszka; Kukielka, Leon; Kaldunski, Pawel; Bohdal, Lukasz; Patyk, Radoslaw; Chodor, Jaroslaw; Kukielka, Krzysztof

2018-05-01

The aim of this article is to demonstrate the possibility of using burnishing rolling process as the technology of product development. The experimental researches were carried out, showing the ability to form the surface layer of the product with the desired properties. First, during turning rolling the surfaces of the samples were prepared. Then, the surfaces were burnished. The influence of turning process on the state of the surface layer parameters of C45 steel shafts are shown. Among the examined aspects the surface roughness, nano-roughness, material bearing, surface microstructure, metallographic structure were considered. Numerical simulation were conducted. Conclusions from the experiments and simulation were given.

Multilayer Mg-Stainless Steel Sheets, Microstructure, and Mechanical Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inoue, Junya; Sadeghi, Alireza; Kyokuta, Nobuhiko; Ohmori, Toshinori; Koseki, Toshihiko

2017-05-01

Different multilayer Mg AZ31 and SS304L steel sheet combinations were prepared with different volume fractions of Mg. Isolated stress-strain curves of the Mg layers showed significant improvements in the strength and elongation of multilayer samples. Results indicated that in the most extreme situation with the lowest Mg volume fraction ( V f = 0.39), the ultimate strength was increased by 25 pct to 370 MPa and the elongation was improved by 70 pct to 0.34. Investigation of the fracture surface showed that failure occurs by the coalescence of cracks close to the interface region. The improved strength of the multilayer samples was due to the combined effect of surface crack prevention by the steel layer and the higher work-hardening rate caused by the possible increased activity of non-basal systems. It is suggested that the stronger work-hardening behavior and the enhanced activity of non-basal systems in the multilayer samples were due to the formation of new stress components in the transverse direction. The larger the volume fraction of steel in the multilayer, the longer the distance remaining unstrained before the UTS.

Polarization effects associated with thermal processing of HY-80 structural steel using high-power laser diode array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Sheldon S. Q.; Baker, Bradford W.; Rotter, Mark D.; Rubenchik, Alexander M.; Wiechec, Maxwell E.; Brown, Zachary M.; Beach, Raymond J.; Matthews, Manyalibo J.

2017-12-01

Localized heating of roughened steel surfaces using highly divergent laser light emitted from high-power laser diode arrays was experimentally demonstrated and compared with theoretical predictions. Polarization dependence was analyzed using Fresnel coefficients to understand the laser-induced temperature rise of HY-80 steel plates under 383- to 612-W laser irradiation. Laser-induced, transient temperature distributions were directly measured using bulk thermocouple probes and thermal imaging. Finite-element analysis yielded quantitative assessment of energy deposition and heat transport in HY-80 steel using absorptivity as a tuning parameter. The extracted absorptivity values ranged from 0.62 to 0.75 for S-polarized and 0.63 to 0.85 for P-polarized light, in agreement with partially oxidized iron surfaces. Microstructural analysis using electron backscatter diffraction revealed a heat affected zone for the highest temperature conditions (612 W, P-polarized) as evidence of rapid quenching and an austenite to martensite transformation. The efficient use of diode arrays for laser-assisted advanced manufacturing technologies, such as hybrid friction stir welding, is discussed.

Effect of environmental factor and microstructure on morphology of corrosion products in CO{sub 2} environments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ueda, Masakatsu; Takabe, Hideki

The effect of environmental factors such as HCO{sup 3+} ion, CH{sub 3}COO{minus} ion, and Ca{sup 2+} ion, and microstructure on morphology of corrosion products was investigated in CO{sub 2} environments with 0.3MPa CO{sub 2} at 80 C. Steel J55 with ferritic-pearlitic microstructure and Steel N80 with martensitic microstructure were used as testing materials. Steel J55 showed good localized-corrosion resistance compared with Steel N80. A linear relationship between pH and corrosion rate was obtained in Steel J55 with homogeneous corrosion, but the relationship was not so good in Steel N80 with heterogeneous corrosion. The good localized-corrosion of Steel J55 can bemore » explained from the morphology of corrosion products. Namely, as Steel J55 corrodes away, there is lamellar cementite left behind. An increase in the local concentration of Fe{sup 2+} ions arises in the cavities between lamellar cementites and leads to FeCO{sub 3} formation between those. Then, the lamellar cementite helps to anchor the corrosion product. In Steel N80 with the homogeneous dispersed-cementite to act as cathodic site, the corrosion product peels off partially because not having the anchor effect in Steel J55. Therefore, Steel N80 suffered from severe corrosion on locations without the corrosion product. In CaCl{sub 2} solution, FeCO{sub 3} and CaCO{sub 3} were identified as corrosion product of Steel J55 by X-ray analysis. In this case, FeCO{sub 3} forms in the cavities between lamellar cementites due to a local flow stagnation and higher local Fe{sup 2+} ion concentration, but in former ferrite phase, the higher local Fe{sup 2+} concentration does not arise and CaCO{sub 3} crystallizes.« less

Procedure for flaw detection in cast stainless steel

DOEpatents

Kupperman, David S.

1988-01-01

A method of ultrasonic flaw detection in cast stainless steel components incorporating the steps of determining the nature of the microstructure of the cast stainless steel at the site of the flaw detection measurements by ultrasonic elements independent of the component thickness at the site; choosing from a plurality of flaw detection techniques, one such technique appropriate to the nature of the microstructure as determined and detecting flaws by use of the chosen technique.

Microstructure Engineering in Hot Strip Mills, Part 1 of 2: Integrated mathematical Model

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

J.K. Brimacombe; I.V. Samaraseker; E.B. Hawbolt

1998-09-30

This report describes the work of developing an integrated model used to predict the thermal history, deformation, roll forces, microstructural evaluation and mechanical properties of steel strip in a hot-strip mill. This achievement results from a join research effort that is part of the American Iron and Steel Institute's (AISI) Advanced Process Control Program, a collaboration between the U.S. DOE and fifteen North American steel makers.

Evaluation of the Fracture Toughness of a SMSS Subjected to Common Heat Treatment Cycles in an Aggressive Environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pieta, G.; Leite, R.; Kwietniewski, C.; Clarke, T.; Strohaecker, T.

2010-12-01

Supermartensitic stainless steels (SMSS) are an alternative to corrosion-prone carbon steels and expensive duplex stainless steels in offshore tubing applications for the oil and gas industry. Due to their differentiated alloying, SMSS exhibit superior toughness, corrosion resistance, and weldability properties when compared with another viable option, conventional martensitic stainless steels. However, when cathodically protected in a seawater environment they can be susceptible to embrittlement due to hydrogen charging. In the present study, SMSS samples were removed from deep water pipelines and their fracture toughness in the as-received condition and with different heat treatments was evaluated. Tests were carried out in air and in harsh environmental and loading conditions, which were ensured by subjecting specimens to cathodic overprotection, simulating effects seen in structures with complex geometries, and to incremental step loads in a synthetic seawater environment, thus favoring hydrogen diffusion to the precrack tip. The fracture surfaces of the specimens were analyzed in order to identify hydrogen-induced embrittlement and fracture toughness values of specimens tested in air were compared to values obtained in environment-assisted experiments. The influence of microstructure was evaluated by control of the retained austenite and δ-ferrite contents of the specimens. The results show a significant drop in the fracture toughness of steel in the studied environment, with a fracture mode which is clearly more brittle and dependent on microstructural characteristics of the samples.

Localized CO2 corrosion of carbon steel with different microstructures in brine solutions with an imidazoline-based inhibitor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Huan-huan; Pang, Xiaolu; Gao, Kewei

2018-06-01

CO2 corrosion behavior of carbon steel with different microstructures (H steel: coarse laminar pearlite; T steel: globular and shot rod shaped pearlite) was analyzed in 3 wt.% NaCl solution at 60 °C with imidazoline-based inhibitor by electrochemical and weight loss methods. Electrochemical measurements showed that, compared to H steel, the inhibitor film adsorbed on T steel had a higher pitting corrosion resistance and the inhibition efficiency for T steel was larger at each concentration of inhibitor. Weight loss results exhibited that both steels suffered general corrosion in absence of inhibitor; however, localized corrosion was observed on the samples with insufficient concentration of inhibitor. H steel suffered more severe localized corrosion than T steel, it was related to that H steel had a higher density of dislocations in the pearlite area and the larger driving force for galvanic corrosion. The localized corrosion on H steel mainly distributed on the laminar pearlite area.

Effect of Long-Term Service on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Martensitic 9% Cr Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golański, Grzegorz; Zielińska-Lipiec, Anna; Zieliński, Adam; Sroka, Marek

2017-03-01

The paper presents the results of research on the X10CrMoVNbN9-1 (T91) steel after long-term service. The material for testing was taken from a pipe section of a boiler superheater coil serviced for around 105,000 h at the temperature of 540 °C, at the pressure of 12.5 MPa. A quantitative analysis including the measurement of mean diameter of subgrains and precipitates as well as the density of dislocations of the examined steel was performed by means of TEM. The microscopic tests of T91 steel were complemented with the results of tests on mechanical properties which included also the short creep tests. After service, the investigated steel was characterized by a retained lath microstructure of tempered martensite with fine subgrain and quite large density of dislocations as well as numerous precipitates. In the microstructure, apart from the particles of M23C6 and MX (VX, NbC, V-wings), the precipitates of Laves phase and single particles of Z phase were revealed. It has been shown that the extent of degradation of the T91 steel microstructure was minor, which resulted from its low temperature of service. Performed tests of mechanical properties showed that these properties fulfilled the minimum requirements for this steel in the as-received condition. A favorable influence of fine precipitates of Laves phase on mechanical properties was observed. Moreover, an insignificant influence of single precipitates of Z phase on the creep resistance of the examined steel was stated.

Preparation of high-strength nanometer scale twinned coating and foil

DOEpatents

Zhang, Xinghang [Los Alamos, NM; Misra, Amit [Los Alamos, NM; Nastasi, Michael A [Santa Fe, NM; Hoagland, Richard G [Santa Fe, NM

2006-07-18

Very high strength single phase stainless steel coating has been prepared by magnetron sputtering onto a substrate. The coating has a unique microstructure of nanometer spaced twins that are parallel to each other and to the substrate surface. For cases where the coating and substrate do not bind strongly, the coating can be peeled off to provide foil.

Laser-based microstructuring of materials surfaces using low-cost microlens arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nieto, Daniel; Vara, G.; Diez, J. A.; O`Connor, Gerard M.; Arines, Justo; Gómez-Reino, C.; Flores-Arias, M.

2012-03-01

Since frictional interactions in microscopically small components are becoming increasingly important for the development of new products for all modern technology, we present a laser-based technique for micro-patterning surfaces of materials using low-cost microlens arrays. The microlens used were fabricated on soda-lime glass using a laser direct-write technique, followed by a thermal treatment into an oven. By combining laser direct-write and the thermal treatment it was possible to obtain high quality elements using a low cost infrared laser widely implemented in industry which makes this technique attractive in comparison with other more expensive methods. The main advantage of using microlens arrays for micropatterning surfaces is the possibility of fabricating a large number of identical structures simultaneously, leading to a highly efficient process. In order to study the capabilities of the microlens fabricated for microstructuring materials, identical structures and arrays of holes were fabricated over a variety of materials, such us, stainless steel, polymer and ceramic. The minimum diameter of the individual microstructure generated at surface is 5 μm. Different nanosecond lasers operating at Infrared, Green and UV were used. The topography and morphology of the elements obtained were determined using a confocal microscope SENSOFAR 2300 Plμ.

Microstructure Characterization and Corrosion Resistance Behavior of New Cobalt-Free Maraging Steel Produced Through ESR Techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seikh, Asiful H.; Halfa, Hossam; Baig, Muneer; Khan, Sohail M. A.

2017-04-01

In this study, two different grades (M23 and M29) of cobalt-free low nickel maraging steel have been produced through electroslag remelting (ESR) process. The corrosion resistance of these ESR steels was investigated in 1 M H2SO4 solution using linear potentiodynamic polarization (LPP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The experiments were performed for different immersion time and solution temperature. To evaluate the corrosion resistance of the ESR steels, some significant characterization parameters from LPP and EIS curves were analyzed and compared with that of conventional C250 maraging steel. Irrespective of measurement techniques used, the results show that the corrosion resistance of the ESR steels was higher than the C250 steel. The microstructure of ESR steels was composed of uniform and well-distributed martensite accompanied with little amount of retained austenite in comparison with C250 steel.

Study of Cold Coiling Spring Steel on Microstructure and Cold Forming Performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Y.; Liang, Y. L.; Ming, Y.; Zhao, F.

2017-09-01

Medium-carbon cold-coiling locomotive spring steels were treated by a novel Q-P-T (quenching-partitioning-tempering) process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the relevant parameters of the steel. Results show that the microstructure of tested steel treated by Q-P-T process is a complex microstructures composed of martensite, bainite and retained austenite. The volume fraction of retained austenite (wt.%) is up to 31%. After pre-deforming and tempering again at 310°C, the plasticity of samples treated by Q-P-T process is still well. Fracture images show that the Q-P-T samples are ductile fracture. It is attributed to the higher volume fraction of the retained austenite and the interactions between the multi-phases in Q-P-T processed sample.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of heat-resistant 12% Cr ferritic-martensitic steel EK-181 after thermomechanical treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polekhina, N. A.; Litovchenko, I. Yu.; Tyumentsev, A. N.; Astafurova, E. G.; Chernov, V. M.; Leontyeva-Smirnova, M. V.

2015-10-01

The effect of high-temperature thermomechanical treatment (TMT) with the deformation in the austenitic region on the features of microstructure, phase transformations and mechanical properties of low-activation 12% Cr ferritic-martensitic steel EK-181 is investigated. It is established, that directly after thermomechanical treatment (without tempering) the sizes and density of V(CN) particles are comparable with those after a traditional heat treatment (air quenching and tempering at 720°C, 3 h), where these particles are formed only during tempering. It causes the increasing of the yield strength of the steel up to ≈1450 MPa at room temperature and up to ≈430 MPa at the test temperature T = 650°C. The potential of microstructure modification by this treatment aimed at improving heat resistance of steel is discussed.

Advanced Steel Microstructural Classification by Deep Learning Methods.

PubMed

Azimi, Seyed Majid; Britz, Dominik; Engstler, Michael; Fritz, Mario; Mücklich, Frank

2018-02-01

The inner structure of a material is called microstructure. It stores the genesis of a material and determines all its physical and chemical properties. While microstructural characterization is widely spread and well known, the microstructural classification is mostly done manually by human experts, which gives rise to uncertainties due to subjectivity. Since the microstructure could be a combination of different phases or constituents with complex substructures its automatic classification is very challenging and only a few prior studies exist. Prior works focused on designed and engineered features by experts and classified microstructures separately from the feature extraction step. Recently, Deep Learning methods have shown strong performance in vision applications by learning the features from data together with the classification step. In this work, we propose a Deep Learning method for microstructural classification in the examples of certain microstructural constituents of low carbon steel. This novel method employs pixel-wise segmentation via Fully Convolutional Neural Network (FCNN) accompanied by a max-voting scheme. Our system achieves 93.94% classification accuracy, drastically outperforming the state-of-the-art method of 48.89% accuracy. Beyond the strong performance of our method, this line of research offers a more robust and first of all objective way for the difficult task of steel quality appreciation.

Complex fine-scale diffusion coating formed at low temperature on high-speed steel substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaus, A. S.; Pokorný, P.; Čaplovič, Ľ.; Sitkevich, M. V.; Peterka, J.

2018-04-01

A complex B-C-N diffusion coating was produced at 580 °C for 1 h on AISI M35 steel substrate and compared with a reference coating formed at 880 °C for 2.5 h. The surface and the cross-sections of the samples were subjected to detailed characterisation. The surface roughness, hardness, residual stresses and adhesion of the coatings were also evaluated together with cutting tests using drills on coated and uncoated samples while monitoring cutting force and torque. The surface of the steel treated at 580 °C revealed Fe2B, boron nitride and boron iron carbide, but FeB was noted to be absent. The 580 °C coating had the fine-scale microstructure, which resulted in the excellent adhesion and enhanced wear resistance, relative to reference samples that contained coarse borides. The results established that a complex fine-scale diffusion coating enhanced the wear resistance and reduces the cutting force and torque during drilling, thereby increasing the drill life by a factor of 2.2.

Water Droplet and Cavitation Erosion Behavior of Laser-Treated Stainless Steel and Titanium Alloy: Their Similarities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mann, B. S.

2013-12-01

This article deals with water droplet and cavitation erosion behavior of diode laser-treated X10CrNiMoV1222 stainless steel and Ti6Al4V alloy. After laser surface treatment, the water droplet and cavitation erosion resistance (WDER and CER) of these materials improved significantly. The main reason for the improvement is the increased surface hardness and formation of fine-grained microstructures after laser surface treatment. It is observed that there is a similarity in both the phenomena. The WDER and CER can be correlated with a single mechanical property based on modified ultimate resilience (MUR) provided the laser-treated layers are free from microcracks and interface defects. The CER and WDER behavior of HPDL-treated X10CrNiMoV1222 stainless steel and Ti6Al4V alloy samples using different test equipment as per ASTM G32-2003 and ASTM G73-1978, their correlation with MUR, and their damage mechanism compared on the basis of XRD analyses, optical and scanning electron micrographs are discussed and reported in this article.

Microstructure, Properties and Weldability of Duplex Stainless Steel 2101

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Li; Hu, Shengsun; Shen, Junqi

2017-01-01

The continuous development of duplex stainless steels (DSSs) is due to their excellent corrosion resistance in aggressive environments and their mechanical strength, which is usually twice of conventional austenitic stainless steels (ASSs). In this paper, a designed lean duplex stainless steel 2101, with the alloy design of reduced nickel content and increased additions of manganese and nitrogen, is studied by being partly compared with typical ASS 304L steels. The microstructure, mechanical properties, impact toughness, corrosion resistance and weldability of the designed DSS 2101 were conducted. The results demonstrated that both 2101 steel and its weldment show excellent mechanical properties, impact toughness and corrosion resistance, so DSS 2101 exhibits good comprehensive properties and can be used to replace 304L in numerous applications.

The Effect of Niobium Microalloying on Processing and Application Properties of Dual Phase Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohrbacher, Hardy

Dual phase steel is widely used in today's car body manufacturing. Its characteristics of high n-value and good elongation (A80) are the basis of good press formability. However, practical experience has shown unexpected failure in forming operations where tight bending, stretch flanging or hole expansion are predominant. The inhomogeneous microstructure of soft ferrite and hard martensite in combination with highly localized straining is the origin of these problems. Furthermore, weldability and delayed cracking have been experienced to cause problems in ultra-high strength DP steel. Refinement and homogenization of the two-phase microstructure as well as lowering of the carbon content have been identified as remedies to the mentioned problems. However, mill processing of DP steel with reduced carbon content is more difficult especially for the higher strength levels. Niobium microalloying proved to be very effective in increasing the processing window of low-carbon DP steels besides of its natural effect of refining the microstructure. Meanwhile the production of niobium microalloyed DP steel has been established in several markets including China. The paper details the fundamentals, demonstrates respective production concepts and presents examples of application of Nb-microalloyed DP steels.

Effects of microstructure on inverse fracture occurring during drop-weight tear testing of high-toughness X70 pipeline steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Byoungchul; Kim, Yang Gon; Lee, Sunghak; Kim, Nack J.; Yoo, Jang Yong

2005-02-01

The effects of microstructure on inverse fracture occurring in the hammer-impacted region were analyzed after conducting a drop-weight tear test (DWTT) on high-toughness pipeline steels. Three kinds of steels were fabricated by varying the alloying elements, and their microstructures were varied by the rolling conditions. The pressed-notch (PN) or chevron-notch (CN) DWTT and Charpy V-notch (CVN) impact tests were conducted on the rolled steel specimens, and the results were discussed in comparison with the data obtained from CVN tests of prestrained specimens. In the hammer-impacted region of the DWTT specimens, abnormal inverse fracture having a cleavage fracture mode appeared, and the inverse fracture area correlated well with the upper-shelf energy (USE) obtained from the CVN test and with the grain size. The steel specimens having a higher USE or having coarse polygonal ferrite tended to have a larger inverse fracture area than those having a lower USE or having fine acicular ferrite. This was because steels having a higher impact absorption energy required higher energy for fracture initiation and propagation during the DWTT. These results were confirmed by the CVN data of prestrained steel specimens.

Assessment of the microstructure and torsional fatigue performance of an induction hardened vanadium microalloyed medium-carbon steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rothleutner, Lee M.

Vanadium microalloying of medium-carbon bar steels is a common practice in industry for a number of hot rolled as well as forged and controlled-cooled components. However, use of vanadium microalloyed steels has expanded into applications beyond their originally designed controlled-cooled processing scheme. Applications such as transmission shafts often require additional heat-treatments such as quench and tempering and/or induction hardening to meet packaging or performance requirements. As a result, there is uncertainty regarding the influence of vanadium on the properties of heat-treated components, specifically the effect of rapid heat-treating such as induction hardening. In the current study, the microstructural evolution and torsional fatigue behavior of induction hardened 1045 and 10V45 (0.08 wt pct V) steels were examined. Torsional fatigue specimens specifically designed for this research were machined from the as-received, hot rolled bars and induction hardened using both scanning (96 kHz/72 kW) and single-shot (31 kHz/128 kW) methods. Four conditions were evaluated, three scan hardened to 25, 32, and 44 pct nominal effective case depths and one single-shot hardened to 44 pct. Torsional fatigue tests were conducted at a stress ratio of 0.1 and shear stress amplitudes of 550, 600, and 650 MPa. Physical simulations using the thermal profiles from select induction hardened conditions were conducted in the GleebleRTM 3500 to augment microstructural analysis of torsional fatigue specimens. Thermal profiles were calculated by a collaborating private company using electro-thermal finite element analysis. Residual stresses were evaluated for all conditions using a strain gage hole drilling technique. The results showed that vanadium microalloying has an influence on the microstructure in the highest hardness region of the induction-hardened case as well as the total case region. Vanadium microalloyed conditions consistently exhibited a greater amount of non-martensitic transformation products in the induction-hardened case. In the total case region, vanadium reduced the total case depth by inhibiting austenite formation at low austenitizing temperatures; however, the non-martensitic constituents in the case microstructure and the reduced total case depth of the vanadium microalloyed steel did not translate directly to a degradation of torsional fatigue properties. In general, vanadium microalloying was not found to affect torsional fatigue performance significantly with one exception. In the 25 pct effective case depth condition, the 10V45 steel had a ~75 pct increase in fatigue life at all shear stress amplitudes when compared to the 1045 steel. The improved fatigue performance is likely a result of the significantly higher case hardness this condition exhibited compared to all other conditions. The direct influence of vanadium on the improved fatigue life of the 25 pct effective case depth condition is confounded with the slightly higher carbon content of the 10V45 steel. In addition, the 10V45 conditions showed a consistently higher case hardness than the in 1045 conditions. The increased hardness of the 10V45 steel did not increase the compressive residual stresses at the surface. Induction hardening parameters were more closely related to changes in residual stress than vanadium microalloying additions. Torsional fatigue data from the current study as well as from literature were used to develop an empirical multiple linear regression model that accounts for case depth as well as carbon content when predicting torsional fatigue life of induction hardened medium-carbon steels.

Effect of Ultrasonic Melt Treatment on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 35CrMo Steel Casting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Chen; Li, Fan; Liang, Gen; Mao, Daheng

2018-01-01

Effects of different power ultrasonic on microstructure and mechanical properties of 35CrMo steel casting were investigated using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and hardness testing. A self-developed experiment apparatus was used for the propagation of ultrasonic vibration into the 35CrMo steel melt to carry out ultrasonic treatment. The experimental results showed that compared to the traditional casting, ultrasonic treatment can obviously change the solidification microstructure of 35CrMo steel, which is changed from coarse dendrites to fined dendrites or equiaxed grains. With the increase of ultrasonic power, equiaxed crystal is remarkably refined and its area is broadened. The micro porosity percentage of ingot casting decreases significantly and the porosity defects can be suppressed under ultrasonic treatment. The mechanical properties of 35CrMo steel ingot after heat treatment were enhanced by ultrasonic treatment: the maximum tensile strength is improved by 8.4% and the maximum elongation increased by 1.5 times.

The Effect of Ultrafine-Grained Microstructure on Creep Behaviour of 9% Cr Steel

PubMed Central

Kral, Petr; Dvorak, Jiri; Sklenicka, Vaclav; Masuda, Takahiro; Horita, Zenji; Kucharova, Kveta; Kvapilova, Marie; Svobodova, Marie

2018-01-01

The effect of ultrafine-grained size on creep behaviour was investigated in P92 steel. Ultrafine-grained steel was prepared by one revolution of high-pressure torsion at room temperature. Creep tensile tests were performed at 873 K under the initially-applied stress range between 50 and 160 MPa. The microstructure was investigated using transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy equipped with an electron-back scatter detector. It was found that ultrafine-grained steel exhibits significantly faster minimum creep rates, and there was a decrease in the value of the stress exponent in comparison with coarse-grained P92 steel. Creep results also showed an abrupt decrease in the creep rate over time during the primary stage. The abrupt deceleration of the creep rate during the primary stage was shifted, with decreasing applied stress with longer creep times. The change in the decline of the creep rate during the primary stage was probably related to the enhanced precipitation of the Laves phase in the ultrafine-grained microstructure. PMID:29757206

The Effects of Sn Addition on the Microstructure and Surface Properties of Laser Deposited Al-Si-Sn Coatings on ASTM A29 Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fatoba, Olawale S.; Akinlabi, Stephen A.; Akinlabi, Esther T.

2018-03-01

Aluminium and its alloys have been successful metal materials used for many applications like commodity roles, automotive and vital structural components in aircrafts. A substantial portion of Al-Fe-Si alloy is also used for manufacturing the packaging foils and sheets for common heat exchanger applications. The present research was aimed at studying the morphology and surface analyses of laser deposited Al-Sn-Si coatings on ASTM A29 steel. These Fe-intermetallic compounds influence the material properties during rapid cooling by laser alloying technique and play a crucial role for the material quality. Thus, it is of considerable technological interest to control the morphology and distribution of these phases in order to eliminate the negative effects on microstructure. A 3 kW continuous wave ytterbium laser system (YLS) attached to a KUKA robot which controls the movement of the alloying process was utilized for the fabrication of the coatings at optimum laser parameters. The fabricated coatings were investigated for its hardness and wear resistance performance. The field emission scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) was used to study the morphology of the fabricated coatings and X-ray diffractometer (XRD) for the identification of the phases present in the coatings. The coatings were free of cracks and pores with homogeneous and refined microstructures. The enhanced hardness and wear resistance performance were attributed to metastable intermetallic compounds formed.

Microstructure-Based Fatigue Life Prediction Methods for Naval Steel Structures

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-09-12

random variable (LRV) model proposed by Yang et al . (10] is useful. This model employs the simplest mathematical model for which the analytical solution...consider the work of Kunio, et al . [7], who found that cracks initiated in prior austenite grain boundaries for the low carbon martensitic steels...investigated. De los Rios, et al . [8], reported about the same result for a 0.4 wt.% C steel of mixed pearlite and ferrite microstructure with the ferrite

Effects of Annealing Treatment Prior to Cold Rolling on Delayed Fracture Properties in Ferrite-Austenite Duplex Lightweight Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sohn, Seok Su; Song, Hyejin; Kim, Jung Gi; Kwak, Jai-Hyun; Kim, Hyoung Seop; Lee, Sunghak

2016-02-01

Tensile properties of recently developed automotive high-strength steels containing about 10 wt pct of Mn and Al are superior to other conventional steels, but the active commercialization has been postponed because they are often subjected to cracking during formation or to the delayed fracture after formation. Here, the delayed fracture behavior of a ferrite-austenite duplex lightweight steel whose microstructure was modified by a batch annealing treatment at 1023 K (750 °C) prior to cold rolling was examined by HCl immersion tests of cup specimens, and was compared with that of an unmodified steel. After the batch annealing, band structures were almost decomposed as strong textures of {100}<011> α-fibers and {111}<112> γ-fibers were considerably dissolved, while ferrite grains were refined. The steel cup specimen having this modified microstructure was not cracked when immersed in an HCl solution for 18 days, whereas the specimen having unmodified microstructure underwent the delayed fracture within 1 day. This time delayed fracture was more critically affected by difference in deformation characteristics such as martensitic transformation and deformation inhomogeneity induced from concentration of residual stress or plastic strain, rather than the difference in initial microstructures. The present work gives a promise for automotive applications requiring excellent mechanical and delayed fracture properties as well as reduced specific weight.

Factors affecting the strength of multipass low-alloy steel weld metal

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krantz, B. M.

1972-01-01

The mechanical properties of multipass high-strength steel weld metals depend upon several factors, among the most important being: (1) The interaction between the alloy composition and weld metal cooling rate which determines the as-deposited microstructure; and (2) the thermal effects of subsequent passes on each underlying pass which alter the original microstructure. The bulk properties of a multipass weld are therefore governed by both the initial microstructure of each weld pass and its subsequent thermal history. Data obtained for a high strength low alloy steel weld metal confirmed that a simple correlation exists between mechanical properties and welding conditions if the latter are in turn correlated as weld cooling rate.

Effect of solution treatment on microstructure and properties of duplex stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, X. Y.; Luo, J. M.; Huang, L. Q.; Wang, H. B.; Ma, C. W.

2017-09-01

The influence of solution treatment on microstructure and properties of 2205 duplex stainless steel (DSS) was studied. The microstructure, precipitates and corrosion resisting property were observed and analyzed by means of optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical methods. The results showed that a large number of brittle σ-phase precipitates, which deteriorate the plasticity and corrosion resistance of the material, were easy to produce in the duplex stainless steel under the low temperature. The precipitation of σ-phase can be decreased and the plasticity and corrosion resistance can be improved by increasing solution temperature. In addition, the ferrite content increases with the increase of solution temperature, while less affected by cooling rate.

Effect of sodium monofluorophosphate treatment on microstructure and frost salt scaling durability of slag cement paste

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Copuroglu, O.; Fraaij, A.L.A.; Bijen, J.M.J.M.

2006-08-15

Sodium-monofluorophosphate (Na-MFP) is currently in use as a surface applied corrosion inhibitor in the concrete industry. Its basic mechanism is to protect the passive layer of the reinforcement steel against disruption due to carbonation. Carbonation is known as the most detrimental environmental effect on blast furnace slag cement (BFSC) concrete with respect to frost salt scaling. In this paper the effect of Na-MFP on the microstructure and frost salt scaling resistance of carbonated BFSC paste is presented. The results of electron microscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) are discussed. It is found that the treatment modifies themore » microstructure and improves the resistance of carbonated BFSC paste against frost salt attack.« less

Tribological investigations of the applicability of surface functionalization for dry extrusion processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teller, Marco; Prünte, Stephan; Ross, Ingo; Temmler, André; Schneider, Jochen M.; Hirt, Gerhard

2017-10-01

Cold extrusion processes are characterized by large relative contact stresses combined with a severe surface enlargement of the workpiece. Under these process conditions a high risk for galling of workpiece material to the tool steel occurs especially in processing of aluminum and aluminum alloys. In order to reduce adhesive wear lubricants for separation of workpiece and tool surfaces are used. As a consequence additional process steps (e.g. preparation and cleaning of workpieces) are necessary. Thus, the realization of a dry forming process is aspired from an environmental and economic perspective. In this paper a surface functionalization with self-assembled-monolayers (SAM) of the tool steels AISI D2 (DIN 1.2379) and AISI H11 (DIN 1.2343) is evaluated by a process-oriented tribological test. The tribological experiment is able to resemble and scale the process conditions of cold extrusion related to relative contact stress and surface enlargement for the forming of pure aluminum (Al99.5). The effect of reduced relative contact stress, surface enlargement and relative velocity on adhesive wear and tool lifetime is evaluated. Similar process conditions are achievable by different die designs with decreased extrusion ratios and adjusted die angles. The effect of surface functionalization critically depends on the substrate material. The different microstructure and the resulting differences in surface chemistry of the two tested tool steels appear to affect the performance of the tool surface functionalization with SAM.

Microstructure and Texture Development during Cold Rolling in UNS S32205 and UNS S32760 Duplex Stainless Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Amit; Khatirkar, Rajesh Kisni; Chalapathi, Darshan; Kumar, Gulshan; Suwas, Satyam

2017-05-01

In the present study, microstructure and texture evolution during cold rolling in UNS S32205 and UNS S32760 duplex stainless steel was investigated. Both steels were unidirectionally cold rolled up to 80 pct thickness reduction. Scanning electron microscopy and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) were used for microstructural characterization, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used for the measurement of bulk texture. Strain-induced martensite (SIM) was identified and quantified with the help of magnetic measurements (B-H curve and magnetization saturation). With the increase in plastic strain, the grains became morphologically elongated along the rolling direction with the reduction in average band thickness and band spacing. SIM increased with the increase in deformation and was found to be a function of strain and the SFE of austenite. The increase in SIM was much more pronounced in UNS S32205 steel as compared to UNS S32760 steel. After cold rolling, strong α-fiber (RD//<110>) texture was developed in ferrite, while brass texture was dominant in austenite for both steels. The strength of texture components and fibers was stronger in UNS S32760 steel. Another significant feature was the development of weak γ-fiber (ND//<111>) in UNS S32760 steel at intermediate deformation.

Microstructure and corrosion behavior of shielded metal arc-welded dissimilar joints comprising duplex stainless steel and low alloy steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srinivasan, P. Bala; Muthupandi, V.; Sivan, V.; Srinivasan, P. Bala; Dietzel, W.

2006-12-01

This work describes the results of an investigation on a dissimilar weld joint comprising a boiler-grade low alloy steel and duplex stainless steel (DSS). Welds produced by shielded metal arc-welding with two different electrodes (an austenitic and a duplex grade) were examined for their microstructural features and properties. The welds were found to have overmatching mechanical properties. Although the general corrosion resistance of the weld metals was good, their pitting resistance was found to be inferior when compared with the DSS base material.

Microstructural-Scale Model for Surfaces Spreading of Intergranular Corrosion in Sensitized Stainless Steels and Aluminum-Magnesium (AA5XXX) Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jain, Swati

Components from AA5XXX (Al-Mg alloys with more than 3 wt% Mg) alloys are X attractive due to availability of low cost, high strength to weight ratio and good weldability. Therefore, these alloys have potential applications in Naval ships. However, these alloys become susceptible to IGC (intergranular corrosion) due to beta-phase precipitation due to improper heat treatment or inadvertent thermal exposure. Stainless steels may also become susceptible due to carbide precipitation and chromium depletion on grain boundaries. IGC susceptibility depends on the interplay between the metallurgical conditions, electrochemical conditions, and chemical conditions. Specific combinations cause IGC while others do not. The objective of this study is to investigate the conditions which bring about surface spreading of IGC in these alloy classes. To accomplish this goal, a microstructure scale model was developed with experimental inputs to understand the 2-D IGC spreading in stainless steels and AA5XXX alloys. The conditions strongly affecting IGC spreading were elucidated. Upon natural and artificial aging, the stainless steels become susceptible to intergranular corrosion because of chromium depletion in the grain boundaries. After aging Al-Mg (AA5XXX) alloys show susceptibility due to the precipitation of the beta-phase (Al3Mg7) in the grain boundaries. Chromium depleted grain boundaries in stainless steels are anodically more active as compared to the interior of the grains. (3-phase rich grain boundaries have lower OCP (open circuit potential) and pitting potentials as compared to the Al-Mg solid solutions. A new approach to modeling the IGC surface spreading in polycrystalline materials that is presented. This model is the first to couple several factors into one granular scale model that illustrates the way in which they interact and IGC occurs. It sheds new information on conditions which cause IGC spreading in two alloy classes and describes a new theory for the critical potential associated with IGC. The outcomes from this contribute to ways to advance the goal of corrosion resistant computational design of alloys, guiding mitigation strategies for suppressing IGC in existing alloys, and to damage prognosis aimed at predicting damage and structural integrity.

Investigation of microstructural and physical characteristics of nano composite tin oxide-doped Al3+ in Zn2+ based composite coating by DAECD technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anawe, P. A. L.; Fayomi, O. S. I.; Popoola, A. P. I.

In other to overcome the devastating deterioration of mild steel in service, Zn-based embedded Al/SnO2 composite coatings have been considered as reinforcing alternative replacements to the more traditional deposition for improved surface properties by using Dual Anode Electrolytic Co-deposition (DAECD) technique from chloride bath. The structural characterization of the starting materials and deposited coating are evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) elemental analysis and atomic force microscope (AFM). The hardness behaviour, wear and intermetallic distribution was examined by diamond based microhardness tester, CETR reciprocating sliding test rig and X-ray diffractometer (XRD) respectively. The corrosion properties of the developed coating were examined in 3.5% NaCl. The microstructure of the deposited sample obtained at 7% SnO2, revealed fine-grains deposit of the Al/SnO2 on the mild steel surface. The results showed that the Al/SnO2 strengthening alloy plays a significant role in impelling the wear and corrosion behaviour of Zn-Al/SnO2 coatings in an aggressive saline environment. Interestingly Zn-30Al-7Sn-chloride showed the highest wear and improved corrosion resistance due to Al/SnO2 oxide passive film that forms during anodic polarization. This work established that co-deposition of mild steel with Al/SnO2 is auspicious in increasing the anti-wear and corrosion progression.

Ultrasonic and metallographic studies on AISI 4140 steel exposed to hydrogen at high pressure and temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oruganti, Malavika

This thesis conducts an investigation to study the effects of hydrogen exposure at high temperature and pressure on the behavior of AISI 4140 steel. Piezoelectric ultrasonic technique was primarily used to evaluate surface longitudinal wave velocity and defect geometry variations, as related to time after exposure to hydrogen at high temperature and pressure. Critically refracted longitudinal wave technique was used for the former and pulse-echo technique for the latter. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to correlate the ultrasonic results with the microstructure of the steel and to provide better insight into the steel behavior. The results of the investigation indicate that frequency analysis of the defect echo, determined using the pulse-echo technique at regular intervals of time, appears to be a promising tool for monitoring defect growth induced by a high temperature and high pressure hydrogen-related attack.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of HSLA-100 Steel

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-12-01

hardenability of HSLA-100 steel through the shifting of the nose of the CCT diagram to the right (Figure 2 from Ref. 10) and lowering the B, temperature as seen...of the CCT diagram by increasing the hardenability of the alloy and quenching. The object of the quench is to produce a finely-grained microstructure

Influence of Al on the Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Behavior of Low-Carbon, Manganese Transformation-Induced-Plasticity Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suh, Dong-Woo; Park, Seong-Jun; Lee, Tae-Ho; Oh, Chang-Seok; Kim, Sung-Joon

2010-02-01

Microstructural design with an Al addition is suggested for low-carbon, manganese transformation-induced-plasticity (Mn TRIP) steel for application in the continuous-annealing process. With an Al content of 1 mass pct, the competition between the recrystallization of the cold-rolled microstructure and the austenite formation cannot be avoided during intercritical annealing, and the recrystallization of the deformed matrix does not proceed effectively. The addition of 3 mass pct Al, however, allows nearly complete recrystallization of the deformed microstructure by providing a dual-phase cold-rolled structure consisting of ferrite and martensite and by suppressing excessive austenite formation at a higher annealing temperature. An optimized annealing condition results in the room-temperature stability of the intercritical austenite in Mn TRIP steel containing 3 mass pct Al, permitting persistent transformation to martensite during tensile deformation. The alloy presents an excellent strength-ductility balance combining a tensile strength of approximately 1 GPa with a total elongation over 25 pct, which is comparable to that of Mn TRIP steel subjected to batch-type annealing.

Wear of liquid nitrogen-cooled 440C bearing steels in an oxygen environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chaudhuri, Dilip K.; Verma, Ravi

1988-01-01

This paper presents up-to-date findings of the research being conducted to understand the mechanism of sliding wear in unlubricated 440C bearing steels under oxidative conditions. A sliding wear test rig has been designed and built with a cylinder-on-flat geometry. The equipment is capable of testing specimens under high axial loads and sliding speeds in a simulated LOX environment. Samples of 440C steel, quenched and tempered to a hardness of Rc 56, were tested under a load of 890 N and a sliding speed of 2.05 m/sec for total sliding distances of up to 5.54 km. Flash temperatures during these tests were measured with an IR camera and a fast digital recorder. Microstructural and microanalytical data from the worn surfaces and the debris particles are analyzed extensively, along with wear rates, flash temperatures, surface profiles, hardnesses, and residual stresses, in the context of oxidation and wear theories.

Possibility of High Phosphorus Pig Iron as Sacrificial Anode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prasad, Nisheeth Kr.; Pathak, A. S.; Kundu, S.; Mondal, K.

2018-05-01

Cathodic protection is an effective method to control the corrosion of underground pipelines and submerged structures. In the present work, high phosphorus containing pig iron was utilized as sacrificial anode for cathodic protection of underground mild steel plates and the results were compared with that of a commercially pure magnesium sacrificial anode. Driving potential and current between the galvanically coupled sacrificial anodes and mild steel plates were continuously monitored in real time for one month. Microstructure and morphology of the corrosion products formed on the surface of pig iron, magnesium sacrificial anodes and mild steel plates were observed with the help of optical microscope and scanning electron microscopy, and phase identification were performed using x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The distribution of phosphorus in the pig iron matrix and soluble rust formation on the surface of pig iron under buried condition were critical from the point of sacrificial effect, indicating the possible scientific reasons for high phosphorous pig iron to be used as sacrificial anode.

Characterization of aging-induced microstructural changes in M250 maraging steel using magnetic parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajkumar, K. V.; Vaidyanathan, S.; Kumar, Anish; Jayakumar, T.; Raj, Baldev; Ray, K. K.

2007-05-01

The best combinations of mechanical properties (yield stress and fracture toughness) of M250 maraging steel is obtained through short-term thermal aging (3-10 h) at 755 K. This is attributed to the microstructure containing precipitation of intermetallic phases in austenite-free low-carbon martensite matrix. Over-aged microstructure, containing reverted austenite degrades the mechanical properties drastically. Hence, it necessitates identification of a suitable non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technique for detecting any reverted austenite unambiguously during aging. The influence of aging on microstructure, room temperature hardness and non-destructive magnetic parameters such as coercivity ( Hc), saturation magnetization ( Ms) and magnetic Barkhausen emission (MBE) RMS peak voltage is studied in order to derive correlations between these parameters in aged M250 maraging steel. Hardness was found to increase with precipitation of intermetallics during initial aging and decrease at longer durations due to austenite reversion. Among the different magnetic parameters studied, MBE RMS peak voltage was found to be very sensitive to austenite reversion (non-magnetic phase) as they decreased drastically up on initiation of austenite reversion. Hence, this parameter can be effectively utilized to detect and quantify the reverted austenite in maraging steel specimen. The present study clearly indicates that the combination of MBE RMS peak voltage and hardness can be used for unambiguous characterization of microstructural features of technological and practical importance (3-10 h of aging duration at 755 K) in M250 grade maraging steel.

Influence of Heat Input on Microstructure and Toughness Properties in Simulated CGHAZ of X80 Steel Manufactured Using High-Temperature Processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Zhixiong; Han, Jian; Li, Huijun

2015-11-01

To determine and demonstrate the weldability of high-Nb high-temperature processed (HTP) steels and provide extremely valuable information for future line pipe steel design and general steel manufacture, in the current study the toughness in simulated coarse-grained heat-affected zone (CGHAZ) of an X80 grade steel manufactured using HTP was evaluated. The simulated CGHAZs subjected to thermal cycles with various heat inputs (HIs) (0.8 to 5.0 kJ/mm) were produced using a Gleeble 3500 simulator. The microstructures and corresponding mechanical properties were investigated by means of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, hardness testing, and Charpy V-notch (CVN) testing. The microstructural examination shows that the simulated CGHAZs consisted of a bainite-dominant microstructure and relatively low amount (<2 pct) of martensite-austenite (M-A) constituent. The prior austenite grain size was controlled to be 45 to 55 µm at HIs of 0.8 to 3.5 kJ/mm, and remarkably increased to 85 µm at an HI of 5 kJ/mm. The results of CVN testing suggest that superior toughness can be achieved in the studied range of HIs (0.8 to 5 kJ/mm). This is thought to be associated with the combined effects of bainitic microstructure and low M-A fraction as well as comparatively fine austenite grain size in the studied CGHAZs.

Development of stress corrosion cracking resistant welds of 321 stainless steel by simple surface engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mankari, Kamal; Acharyya, Swati Ghosh

2017-12-01

We hereby report a simple surface engineering technique to make AISI grade 321 stainless steel (SS) welds resistant to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in chloride environment. Heat exchanger tubes of AISI 321 SS, welded either by (a) laser beam welding (LBW) or by (b) metal inert gas welding (MIG) were used for the study. The welds had high magnitude of tensile residual stresses and had undergone SCC in chloride environment while in service. The welds were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Subsequently, the welded surfaces were subjected to buffing operation followed by determination of residual stress distribution and surface roughness by XRD and surface profilometer measurements respectively. The susceptibility of the welds to SCC was tested in buffed and un-buffed condition as per ASTM G-36 in boiling MgCl2 for 5 h and 10 h, followed by microstructural characterization by using optical microscope and FESEM. The results showed that the buffed surfaces (both welds and base material) were resistant to SCC even after 10 h of exposure to boiling MgCl2 whereas the un-buffed surfaces underwent severe SCC for the same exposure time. Buffing imparted high magnitude of compressive stresses on the surface of stainless steel together with reduction in its surface roughness and reduction in plastic strain on the surface which made the welded surface, resistant to chloride assisted SCC. Buffing being a very simple, portable and economic technique can be easily adapted by the designers as the last step of component fabrication to make 321 stainless steel welds resistant to chloride assisted SCC.

Heat treatment giving a stable high temperature micro-structure in cast austenitic stainless steel

DOEpatents

Anton, Donald L.; Lemkey, Franklin D.

1988-01-01

A novel micro-structure developed in a cast austenitic stainless steel alloy and a heat treatment thereof are disclosed. The alloy is based on a multicomponent Fe-Cr-Mn-Mo-Si-Nb-C system consisting of an austenitic iron solid solution (.gamma.) matrix reinforced by finely dispersed carbide phases and a heat treatment to produce the micro-structure. The heat treatment includes a prebraze heat treatment followed by a three stage braze cycle heat treatment.

Secondary pool boiling effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kruse, C.; Tsubaki, A.; Zuhlke, C.; Anderson, T.; Alexander, D.; Gogos, G.; Ndao, S.

2016-02-01

A pool boiling phenomenon referred to as secondary boiling effects is discussed. Based on the experimental trends, a mechanism is proposed that identifies the parameters that lead to this phenomenon. Secondary boiling effects refer to a distinct decrease in the wall superheat temperature near the critical heat flux due to a significant increase in the heat transfer coefficient. Recent pool boiling heat transfer experiments using femtosecond laser processed Inconel, stainless steel, and copper multiscale surfaces consistently displayed secondary boiling effects, which were found to be a result of both temperature drop along the microstructures and nucleation characteristic length scales. The temperature drop is a function of microstructure height and thermal conductivity. An increased microstructure height and a decreased thermal conductivity result in a significant temperature drop along the microstructures. This temperature drop becomes more pronounced at higher heat fluxes and along with the right nucleation characteristic length scales results in a change of the boiling dynamics. Nucleation spreads from the bottom of the microstructure valleys to the top of the microstructures, resulting in a decreased surface superheat with an increasing heat flux. This decrease in the wall superheat at higher heat fluxes is reflected by a "hook back" of the traditional boiling curve and is thus referred to as secondary boiling effects. In addition, a boiling hysteresis during increasing and decreasing heat flux develops due to the secondary boiling effects. This hysteresis further validates the existence of secondary boiling effects.

Effect of Quenching Process on the Microstructure and Hardness of High-Carbon Martensitic Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Qin-tian; Li, Jing; Shi, Cheng-bin; Yu, Wen-tao

2015-11-01

The microstructure and hardness of high-carbon martensitic stainless steel (HMSS) were investigated using thermal expansion analyzer, Thermo-calc, scanning electron microscope, x-ray diffraction, and Ultra-high temperature confocal microscope. The results indicate that the experimental steel should be austenitized in the temperature range of 1025-1075 °C, which can give a maximum hardness of 62 HRc with the microstructure consisting of martensite, retained austenite, and some undissolved carbides. With increasing austenitizing temperature, the amount of retained austenite increases, while the volume fraction of carbides increases first and then decreases. The starting temperature and finish temperature of martensite formation decrease with increasing cooling rates. Air-quenched samples can obtain less retained austenite, more compact microstructure, and higher hardness, compared with that of oil-quenched samples. For HMSS, the martensitic transformation takes place at some isolated areas with a slow nucleation rate.

Electromagnetic nondestructive evaluation of tempering process in AISI D2 tool steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kahrobaee, Saeed; Kashefi, Mehrdad

2015-05-01

The present paper investigates the potential of using eddy current technique as a reliable nondestructive tool to detect microstructural changes during the different stages of tempering treatment in AISI D2 tool steel. Five stages occur in tempering of the steel: precipitation of ɛ carbides, formation of cementite, retained austenite decomposition, secondary hardening effect and spheroidization of carbides. These stages were characterized by destructive methods, including dilatometry, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopic observations, and hardness measurements. The microstructural changes alter the electrical resistivity/magnetic saturation, which, in turn, influence the eddy current signals. Two EC parameters, induced voltage sensed by pickup coil and impedance point detected by excitation coil, were evaluated as a function of tempering temperature to characterize the microstructural features, nondestructively. The study revealed that a good correlation exists between the EC parameters and the microstructural changes.

The Influence of Wheel/Rail Contact Conditions on the Microstructure and Hardness of Railway Wheels

PubMed Central

Davis, Claire

2014-01-01

The susceptibility of railway wheels to wear and rolling contact fatigue damage is influenced by the properties of the wheel material. These are influenced by the steel composition, wheel manufacturing process, and thermal and mechanical loading during operation. The in-service properties therefore vary with depth below the surface and with position across the wheel tread. This paper discusses the stress history at the wheel/rail contact (derived from dynamic simulations) and observed variations in hardness and microstructure. It is shown that the hardness of an “in-service” wheel rim varies significantly, with three distinct effects. The underlying hardness trend with depth can be related to microstructural changes during manufacturing (proeutectoid ferrite fraction and pearlite lamellae spacing). The near-surface layer exhibits plastic flow and microstructural shear, especially in regions which experience high tangential forces when curving, with consequentially higher hardness values. Between 1 mm and 7 mm depth, the wheel/rail contacts cause stresses exceeding the material yield stress, leading to work hardening, without a macroscopic change in microstructure. These changes in material properties through the depth of the wheel rim would tend to increase the likelihood of crack initiation on wheels toward the end of their life. This correlates with observations from several train fleets. PMID:24526883

Phase Transformation Behavior of Medium Manganese Steels with 3 Wt Pct Aluminum and 3 Wt Pct Silicon During Intercritical Annealing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Binhan; Fazeli, Fateh; Scott, Colin; Yue, Stephen

2016-10-01

Medium manganese steels alloyed with sufficient aluminum and silicon amounts contain high fractions of retained austenite adjustable to various transformation-induced plasticity/twinning-induced plasticity effects, in addition to a reduced density suitable for lightweight vehicle body-in-white assemblies. Two hot rolled medium manganese steels containing 3 wt pct aluminum and 3 wt pct silicon were subjected to different annealing treatments in the present study. The evolution of the microstructure in terms of austenite transformation upon reheating and the subsequent austenite decomposition during quenching was investigated. Manganese content of the steels prevailed the microstructural response. The microstructure of the leaner alloy with 7 wt pct Mn (7Mn) was substantially influenced by the annealing temperature, including the variation of phase constituents, the morphology and composition of intercritical austenite, the Ms temperature and the retained austenite fraction. In contrast, the richer variant 10 wt pct Mn steel (10Mn) exhibited a substantially stable ferrite-austenite duplex phase microstructure containing a fixed amount of retained austenite which was found to be independent of the variations of intercritical annealing temperature. Austenite formation from hot band ferrite-pearlite/bainite mixtures was very rapid during annealing at 1273 K (1000 °C), regardless of Mn contents. Austenite growth was believed to be controlled at early stages by carbon diffusion following pearlite/bainite dissolution. The redistribution of Mn in ferrite and particularly in austenite at later stages was too subtle to result in a measureable change in austenite fraction. Further, the hot band microstructure of both steels contained a large fraction of coarse-grained δ-ferrite, which remained almost unchanged during intercritical annealing. A recently developed thermodynamic database was evaluated using the experimental data. The new database achieved a better agreement with the experimental results for the 7Mn steel compared with the existing commercial TCFE database; however, some discrepancy in the predicted phase fractions and compositions still existed. The phase transformation behavior of the two steels during annealing and its implication on the design of high aluminum-silicon medium manganese steels were discussed in detail.

Permeability and Microstructure of Suspension Plasma-Sprayed YSZ Electrolytes for SOFCs on Various Substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marr, Michael; Kesler, Olivera

2012-12-01

Yttria-stabilized zirconia electrolyte coatings for solid oxide fuel cells were deposited by suspension plasma spraying using a range of spray conditions and a variety of substrates, including finely structured porous stainless steel disks and cathode layers on stainless steel supports. Electrolyte permeability values and trends were found to be highly dependent on which substrate was used. The most gas-tight electrolyte coatings were those deposited directly on the porous metal disks. With this substrate, permeability was reduced by increasing the torch power and reducing the stand-off distance to produce dense coating microstructures. On the substrates with cathodes, electrolyte permeability was reduced by increasing the stand-off distance, which reduced the formation of segmentation cracks and regions of aligned and concentrated porosity. The formation mechanisms of the various permeability-related coating features are discussed and strategies for reducing permeability are presented. The dependences of electrolyte deposition efficiency and surface roughness on process conditions and substrate properties are also presented.

Effect of cold deformation on the electrochemical behaviour of 304L stainless steel in contaminated sulfuric acid environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Hong; Su, Huaizhi; Ying, Guobing; Dong, Chaofang; Li, Xiaogang

2017-12-01

The effect of cold deformation on the microstructure and electrochemical corrosion behaviour of 304L stainless steel in contaminated sulfuric acid solutions (simulated proton exchange membrane fuel cells environments) were evaluated using electron backscatter diffraction analyses, electrochemical measurements, and surface analyses. The internal microstructure,including the grain sizes, angles of the grain boundaries, low coincidence site lattice boundaries, and phase transformations, was changed due to the cold deformation. No noticeable modifications of the pitting corrosion potential were observed during the various deformations, except for a slight enhancement in the passive current density with an increase in the deformation. The CrO3 and metal Ni species in the passive film were investigated after deformation. After heavy deformation (greater than 60%), nickel oxides were detected. Moreover, the Cr/Fe and O2-/OH- ratios in the passive film were higher before deformation, and they decreased with an increase in the deformation level.

An Integrated Study on the Evolution of Inclusions in EH36 Shipbuilding Steel with Mg Addition: From Casting to Welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, Xiaodong; Zhao, Dapeng; Sun, Jincheng; Wang, Cong; Matsuura, Hiroyuki

2018-04-01

Inclusion evolution behaviors, in terms of composition, size, and number density, and associated influence on the microstructures of the as-cast slabs, rolled plates, and simulated welded samples of plain EH36 and EH36-Mg shipbuilding steels have been systematically investigated. The results indicate that the inclusions in the as-cast plain EH36 are almost Al-Ca-S-O-(Mn) complex oxides with sizes ranging from 1.0 to 2.0 μm. After Mg addition, a large amount of individually fine MnS precipitates and Mg-containing Ti-Al-Mg-O-(Mn-S) complex inclusions are generated, which significantly refine the microstructure and are conducive to the nucleation of acicular ferrite in the rolled and welded sample. Moreover, after rolling and welding thermal simulation, the number of individual MnS decreases gradually due to its precipitation on the surface of Ti-Al-Mg-O oxides.

Investigation of Microstructural Features Determining the Toughness of 980 MPa Bainitic Weld Metal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, R.; Zhang, X. B.; Wang, Z.; Peng, Y.; Du, W. S.; Tian, Z. L.; Chen, J. H.

2014-02-01

The microstructural features that control the impact toughness of weld metals of a 980 MPa 8 pct Ni high-strength steel are investigated using instrumented Charpy V tester, optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD), and finite-element method (FEM) calculation. The results show that the critical event for cleavage fracture in this high-strength steel and weld metals is the propagation of a bainite packet-sized crack across the packet boundary into contiguous packets, and the bainitic packet sizes control the impact toughness. The high-angle misorientation boundaries detected in a bainite packet by EBSD form fine tear ridges on fracture surfaces. However, they are not the decisive factors controlling the cleavage fracture. The effects of Ni content are essential factors for improving the toughness. The extra large cleavage facets seriously deteriorate the toughness, which are formed on the interfaces of large columnar crystals growing in welding pools with high heat input.

Improved microstructure and properties of 12Cr2Ni4A alloy steel by vacuum carburization and Ti + N co-implantation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Meiling; Cui, Xiufang; Jin, Guo; Wang, Haidou; Cai, Zhaobing; Song, Shengqiang

2018-05-01

The carburized 12Cr2Ni4A alloy steel was implanted by Ti + N double elements implantation. The microstructure, nano-hardness and corrosion properties were investigated by EPMA, TEM, XPS, nano-hardness and electrochemistry tests in detail. The results showed that the Ti + N co-implanted layer is composed of FCC TiN and TiC phases with BCC martensite. Compared with the un-implanted layer, the Ti + N implanted layer has higher nano-hardness and better corrosion resistance. In addition, the higher nano-hardness was presented below the surface of 1800 nm compared with un-implanted layer, which is far beyond the thickness of the implanted layer. The results also indicated that the generation of nanoscale ceramic phase and structures are not the only factor to impose the influence on the nano-hardness and corrosion resistance, but the radiation damage and lattice distortion will play an important role.

Effects of Mn and Al on the Intragranular Acicular Ferrite Formation in Rare Earth Treated C-Mn Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Mingming; Song, Bo; Yang, Zhanbing; Zhang, Shenghua; Hu, Chunlin

2017-07-01

The influence of Al, Mn and rare earth (RE) on microstructure of C-Mn steel was investigated. The capacities of different RE inclusions to induce intragranular acicular ferrite (AF) formation were compared. Result shows that RE treatment could make C-Mn steel from large amounts of intragranular AF. Al killed is detrimental to the formation of intragranular AF in RE-treated C-Mn steel. An upper bainite structure would replace the AF when Al content increased to 0.027 mass %. The optimal Mn content to form AF is about 0.75-1.31 mass %. The effective RE inclusion which could induce AF nucleation is La2O2S. When patches of MnS are attached on the surface of La2O2S inclusion, AF nucleation capacity of RE-containing inclusion could enlarge obviously. The existence of manganese-depleted zone and low lattice misfit would be the main reason of La-containing inclusion inducing AF nucleation in C-Mn steel.

Irradiation Microstructure of Austenitic Steels and Cast Steels Irradiated in the BOR-60 Reactor at 320°C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Yong; Chen, Yiren; Huang, Yina; Allen, Todd; Rao, Appajosula

Reactor internal components are subjected to neutron irradiation in light water reactors, and with the aging of nuclear power plants around the world, irradiation-induced material degradations are of concern for reactor internals. Irradiation-induced defects resulting from displacement damage are critical for understanding degradation in structural materials. In the present work, microstructural changes due to irradiation in austenitic stainless steels and cast steels were characterized using transmission electron microscopy. The specimens were irradiated in the BOR-60 reactor, a fast breeder reactor, up to 40 dpa at 320°C. The dose rate was approximately 9.4x10-7 dpa/s. Void swelling and irradiation defects were analyzed for these specimens. A high density of faulted loops dominated the irradiated-altered microstructures. Along with previous TEM results, a dose dependence of the defect structure was established at 320°C.

Thermomechanical processing of microalloyed powder forged steels and a cast vanadium steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dogan, B.; Davies, T. J.

1985-09-01

The effects of controlled rolling on transformation behavior of two powder forged (P/F) microalloyed vanadium steels and a cast microalloyed vanadium steel were investigated. Rolling was carried out in the austenitic range below the recrystallization temperature. Equiaxed grain structures were produced in specimens subjected to different reductions and different cooling rates. The ferrite grain size decreased with increasing deformation and cooling rate. Ferrite nucleated on second phase particles, deformation bands, and on elongated prior austenite grain boundaries; consequently a high fractional ferrite refinement was achieved. Deformation raised the ferrite transformation start temperature while the time to transformation from the roll finish temperature decreased. Cooling rates in the cast steel were higher than in P/F steels for all four cooling media used, and the transformation start temperatures of cast steels were lower than that of P/F steel. Intragranular ferrite nucleation, which played a vital role in grain refinement, increased with cooling rate. Fully bainitic microstructures were formed at higher cooling rates in the cast steel. In the P/F steels inclusions and incompletely closed pores served as sites for ferrite nucleation, often forming a ‘secondary’ ferrite. The rolling schedule reduced the size of large pores and particle surface inclusions and removed interconnected porosity in the P/F steels.

EBSD characterization of low temperature deformation mechanisms in modern alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozmel, Thomas S., II

For structural applications, grain refinement has been shown to enhance mechanical properties such as strength, fatigue resistance, and fracture toughness. Through control of the thermos-mechanical processing parameters, dynamic recrystallization mechanisms were used to produce microstructures consisting of sub-micron grains in 9310 steel, 4140 steel, and Ti-6Al-4V. In both 9310 and 4140 steel, the distribution of carbides throughout the microstructure affected the ability of the material to dynamically recrystallize and determined the size of the dynamically recrystallized grains. Processing the materials at lower temperatures and higher strain rates resulted in finer dynamically recrystallized grains. Microstructural process models that can be used to estimate the resulting microstructure based on the processing parameters were developed for both 9310 and 4140 steel. Heat treatment studies performed on 9310 steel showed that the sub-micron grain size obtained during deformation could not be retained due to the low equilibrium volume fraction of carbides. Commercially available aluminum alloys were investigated to explain their high strain rate deformation behavior. Alloys such as 2139, 2519, 5083, and 7039 exhibit strain softening after an ultimate strength is reached, followed by a rapid degradation of mechanical properties after a critical strain level has been reached. Microstructural analysis showed that the formation of shear bands typically preceded this rapid degradation in properties. Shear band boundary misorientations increased as a function of equivalent strain in all cases. Precipitation behavior was found to greatly influence the microstructural response of the alloys. Additionally, precipitation strengthened alloys were found to exhibit similar flow stress behavior, whereas solid solution strengthened alloys exhibited lower flow stresses but higher ductility during dynamic loading. Schmid factor maps demonstrated that shear band formation behavior was influenced by texturing in these alloys.

Study of retained austenite and nano-scale precipitation and their effects on properties of a low alloyed multi-phase steel by the two-step intercritical treatment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xie, Z.J.; Han, G., E-mail: hangang@mater.ustb.edu.cn; Zhou, W.H.

2016-03-15

Microstructure evolution and properties were studied in a low carbon low alloyed hot-rolled bainitic steel by annealing and annealing plus tempering. Microstructure of the hot-rolled steel consists of lath bainite and martensite. By annealing at 720 °C for 30 min and water quenching, multi-phase microstructure consisting of intercritical ferrite, tempered bainite/martensite, retained austenite and fresh martensite was obtained. With increasing annealing temperature to 760 °C, microstructure of the steel consisted of intercritical ferrite, fresh martensite without retained austenite. After the second step of tempering at 680 °C for samples annealed both at 720 °C and 760 °C, ~ 8–9% volumemore » fraction of retained austenite was obtained in the multi-phase microstructure. Moreover, fine precipitates of VC with size smaller than 10 nm and copper precipitates with size of ~ 10–50 nm were obtained after tempering. Results from scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) give evidence to support that the partitioning of Mn, Ni and Cu is of significance for retained austenite stabilization. Due to the combined contribution of multiphase microstructure, the transformation-induced-plasticity effect of retained austenite and strengthening effect of nanometer-sized precipitates, yield strength greater than 800 MPa, yield to tensile ratio of 0.9, uniform elongation of ~ 9% and good low temperature impact toughness of 147 J at − 40 °C were achieved. - Highlights: • Stable retained austenite was produced in a low alloyed steel. • Partition of Mn, Ni and Cu was confirmed by STEM for austenite stabilization. • Nano-sized VC and Cu precipitates were achieved by second tempering. • High strength–high toughness with low Y/T ratio was obtained.« less

Mechanical and Fatigue Properties of Additively Manufactured Metallic Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadollahi, Aref

This study aims to investigate the mechanical and fatigue behavior of additively manufactured metallic materials. Several challenges associated with different metal additive manufacturing (AM) techniques (i.e. laser-powder bed fusion and direct laser deposition) have been addressed experimentally and numerically. Experiments have been carried out to study the effects of process inter-layer time interval--i.e. either building the samples one-at-a-time or multi-at-a-time (in-parallel)--on the microstructural features and mechanical properties of 316L stainless steel samples, fabricated via a direct laser deposition (DLD). Next, the effect of building orientation--i.e. the orientation in which AM parts are built--on microstructure, tensile, and fatigue behaviors of 17-4 PH stainless steel, fabricated via a laser-powder bed fusion (L-PBF) method was investigated. Afterwards, the effect of surface finishing--here, as-built versus machined--on uniaxial fatigue behavior and failure mechanisms of Inconel 718 fabricated via a laser-powder bed fusion technique was sought. The numerical studies, as part of this dissertation, aimed to model the mechanical behavior of AM materials, under monotonic and cyclic loading, based on the observations and findings from the experiments. Despite significant research efforts for optimizing process parameters, achieving a homogenous, defect-free AM product--immediately after fabrication--has not yet been fully demonstrated. Thus, one solution for ensuring the adoption of AM materials for application should center on predicting the variations in mechanical behavior of AM parts based on their resultant microstructure. In this regard, an internal state variable (ISV) plasticity-damage model was employed to quantify the damage evolution in DLD 316L SS, under tensile loading, using the microstructural features associated with the manufacturing process. Finally, fatigue behavior of AM parts has been modeled based on the crack-growth concept. Using the FASTRAN code, the fatigue-life of L-PBF Inconel 718 was accurately calculated using the size and shape of process-induced voids in the material. In addition, the maximum valley depth of the surface profile was found to be an appropriate representative of the initial surface flaw for fatigue-life prediction of AM materials in an as-built surface condition.

Microstructural characterization of weld joints of 9Cr reduced activation ferritic martensitic steel fabricated by different joining methods

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thomas Paul, V.; Saroja, S.; Albert, S.K.

This paper presents a detailed electron microscopy study on the microstructure of various regions of weldment fabricated by three welding methods namely tungsten inert gas welding, electron beam welding and laser beam welding in an indigenously developed 9Cr reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steel. Electron back scatter diffraction studies showed a random micro-texture in all the three welds. Microstructural changes during thermal exposures were studied and corroborated with hardness and optimized conditions for the post weld heat treatment have been identified for this steel. Hollomon–Jaffe parameter has been used to estimate the extent of tempering. The activation energy for the tempering processmore » has been evaluated and found to be corresponding to interstitial diffusion of carbon in ferrite matrix. The type and microchemistry of secondary phases in different regions of the weldment have been identified by analytical transmission electron microscopy. - Highlights: • Comparison of microstructural parameters in TIG, electron beam and laser welds of RAFM steel • EBSD studies to illustrate the absence of preferred orientation and identification of prior austenite grain size using phase identification map • Optimization of PWHT conditions for indigenous RAFM steel • Study of kinetics of tempering and estimation of apparent activation energy of the process.« less

METALLOGRAPHIC STUDIES OF SPUTNIK 4 FRAGMENT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kammerer, O.F.; Sadofsky, J.; Gurinsky, D.H.

1963-09-01

Metallographic analyses were performed on a fragment of steel recovered after the disintegration of Sputnik 4 and on a melted agglomerate found on the fragment. The examination indicated that the material was a hot-rolled carbon steel similar in hardness to a structural steel with a tensile strength of 3.8 to 4.1 x 10/sup 10/ dynes/cm/sup 2/. The major portion of the fragment exhibited a banded structure characteristic of hot-rolled material. The upper surface was probably heated to the melting point which resulted in the formation of a narrow band similar to an as-cast Widmannstaettn microstructure. The melted material at themore » bottom of the specimen was a porous mass containing several different varieties of inclusions and compounds. (auth)« less

Mechanical Properties and Microstructural Evolution of Welded Eglin Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leister, Brett M.

Eglin steel is a new ultra-high strength steel that has been developed at Eglin Air Force Base in the early 2000s. This steel could be subjected to a variety of processing steps during fabrication, each with its own thermal history. This article presents a continuous cooling transformation diagram developed for Eglin steel to be used as a guideline during processing. Dilatometry techniques performed on a Gleeble thermo-mechanical simulator were combined with microhardness results and microstructural characterization to develop the diagram. The results show that four distinct microstructures form within Eglin steel depending on the cooling rate. At cooling rates above about 1 °C/s, a predominately martensitic microstructure is formed with hardness of ˜520 HV. Intermediate cooling rates of 1 °C/s to 0.2 °C/s produce a mixed martensitic/bainitic microstructure with a hardness that ranges from 520 - 420 HV. Slower cooling rates of 0.1 °C/s to 0.03 °C/s lead to the formation of a bainitic microstructure with a hardness of ˜420 HV. The slowest cooling rate of 0.01 °C/s formed a bainitic microstructure with pearlite at the prior austenite grain boundaries. A comprehensive study was performed to correlate the mechanical properties and the microstructural evolution in the heat affected zone of thermally simulated Eglin steel. A Gleeble 3500 thermo-mechanical simulator was used to resistively heat samples of wrought Eglin steel according to calculated thermal cycles with different peak temperatures at a heat input of 1500 J/mm. These samples underwent mechanical testing to determine strength and toughness, in both the `as-simulated' condition and also following post-weld heat treatments. Mechanical testing has shown that the inter-critical heat affected zone (HAZ) has the lowest strength following thermal simulation, and the fine-grain and coarse-grain heat affected zone having an increased strength when compared to the inter-critical HAZ. The toughness of the heat affected zone in the as-simulated condition is lower than that of the base metal. Post-weld heat treatments (PWHT) have been shown to increase the toughness of the HAZ, but at the expense of strength. In addition, certain combinations of PWHTs within specific HAZ regions have exhibited low toughness caused by tempered martensite embrittlement or intergranular failure. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction data has shown that Eglin steel has retained austenite in the fine-grain HAZ in the as-simulated condition. In addition, alloy carbides (M23C 6, M2C, M7C3) have been observed in the diffraction spectra for the fine-grain and coarse-grain HAZ following a PWHT of 700 °C / 4 hours. A first attempt at thermodynamic modeling has been undertaken using MatCalc to try to predict the evolution of carbides in the HAZ following thermal cycling and PWHT.

Effect of thermomechanical processing on the microstructure and retained austenite stability during in situ tensile testing using synchrotron x-ray diffraction of NbMoAI TRIP steel.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pereloma, E.; Zhang, L.; Liss, K.-D.

2011-06-01

In this work we compare and contrast the stability of retained austenite during tensile testing of Nb-Mo-Al transformation-induced plasticity steel subjected to different thermomechanical processing schedules. The obtained microstructures were characterised using optical metallography, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The transformation of retained austenite to martensite under tensile loading was observed by in-situ high energy X-ray diffraction at 1ID / APS. It has been shown that the variations in the microstructure of the steel, such as volume fractions of present phases, their morphology and dimensions, play a critical role in the strain-induced transition of retained austenite to martensite.

A microstructural comparison of two nuclear-grade martensitic steels using small-angle neutron scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coppola, R.; Fiori, F.; Little, E. A.; Magnani, M.

1997-06-01

Results are presented of a small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) study on two 10-13% Cr martensitic stainless steels of interest for nuclear applications, viz. DIN 1.4914 (MANET specification, for fusion reactors) and AISI 410. The investigation has focussed principally on microstructural effects associated with the differences in chromium content between the two alloys. The size distribution functions determined from nuclear and magnetic SANS components for the two steels given identical heat treatments are in accord with an interpretation based on the presence of ˜ 1 nm size CCr aggregates in the microstructure. Much larger (˜ 10 nm) scattering inhomogeneities with different magnetic contrast are also present and tentatively identified as carbides.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Austempered Medium-Carbon Spring Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Seong Hoon; Kim, Kwan-Ho; Bae, Chul-Min; Lee, Jae Sang; Suh, Dong-Woo

2018-03-01

Changes in microstructure and mechanical properties of medium-carbon spring steel during austempering were investigated. After austempering for 1 h at 290 °C or 330 °C, the bainite transformation stabilized austenite, and microstructure consisting of bainitic ferrite and austenite could be obtained after final cooling; the retained austenite fraction was smaller in the alloy austempered at 290 °C because carbon redistribution between bainitic ferrite and austenite slowed as the temperature decreased, and thereby gave persistent driving force for the bainite transformation. The products of tensile strength and reduction of area in the austempered alloy were much larger in the austempered steel than in quenched and tempered alloy, mainly because of significant increase in reduction of area in austempered alloy.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Austempered Medium-Carbon Spring Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Seong Hoon; Kim, Kwan-Ho; Bae, Chul-Min; Lee, Jae Sang; Suh, Dong-Woo

2018-07-01

Changes in microstructure and mechanical properties of medium-carbon spring steel during austempering were investigated. After austempering for 1 h at 290 °C or 330 °C, the bainite transformation stabilized austenite, and microstructure consisting of bainitic ferrite and austenite could be obtained after final cooling; the retained austenite fraction was smaller in the alloy austempered at 290 °C because carbon redistribution between bainitic ferrite and austenite slowed as the temperature decreased, and thereby gave persistent driving force for the bainite transformation. The products of tensile strength and reduction of area in the austempered alloy were much larger in the austempered steel than in quenched and tempered alloy, mainly because of significant increase in reduction of area in austempered alloy.

Application of lap laser welding technology on stainless steel railway vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hongxiao; Wang, Chunsheng; He, Guangzhong; Li, Wei; Liu, Liguo

2016-10-01

Stainless steel railway vehicles with so many advantages, such as lightweight, antirust, low cost of maintenance and simple manufacturing process, so the production of high level stainless steel railway vehicles has become the development strategy of European, American and other developed nations. The current stainless steel railway vehicles body and structure are usually assembled by resistance spot welding process. The weak points of this process are the poor surface quality and bad airtight due to the pressure of electrodes. In this study, the partial penetration lap laser welding process was investigated to resolve the problems, by controlling the laser to stop at the second plate in the appropriate penetration. The lap laser welding joint of stainless steel railway vehicle car body with partial penetration has higher strength and surface quality than those of resistance spot welding joint. The biggest problem of lap laser welding technology is to find the balance of the strength and surface quality with different penetrations. The mechanism of overlap laser welding of stainless steel, mechanical tests, microstructure analysis, the optimization of welding parameters, analysis of fatigue performance, the design of laser welding stainless steel railway vehicles structure and the development of non-destructive testing technology were systematically studied before lap laser welding process to be applied in manufacture of railway vehicles. The results of the experiments and study show that high-quality surface state and higher fatigue strength can be achieved by the partial penetration overlap laser welding of the side panel structure, and the structure strength of the car body can be higher than the requirements of En12663, the standard of structural requirements of railway vehicles bodies. Our company has produced the stainless steel subway and high way railway vehicles by using overlap laser welding technology. The application of lap laser welding will be a big change of railway vehicles manufacturing technology.

Damage Evolution in Complex-Phase and Dual-Phase Steels during Edge Stretching.

PubMed

Pathak, Nikky; Butcher, Cliff; Worswick, Michael James; Bellhouse, Erika; Gao, Jeff

2017-03-27

The role of microstructural damage in controlling the edge stretchability of Complex-Phase (CP) and Dual-Phase (DP) steels was evaluated using hole tension experiments. The experiments considered a tensile specimen with a hole at the center of specimen that is either sheared (sheared edge condition) or drilled and then reamed (reamed edge condition). The damage mechanism and accumulation in the CP and DP steels were systematically characterized by interrupting the hole tension tests at different strain levels using scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis and optical microscopy. Martensite cracking and decohesion of ferrite-martensite interfaces are the dominant nucleation mechanisms in the DP780. The primary source of void nucleation in the CP800 is nucleation at TiN particles, with secondary void formation at martensite/bainite interfaces near the failure strain. The rate of damage evolution is considerably higher for the sheared edge in contrast with the reamed edge since the shearing process alters the microstructure in the shear affected zone (SAZ) by introducing work-hardening and initial damage behind the sheared edge. The CP microstructures were shown to be less prone to shear-induced damage than the DP materials resulting in much higher sheared edge formability. Microstructural damage in the CP and DP steels was characterized to understand the interaction between microstructure, damage evolution and edge formability during edge stretching. An analytical model for void evolution and coalescence was developed and applied to predict the damage rate in these rather diverse microstructures.

Damage Evolution in Complex-Phase and Dual-Phase Steels during Edge Stretching

PubMed Central

Pathak, Nikky; Butcher, Cliff; Worswick, Michael James; Bellhouse, Erika; Gao, Jeff

2017-01-01

The role of microstructural damage in controlling the edge stretchability of Complex-Phase (CP) and Dual-Phase (DP) steels was evaluated using hole tension experiments. The experiments considered a tensile specimen with a hole at the center of specimen that is either sheared (sheared edge condition) or drilled and then reamed (reamed edge condition). The damage mechanism and accumulation in the CP and DP steels were systematically characterized by interrupting the hole tension tests at different strain levels using scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis and optical microscopy. Martensite cracking and decohesion of ferrite-martensite interfaces are the dominant nucleation mechanisms in the DP780. The primary source of void nucleation in the CP800 is nucleation at TiN particles, with secondary void formation at martensite/bainite interfaces near the failure strain. The rate of damage evolution is considerably higher for the sheared edge in contrast with the reamed edge since the shearing process alters the microstructure in the shear affected zone (SAZ) by introducing work-hardening and initial damage behind the sheared edge. The CP microstructures were shown to be less prone to shear-induced damage than the DP materials resulting in much higher sheared edge formability. Microstructural damage in the CP and DP steels was characterized to understand the interaction between microstructure, damage evolution and edge formability during edge stretching. An analytical model for void evolution and coalescence was developed and applied to predict the damage rate in these rather diverse microstructures. PMID:28772707

SCC of 2304 Duplex Stainless Steel—Microstructure, Residual Stress and Surface Grinding Effects

PubMed Central

Zhou, Nian; Peng, Ru Lin; Schönning, Mikael; Pettersson, Rachel

2017-01-01

The influence of surface grinding and microstructure on chloride induced stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of 2304 duplex stainless steel has been investigated. Grinding operations were performed both parallel and perpendicular to the rolling direction of the material. SCC tests were conducted in boiling magnesium chloride according to ASTM G36; specimens were exposed both without external loading and with varied levels of four-point bend loading. Residual stresses were measured on selected specimens before and after exposure using the X-ray diffraction technique. In addition, in-situ surface stress measurements subjected to four-point bend loading were performed to evaluate the deviation between the actual applied loading and the calculated values according to ASTM G39. Micro-cracks, initiated by grinding induced surface tensile residual stresses, were observed for all the ground specimens but not on the as-delivered surfaces. Loading transverse to the rolling direction of the material increased the susceptibility to chloride induced SCC. Grinding induced tensile residual stresses and micro-notches in the as-ground surface topography were also detrimental. PMID:28772582

Hydrogen assisted cracking and CO2 corrosion behaviors of low-alloy steel with high strength used for armor layer of flexible pipe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhenguang; Gao, Xiuhua; Du, Linxiu; Li, Jianping; Zhou, Xiaowei; Wang, Xiaonan; Wang, Yuxin; Liu, Chuan; Xu, Guoxiang; Misra, R. D. K.

2018-05-01

In this study, hydrogen induced cracking (HIC), sulfide stress corrosion cracking (SSCC) and hydrogen embrittlement (HE) were carried out to study hydrogen assisted cracking behavior (HIC, SSCC and HE) of high strength pipeline steel used for armor layer of flexible pipe in ocean. The CO2 corrosion behavior of designed steel with high strength was studied by using immersion experiment. The experimental results demonstrate that the corrosion resistance of designed steel with tempered martensite to HIC, SSCC and HE is excellent according to specific standards, which contributes to the low concentration of dislocation and vacancies previously formed in cold rolling process. The corrosion mechanism of hydrogen induced cracking of designed steel, which involves in producing process, microstructure and cracking behavior, is proposed. The designed steel with tempered martensite shows excellent corrosion resistance to CO2 corrosion. Cr-rich compound was first formed on the coupon surface exposed to CO2-saturated brine condition and chlorine, one of the corrosion ions in solution, was rich in the inner layer of corrosion products.

Assessment of the Critical Parameters Influencing the Edge Stretchability of Advanced High-Strength Steel Sheet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pathak, N.; Butcher, C.; Worswick, M.

2016-11-01

The edge formability of ferritic-martensitic DP (dual-phase) and ferritic-bainitic CP (complex-phase) steels was evaluated using a hole expansion test for different edge conditions. Hole expansion tests involving the standard conical punch as well as a custom flat punch were performed to investigate formability when the hole is expanded out-of-plane (conical punch) and in-plane using the flat punch. A range of edge conditions were considered, in order to isolate the influence of a range of factors thought to influence edge formability. The results demonstrate that work hardening and void damage at the sheared edge govern formability, while the sheared surface quality plays a minor or secondary role. A comparison of the edge stretching limits of DP and CP steels demonstrates the advantages of a ferritic-bainitic microstructure for forming operations with severe local deformation as in a stretch-flanging operation. A comparison of a traditional DP780 steel with a CP steel of similar strength showed that the edge stretching limit of the CP steel was three times larger than that of the DP780.

Development and Technology of Large Thickness TMCP Steel Plate with 390MPA Grade Used for Engineering Machinery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiaoshu; Zhang, Zhijun; Zhang, Peng

Recently, with the rapid upgrading of the equipment in the steel Corp, the rolling technology of TMCP has been rapidly developed and widely applied. A large amount of steel plate has been produced by using the TMCP technology. The TMCP processes have been used more and more widely and replaced the heat treatment technology of normalizing, quenching and tempering heat process. In this paper, low financial input is considered in steel plate production and the composition of the steel has been designed with low C component, a limited alloy element of the Nb, and certain amounts of Mn element. During the continuous casting process, the size of the continuous casting slab section is 300 mm × 2400 mm. The rolling technology of TMCP is controlled at a lower rolling and red temperature to control the transformation of the microstructure. Four different rolling treatments are chosen to test its effects on the 390MPa grade low carbon steel of bainitic microstructure and properties. This test manages to produce a proper steel plate fulfilling the standard mechanical properties. Specifically, low carbon bainite is observed in the microstructure of the steel plate and the maximum thickness of steel plate under this TMCP technology is up to 80mm. The mechanical property of the steel plate is excellent and the KV2 at -40 °C performs more than 200 J. Moreover, the production costs are greatly reduced when the steel plate is produced by this TMCP technology when replacing the current production process of quenching and tempering. The low cost steel plate could well meet the requirements of producing engineering machinery in the steel market.

Weldability, machinability and surfacing of commercial duplex stainless steel AISI2205 for marine applications - A recent review.

PubMed

Vinoth Jebaraj, A; Ajaykumar, L; Deepak, C R; Aditya, K V V

2017-05-01

In the present review, attempts have been made to analyze the metallurgical, mechanical, and corrosion properties of commercial marine alloy duplex stainless steel AISI 2205 with special reference to its weldability, machinability, and surfacing. In the first part, effects of various fusion and solid-state welding processes on joining DSS 2205 with similar and dissimilar metals are addressed. Microstructural changes during the weld cooling cycle such as austenite reformation, partitioning of alloying elements, HAZ transformations, and the intermetallic precipitations are analyzed and compared with the different welding techniques. In the second part, machinability of DSS 2205 is compared with the commercial ASS grades in order to justify the quality of machining. In the third part, the importance of surface quality in a marine exposure is emphasized and the enhancement of surface properties through peening techniques is highlighted. The research gaps and inferences highlighted in this review will be more useful for the fabrications involved in the marine applications.

Surface laser alloying of 17-4PH stainless steel steam turbine blades

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Jianhua; Wang, Liang; Zhang, Qunli; Kong, Fanzhi; Lou, Chenghua; Chen, Zhijun

2008-09-01

As a known high-quality precipitation hardening stainless steel with high strength, high antifatigue, excellent corrosion resistance and good weldability, 17-4PH has been widely used to produce steam turbine blades. However, under the impact of high-speed steam and water droplets, the blades are prone to cavitation, which could lead to lower efficiency, shorter life time, and even accidents. In this article, the 17-4PH blade's surface was alloyed using a high power CO 2 laser. The microstructure and microhardness of hardened 17-4PH were tested by scanning electronic microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS) and a microhardness tester. After laser alloying, the surface layer was denser and the grain refined, while the microhardness of the surface (average 610HV 0.2) was about one times higher than that of the substrate material (330HV 0.2). The friction coefficient of the laser-alloyed 17-4PH layer was much lower than that of the substrate.

Improvement of Strength-Toughness-Hardness Balance in Large Cross-Section 718H Pre-Hardened Mold Steel

PubMed Central

Liu, Hanghang; Fu, Paixian; Liu, Hongwei; Li, Dianzhong

2018-01-01

The strength-toughness combination and hardness uniformity in large cross-section 718H pre-hardened mold steel from a 20 ton ingot were investigated with three different heat treatments for industrial applications. The different microstructures, including tempered martensite, lower bainite, and retained austenite, were obtained at equivalent hardness. The microstructures were characterized by using metallographic observations, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD). The mechanical properties were compared by tensile, Charpy U-notch impact and hardness uniformity tests at room temperature. The results showed that the test steels after normalizing-quenching-tempering (N-QT) possessed the best strength-toughness combination and hardness uniformity compared with the conventional quenched-tempered (QT) steel. In addition, the test steel after austempering-tempering (A-T) demonstrated the worse hardness uniformity and lower yield strength while possessing relatively higher elongation (17%) compared with the samples after N-QT (14.5%) treatments. The better ductility of A-T steel mainly depended on the amount and morphology of retained austenite and thermal/deformation-induced twined martensite. This work elucidates the mechanisms of microstructure evolution during heat treatments and will highly improve the strength-toughness-hardness trade-off in large cross-section steels. PMID:29642642

High strength, low carbon, dual phase steel rods and wires and process for making same

DOEpatents

Thomas, Gareth; Nakagawa, Alvin H.

1986-01-01

A high strength, high ductility, low carbon, dual phase steel wire, bar or rod and process for making the same is provided. The steel wire, bar or rod is produced by cold drawing to the desired diameter in a single multipass operation a low carbon steel composition characterized by a duplex microstructure consisting essentially of a strong second phase dispersed in a soft ferrite matrix with a microstructure and morphology having sufficient cold formability to allow reductions in cross-sectional area of up to about 99.9%. Tensile strengths of at least 120 ksi to over 400 ksi may be obtained.

Influence of repeated quenching-tempering on spheroidized carbide area in JIS SUJ2 bearing steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Egawa, K.; Yoshida, I.; Yoshida, H.; Mizobe, K.; Kida, K.

2018-02-01

High-carbon high-strength JIS-SUJ2 bearing steel is mainly used for rolling contact applications which require high fatigue strength. We had applied repeated quenching which refine the prior austenite grains to this steel. In this work, we prepared JIS SUJ2 bearing steel bar specimens which were quenched three times (Q3T1) and quenched-tempered three times (QTQTQT) in order to investigate the influence of tempering before quenching on the microstructure. The specimens were etched by picral to observe the microstructure. We found that the spheroidized carbide area was important for the prior austenite grain formation.

Solidification Microstructure, Segregation, and Shrinkage of Fe-Mn-C Twinning-Induced Plasticity Steel by Simulation and Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lan, Peng; Tang, Haiyan; Zhang, Jiaquan

2016-06-01

A 3D cellular automaton finite element model with full coupling of heat, flow, and solute transfer incorporating solidification grain nucleation and growth was developed for a multicomponent system. The predicted solidification process, shrinkage porosity, macrosegregation, grain orientation, and microstructure evolution of Fe-22Mn-0.7C twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP) steel match well with the experimental observation and measurement. Based on a new solute microsegregation model using the finite difference method, the thermophysical parameters including solid fraction, thermal conductivity, density, and enthalpy were predicted and compared with the results from thermodynamics and experiment. The effects of flow and solute transfer in the liquid phase on the solidification microstructure of Fe-22Mn-0.7C TWIP steel were compared numerically. Thermal convection decreases the temperature gradient in the liquid steel, leading to the enlargement of the equiaxed zone. Solute enrichment in front of the solid/liquid interface weakens the thermal convection, resulting in a little postponement of columnar-to-equiaxed transition (CET). The CET behavior of Fe-Mn-C TWIP steel during solidification was fully described and mathematically quantized by grain morphology statistics for the first time. A new methodology to figure out the CET location by linear regression of grain mean size with least-squares arithmetic was established, by which a composition design strategy for Fe-Mn-C TWIP steel according to solidification microstructure, matrix compactness, and homogeneity was developed.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shrestha, Triratna; Alsagabi, Sultan; Charit, Indrajit

The modified 9Cr-1Mo steel (Grade 91) is a material of choice in fossil-fuel-fired power plants with increased efficiency, service life, and reduction in emission of greenhouse gases. It is also considered a prospective material for the Next Generation Nuclear Power Plant for application in reactor pressure vessels at temperatures up to 650°C. In this paper, heat treatment of the modified 9Cr-1Mo steel was studied by normalizing and tempering the steel at various temperatures and times, with the ultimate goal of improving its creep resistance and optimizing material hardness. The microstructural evolution of the heat treated steels was correlated with themore » differential scanning calorimetric results. Optical microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy in conjunction with microhardness profiles and calorimetric plots were used to understand the evolution of microstructure including precipitate structures in modified 9Cr-1Mo steel and relate it to the mechanical behavior of the steel. Thermo-CalcTM calculations were used to support experimental work and provide guidance in terms of the precipitate stability and microstructural evolution. Furthermore, the carbon isopleth and temperature dependencies of the volume fraction of different precipitates were constructed. The predicted and experimentally observed results were found to be in good agreement.« less

Effects of deformation-induced martensite and grain size on ductile-to-brittle transition behavior of austenitic 18Cr-10Mn-N stainless steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Byoungchul; Lee, Tae-Ho; Kim, Sung-Joon

2010-12-01

Effects of deformation-induced martensite and grain size on ductile-to-brittle transition behavior of austenitic 18Cr-10Mn-(0.3˜0.6)N stainless steels with different alloying elements were investigated by means of Charpy impact tests and microstructural analyses. The steels all exhibited ductile-to-brittle transition behavior due to unusual brittle fracture at low temperatures despite having a face-centered cubic structure. The ductileto-brittle transition temperature (DBTT) obtained from Chapry impact tests did not coincide with that predicted by an empirical equation depending on N content in austenitic Cr-Mn-N stainless steels. Furthermore, a decrease of grain size was not effective in terms of lowering DBTT. Electron back-scattered diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analyses of the cross-sectional area of the fracture surface showed that some austenites with lower stability could be transformed to α'-martensite by localized plastic deformation near the fracture surface. Based on these results, it was suggested that when austenitic 18Cr-10Mn-N stainless steels have limited Ni, Mo, and N content, the deterioration of austenite stability promotes the formation of deformation-induced martensite and thus increases DBTT by substantially decreasing low-temperature toughness.

The effect of microstructure and strength on the fracture toughness of an 18 ni, 300 grade maraging steel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Psioda, J. A.; Low, J. R., Jr.

1974-01-01

Methods for increasing the strength of maraging steels are discussed. An investigation was conducted to systematically vary the strength of 18 weight percent nickel, 300 grade maraging steel, to isolate any attending microstructural changes, and to study the effects of these changes on the fracture toughness of the alloy. A study aimed at determining the aging behavior of the program alloy was carried out to provide data by which to estimate yield strength. The effects of various alloying materials on the strength of the maraging steel are examined. The mechanical properties of the 300 grade maraging steel were determined by tension tests, fatigue precracked Charpy impact tests, and plane strain fracture toughness tests.

Kinetics of Sub-Micron Grain Size Refinement in 9310 Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozmel, Thomas; Chen, Edward Y.; Chen, Charlie C.; Tin, Sammy

2014-05-01

Recent efforts have focused on the development of novel manufacturing processes capable of producing microstructures dominated by sub-micron grains. For structural applications, grain refinement has been shown to enhance mechanical properties such as strength, fatigue resistance, and fracture toughness. Through control of the thermo-mechanical processing parameters, dynamic recrystallization mechanisms were used to produce microstructures consisting of sub-micron grains in 9310 steel. Starting with initial bainitic grain sizes of 40 to 50 μm, various levels of grain refinement were observed following hot deformation of 9310 steel samples at temperatures and strain rates ranging from 755 K to 922 K (482 °C and 649 °C) and 1 to 0.001/s, respectively. The resulting deformation microstructures were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction techniques to quantify the extent of carbide coarsening and grain refinement occurring during deformation. Microstructural models based on the Zener-Holloman parameter were developed and modified to include the effect of the ferrite/carbide interactions within the system. These models were shown to effectively correlate microstructural attributes to the thermal mechanical processing parameters.

A Novel Approach for Controlling the Band Formation in Medium Mn Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farahani, H.; Xu, W.; van der Zwaag, S.

2018-06-01

Formation of the microstructural ferrite/pearlite bands in medium Mn steels is an undesirable phenomenon commonly addressed through fast cooling treatments. In this study, a novel approach using the cyclic partial phase transformation concept is applied successfully to prevent microstructural band formation in a micro-chemically banded Fe-C-Mn-Si steel. The effectiveness of the new approach is assessed using the ASTM E1268-01 standard. The cyclic intercritical treatments lead to formation of isotropic microstructures even for cooling rates far below the critical one determined in conventional continuous cooling. In contrast, isothermal intercritical experiments have no effect on the critical cooling rate to suppress microstructural band formation. The origin of the suppression of band formation either by means of fast cooling or a cyclic partial phase transformation is investigated in detail. Theoretical modeling and microstructural observations confirm that band formation is suppressed only if the intercritical annealing treatment leads to partial reversion of the austenite-ferrite interfaces. The resulting interfacial Mn enrichment is responsible for suppression of the band formation upon final cooling at low cooling rates.

Effect of crystallographic orientations of grains on the global mechanical properties of steel sheets by depth sensing indentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burik, P.; Pesek, L.; Kejzlar, P.; Andrsova, Z.; Zubko, P.

2017-01-01

The main idea of this work is using a physical model to prepare a virtual material with required properties. The model is based on the relationship between the microstructure and mechanical properties. The macroscopic (global) mechanical properties of steel are highly dependent upon microstructure, crystallographic orientation of grains, distribution of each phase present, etc... We need to know the local mechanical properties of each phase separately in multiphase materials. The grain size is a scale, where local mechanical properties are responsible for the behavior. Nanomechanical testing using depth sensing indentation (DSI) provides a straightforward solution for quantitatively characterizing each of phases in microstructure because it is very powerful technique for characterization of materials in small volumes. The aim of this experimental investigation is: (i) to prove how the mixing rule works for local mechanical properties (indentation hardness HIT) in microstructure scale using the DSI technique on steel sheets with different microstructure; (ii) to compare measured global properties with properties achieved by mixing rule; (iii) to analyze the effect of crystallographic orientations of grains on the mixing rule.

A Novel Approach for Controlling the Band Formation in Medium Mn Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farahani, H.; Xu, W.; van der Zwaag, S.

2018-03-01

Formation of the microstructural ferrite/pearlite bands in medium Mn steels is an undesirable phenomenon commonly addressed through fast cooling treatments. In this study, a novel approach using the cyclic partial phase transformation concept is applied successfully to prevent microstructural band formation in a micro-chemically banded Fe-C-Mn-Si steel. The effectiveness of the new approach is assessed using the ASTM E1268-01 standard. The cyclic intercritical treatments lead to formation of isotropic microstructures even for cooling rates far below the critical one determined in conventional continuous cooling. In contrast, isothermal intercritical experiments have no effect on the critical cooling rate to suppress microstructural band formation. The origin of the suppression of band formation either by means of fast cooling or a cyclic partial phase transformation is investigated in detail. Theoretical modeling and microstructural observations confirm that band formation is suppressed only if the intercritical annealing treatment leads to partial reversion of the austenite-ferrite interfaces. The resulting interfacial Mn enrichment is responsible for suppression of the band formation upon final cooling at low cooling rates.

Solidification microstructures in single-crystal stainless steel melt pools

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sipf, J.B.; Boatner, L.A.; David, S.A.

1994-03-01

Development of microstructure of stationary melt pools of oriented stainless steel single crystals (70%Fe-15%Ni-15%Cr was analyzed. Stationary melt pools were formed by electron-beam and gas-tungsten-arc heating on (001), (011), and (111) oriented planes of the austenitic, fcc-alloy crystals. Characterization and analysis of resulting microstructure was carried out for each crystallographic plane and welding method. Results showed that crystallography which favors ``easy growth`` along the <100> family of directions is a controlling factor in the microstructural formation along with the melt-pool shape. The microstructure was found to depend on the melting method, since each method forms a unique melt-pool shape. Thesemore » results are used in making a three-dimensional reconstruction of the microstructure for each plane and melting method employed. This investigation also suggests avenues for future research into the microstructural properties of electron-beam welds as well as providing an experimental basis for mathematical models for the prediction of solidification microstructures.« less

Microstructure Evolution and Flow Stress Model of a 20Mn5 Hollow Steel Ingot during Hot Compression.

PubMed

Liu, Min; Ma, Qing-Xian; Luo, Jian-Bin

2018-03-21

20Mn5 steel is widely used in the manufacture of heavy hydro-generator shaft due to its good performance of strength, toughness and wear resistance. However, the hot deformation and recrystallization behaviors of 20Mn5 steel compressed under high temperature were not studied. In this study, the hot compression experiments under temperatures of 850-1200 °C and strain rates of 0.01/s-1/s are conducted using Gleeble thermal and mechanical simulation machine. And the flow stress curves and microstructure after hot compression are obtained. Effects of temperature and strain rate on microstructure are analyzed. Based on the classical stress-dislocation relation and the kinetics of dynamic recrystallization, a two-stage constitutive model is developed to predict the flow stress of 20Mn5 steel. Comparisons between experimental flow stress and predicted flow stress show that the predicted flow stress values are in good agreement with the experimental flow stress values, which indicates that the proposed constitutive model is reliable and can be used for numerical simulation of hot forging of 20Mn5 hollow steel ingot.

Microstructural characterization of high-manganese austenitic steels with different stacking fault energies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sato, Shigeo, E-mail: s.sato@imr.tohoku.ac.jp; Kwon, Eui-Pyo; Imafuku, Muneyuki

Microstructures of tensile-deformed high-manganese austenitic steels exhibiting twinning-induced plasticity were analyzed by electron backscatter diffraction pattern observation and X-ray diffraction measurement to examine the influence of differences in their stacking fault energies on twinning activity during deformation. The steel specimen with the low stacking fault energy of 15 mJ/m{sup 2} had a microstructure with a high population of mechanical twins than the steel specimen with the high stacking fault energy (25 mJ/m{sup 2}). The <111> and <100> fibers developed along the tensile axis, and mechanical twinning occurred preferentially in the <111> fiber. The Schmid factors for slip and twinning deformationsmore » can explain the origin of higher twinning activity in the <111> fiber. However, the high stacking fault energy suppresses the twinning activity even in the <111> fiber. A line profile analysis based on the X-ray diffraction data revealed the relationship between the characteristics of the deformed microstructures and the stacking fault energies of the steel specimens. Although the variation in dislocation density with the tensile deformation is not affected by the stacking fault energies, the effect of the stacking fault energies on the crystallite size refinement becomes significant with a decrease in the stacking fault energies. Moreover, the stacking fault probability, which was estimated from a peak-shift analysis of the 111 and 200 diffractions, was high for the specimen with low stacking fault energy. Regardless of the difference in the stacking fault energies of the steel specimens, the refined crystallite size has a certain correlation with the stacking fault probability, indicating that whether the deformation-induced crystallite-size refinement occurs depends directly on the stacking fault probability rather than on the stacking fault energies in the present steel specimens. - Highlights: {yields} We studied effects of stacking fault energies on deformed microstructures of steels. {yields} Correlations between texture and occurrence of mechanical twinning are discussed. {yields} Evolutions of dislocations and crystallite are analyzed by line profile analysis.« less

Analysis of microstructure of steel 20 in the range of healing of internal crack

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yongjun; Han, Jingtao

2012-03-01

The microstructure and hardness of steel 20 are studied in the range of healing of an artificially created internal crack. In the range of healing of the crack the microstructure is represented primarily by ferrite. The ferrite grains grow through the boundary of the internal crack and contain polyhedral subgrains several hundred nanometers in size. The hardness of the ferrite in the range of healing of the internal crack is higher than in the matrix. A possible cause of this is substructural hardening.

Response of Phase Transformation Inducing Heat Treatments on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Reduced Activation Ferritic-Martensitic Steels of Varying Tungsten Contents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandravathi, K. S.; Laha, Kinkar; Sasmal, C. S.; Parameswaran, P.; Nandagopal, M.; Tailor, H. M.; Mathew, M. D.; Jayakumar, T.; Rajendra Kumar, E.

2014-09-01

Microstructure and mechanical properties of 9Cr-W-0.06Ta Reduced Activation Ferritic-Martensitic (RAFM) steels having various tungsten contents ranging from 1 to 2 wt pct have been investigated on subjecting the steels to isothermal heat treatments for 5 minutes at temperatures ranging from 973 K to 1473 K (700 °C to 1200 °C) (below Ac1 to above Ac3) followed by oil quenching and tempering at 1033 K (760 °C) for 60 minutes. The steels possessed tempered martensite structure at all the heat-treated conditions. Prior-austenitic grain size of the steels was found to decrease on heating in the intercritical temperature range (between Ac1 and Ac3) and at temperatures just above the Ac3 followed by increase at higher heating temperatures. All the steels suffered significant reduction in hardness, tensile, and creep strength on heating in the intercritical temperature range, and the reduction was less for steel having higher tungsten content. Strength of the steels increased on heating above Ac3 and was higher for higher tungsten content. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) investigations of the steels revealed coarsening of martensitic substructure and precipitates on heating in the intercritical temperature range, and the coarsening was relatively less for higher tungsten content steel, resulting in less reduction in tensile and creep strength on intercritical heating. Tensile and creep strengths of the steels at different microstructural conditions have been rationalized based on the estimated inter-barrier spacing to dislocation motion. The study revealed the uniqueness of inter-barrier spacing to dislocation motion in determining the strength of tempered martensitic steels subjected to different heat treatments.

Microstructural Developments Leading to New Advanced High Strength Sheet Steels: A Historical Assessment of Critical Metallographic Observations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Matlock, David K; Thomas, Larrin S; Taylor, Mark D

In the past 30+ years significant advancements have been made in the development of higher strength sheet steels with improved combinations of strength and ductility that have enabled important product improvements leading to safer, lighter weight, and more fuel efficient automobiles and in other applications. Properties of the primarily low carbon, low alloy steels are derived through careful control of time-temperature processing histories designed to produce multiphase ferritic based microstructures that include martensite and other constituents including retained austenite. The basis for these developments stems from the early work on dual-phase steels which was the subject of much interest. Inmore » response to industry needs, dual-phase steels have evolved as a unique class of advanced high strength sheet steels (AHSS) in which the thermal and mechanical processing histories have been specifically designed to produce constituent combinations for the purpose of simultaneously controlling strength and deformation behavior, i.e. stress-strain curve shapes. Improvements continue as enhanced dual-phase steels have recently been produced with finer microstructures, higher strengths, and better overall formability. Today, dual phase steels are the primary AHSS products used in vehicle manufacture, and several companies have indicated that the steels will remain as important design materials well into the future. In this presentation, fundamental results from the early work on dual-phase steels will be reviewed and assessed in light of recent steel developments. Specific contributions from industry/university cooperative research leading to product improvements will be highlighted. The historical perspective provided in the evolution of dual-phase steels represents a case-study that provides important framework and lessons to be incorporated in next generation AHSS products.« less

Interactions of foreign interstitial and substitutional atoms in bcc iron from ab initio calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

You, Y.; Yan, M. F.

2013-05-01

C and N atoms are the most frequent foreign interstitial atoms (FIAs), and often incorporated into the surface layers of steels to enhance their properties by thermochemical treatments. Al, Si, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Nb and Mo are the most common alloying elements in steels, also can be called foreign substitutional atoms (FSAs). The FIA and FSA interactions play an important role in the diffusion of C and N atoms, and the microstructures and mechanical properties of surface modified layers. Ab initio calculations based on the density functional theory are carried out to investigate FIA interactions with FSA in ferromagnetic bcc iron. The FIA-FSA interactions are analyzed systematically from five aspects, including interaction energies, density of states (DOS), bond populations, electron density difference maps and local magnetic moments.

Microchemical Analysis of Non-Metallic Inclusions in C-Mn Steel Shielded Metal Arc Welds by Analytical Transmission Electron Microscopy.

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-06-01

transformation ( CCT ) diagram Figure 2.2. The microstructures that develop are determined by the cooling rate, alloying element and oxygen content of the weld...TIME Figure 2.2 CCT Diagram for the weld metal of low-carbon, low-alloy steels [From Ref. 2] To assist material scientists in microstructure

The interface microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of dissimilar joints during multipass laser welding for nuclear power plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Gang; Lu, Xiaofeng; Zhu, Xiaolei; Huang, Jian; Liu, Luwei; Wu, Yixiong

2018-05-01

This study presents the interface microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of dissimilar joints between Inconel 52M overlays and 316L stainless steel during multipass laser welding for nuclear power plants. The results indicate that the microstructure at the interface beside 316L stainless steel consists of cellular with the width of 30-40 μm, which also exhibits numerous Cr and Mo-rich precipitates like flocculent structure and in chains along grain boundaries as a mixed chemical solution for etching. Many dendritic structure with local melting characteristics and Nb-rich precipitates are exhibited at the interface beside Inconel 52M overlays. Such Nb-rich precipitates at the interface beside Inconel 52M overlays deteriorate the tensile strength and toughness of dissimilar joints at room temperature. The tensile strength of 316L stainless steel at 350 °C significantly decreases with the result that dissimilar joints are fractured in 316L stainless steel. The correlation between corrosion behavior and microstructure of weld metals is also discussed. The difference in high corrosion potential between Nb-rich precipitates and the matrix could result in establishing effective galvanic couples, and thus accelerating the corrosion of weld metals.

Microstructural characterization of dissimilar welds between Incoloy 800H and 321 Austenitic Stainless Steel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sayiram, G., E-mail: sayiram.g@vit.ac.in; Arivazhagan, N.

2015-04-15

In this work, the microstructural character of dissimilar welds between Incoloy 800H and 321 Stainless Steel has been discussed. The microscopic examination of the base metals, fusion zones and interfaces was characterized using an optical microscope and scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed precipitates of Ti (C, N) in the austenitic matrix along the grain boundaries of the base metals. Migration of grain boundaries in the Inconel 82 weld metal was very extensive when compared to Inconel 617 weldment. Epitaxial growth was observed in the 617 weldment which increases the strength and ductility of the weld metal. Unmixed zone nearmore » the fusion line between 321 Stainless Steel and Inconel 82 weld metal was identified. From the results, it has been concluded that Inconel 617 filler metal is a preferable choice for the joint between Incoloy 800H and 321 Stainless Steel. - Highlights: • Failure mechanisms produced by dissimilar welding of Incoloy 800H to AISI 321SS • Influence of filler wire on microstructure properties • Contemplative comparisons of metallurgical aspects of these weldments • Microstructure and chemical studies including metallography, SEM–EDS • EDS-line scan study at interface.« less

On the Specific Role of Microstructure in Governing Cyclic Fatigue, Deformation, and Fracture Behavior of a High-Strength Alloy Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manigandan, K.; Srivatsan, T. S.

2015-06-01

In this paper, the results of an experimental study that focused on evaluating the conjoint influence of microstructure and test specimen orientation on fully reversed strain-controlled fatigue behavior of the high alloy steel X2M are presented and discussed. The cyclic stress response of this high-strength alloy steel revealed initial hardening during the first few cycles followed by gradual softening for most of fatigue life. Cyclic strain resistance exhibited a linear trend for the variation of elastic strain amplitude with reversals to failure, and plastic strain amplitude with reversals to failure. Fracture morphology was the same at the macroscopic level over the entire range of cyclic strain amplitudes examined. However, at the fine microscopic level, the alloy steel revealed fracture to be essentially ductile with features reminiscent of predominantly "locally" ductile and isolated brittle mechanisms. The mechanisms governing stress response at the fine microscopic level, fatigue life, and final fracture behavior are presented and discussed in light of the mutually interactive influences of intrinsic microstructural effects, deformation characteristics of the microstructural constituents during fully reversed strain cycling, cyclic strain amplitude, and resultant response stress.

Effect of material inhomogeneity on the cyclic plastic deformation behavior at the microstructural level: micromechanics-based modeling of dual-phase steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paul, Surajit Kumar

2013-07-01

The microstructure of dual-phase (DP) steels typically consists of a soft ferrite matrix with dispersed islands of hard martensite phase. Due to the composite effect of ferrite and martensite, DP steels exhibit a unique combination of strain hardening, strength and ductility. A microstructure-based micromechanical modeling approach is adopted in this work to capture the tensile and cyclic plastic deformation behavior of DP steel. During tensile straining, strain incompatibility between the softer ferrite matrix and the harder martensite phase arises due to a difference in the flow characteristics of these two phases. Microstructural-level inhomogeneity serves as the initial imperfection, triggering strain incompatibility, strain partitioning and finally shear band localization during tensile straining. The local deformation in the ferrite phase is constrained by adjacent martensite islands, which locally results in stress triaxiality development in the ferrite phase. As the martensite distribution varies within the microstructure, the stress triaxiality also varies in a band within the microstructure. Inhomogeneous stress and strain distribution within the softer ferrite phase arises even during small tensile straining because of material inhomogeneity. The magnitude of cyclic plastic deformation within the softer ferrite phase also varies according to the stress distribution in the first-quarter cycle tensile loading. Accumulation of tensile/compressive plastic strain with number of cycles is noted in different locations within the ferrite phase during both symmetric stress and strain controlled cycling. The basic mode of cyclic plastic deformation in an inhomogeneous material is cyclic strain accumulation, i.e. ratcheting. Microstructural inhomogeneity results in cyclic strain accumulation in the aggregate DP material even in symmetric stress cycling.

Fundamental Studies of Phase Transformations and Mechanical Properties in the Heat Affected Zone of 10 wt% Nickel Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barrick, Erin J.

United States naval applications require the use of steels with high strength and resistance to fracture at low temperatures to provide good ballistic properties. In recent years, 10 wt% Ni steel has been developed with strength and toughness values exceeding those of steels currently used, and is now being considered as a candidate material to replace existing high-strength, low alloy steels. This steel has excellent toughness from the mechanically induced transformation of interlath austenite films to martensite. These austenite films are formed via a carefully developed quenching, lamellarizing, and tempering heat treatment. However, before 10 wt% Ni steel can be implemented for full-scale applications, the effects of the rapid heating and cooling rates associated with welding thermal cycles on phase transformations and mechanical properties must be understood. In this research, a fundamental understanding of phase transformations and mechanical properties in the heat-affected zone of fusion welds in 10 wt% Ni steel was developed through heating and cooling rate dilatometry experiments, gas tungsten arc welding, and simulation of gas metal arc welding. First, an investigation into the effects of heating and cooling rate on the phase transformations in 10 wt% Ni steel was performed. The Ac1 and Ac3 temperatures during heating were determined as a function of heating rate, and sluggish transformation during fast heating rates manifested itself as a high Ac3 temperature of 1050°C as opposed to a temperature of 850°C at slow heating rates. A continuous cooling transformation diagram produced for 10 wt% Ni steel reveals that martensite will form over a very wide range of cooling rates, which reflects a very high hardenability of this alloy. This is significant because the range of cooling rates for which the diagram was constructed over easily covers the range associated with fusion welding, so there would not be the need for precise control over the weld processing conditions. The microstructures observed in a single pass gas tungsten arc weld were rationalized with the observations from the heating and cooling rate experiments. The microhardness of gas tungsten arc weld is highest in the intercritical heat affected zone, which is unexpected based on the usual behavior of quench and tempered steels. The hardness of the heat affected zone is always higher than the base metal which is a promising outcome. Having understood the overall effects of heating and cooling on the phase transformations in 10 wt% Ni steel, the microstructure and mechanical property evolution through the heat affected zone was investigated. A Gleeble 3500 thermo-mechanical simulator was used to replicate microstructures observed in the gas-tungsten arc weld, and the microstructural factors influencing the strength and toughness in the simulated heat affected zone samples were correlated to mechanical property results. The strength is the highest in the intercritical heat-affected zone, mostly attributed to microstructural refinement. With increasing peak temperature of the thermal cycle, the volume fraction of retained austenite decreases. The local atom probe tomography results suggest this is due to the destabilization of the austenite brought on by the diffusion of Ni out of the austenite. There is a local low toughness region in the intercritical heat-affected zone, corresponding to a low retained austenite content. However, the retained austenite is similarly low in higher peak temperature regions but the toughness is high. This suggests that while 10 wt% Ni steel is a TRIP-assisted steel and thus obtains high toughness from the plasticity-induced martensite to austenite transformation, the toughness of the steel is also based on other microstructural factors. Overall, the results presented in this work have established, for the first time, the effects of rapid heating and cooling on the phase transformations and mechanical properties in 10 wt% Ni steel, and have started to identify the microstructural features influencing the strength and toughness of this alloy.

Research on Submarine Pipeline Steel with High Performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Yi; Liu, Wenyue; Zhang, Shuai; Wang, Shuang; Gao, Hong

Submarine pipeline steel has largely uniform elongation, low yield ratio and good balance between high strength and high plasticity because of the microstructure with dual phase. In this work, the microstructure and properties of the submarine pipeline steel are studied. The results show that the matrix structure is consisted of ferrite, bainite and martensite -austenite islands. The structure has a tight relationship with the thermal-mechanical controlled process. Fine dual phase shows good plasticity and low yield ratio, which can support the good balance between high strength and high plasticity.

Analytical ultrasonics for structural materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kupperman, D. S.

1986-01-01

The application of ultrasonic velocity and attenuation measurements to characterize the microstructure of structural materials is discussed. Velocity measurements in cast stainless steel are correlated with microstructural variations ranging from equiaxed (elastically isotropic) to columnar (elastically anisotropic) grain structure. The effect of the anisotropic grain structure on the deviation of ultrasonic waves in cast stainless steel is also reported. Field-implementable techniques for distinguishing equiaxed from columnar grain structures in cast strainless steel structural members are presented. The application of ultrasonic velocity measurements to characterize structural ceramics in the green state is also discussed.

Microstructural investigations of 0.2% carbon content steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tollabimazraehno, Sajjad; Hingerl, Kurt

2011-10-01

The effect of thermal annealing to get different phases on low carbon steel was investigated. Steel sheets (0.2 wt. % C) of 900 μm thickness were heat treated to produce different structures. All the samples have the same starting point, transformation to coarse austenite at 900 degree Celsius. The nano indentation results revealed that samples have different hadness. By making conventional SEM micrographs, focus ion beam maps, and Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) the microstructural development and grain boundary variation of transformed phases martensite, biainte, tempered martensite and different combination of these phases were studied.

Macrosegregation and Microstructural Evolution in a Pressure-Vessel Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pickering, E. J.; Bhadeshia, H. K. D. H.

2014-06-01

This work assesses the consequences of macrosegregation on microstructural evolution during solid-state transformations in a continuously cooled pressure-vessel steel (SA508 Grade 3). Stark spatial variations in microstructure are observed following a simulated quench from the austenitization temperature, which are found to deliver significant variations in hardness. Partial-transformation experiments are used to show the development of microstructure in segregated material. Evidence is presented which indicates the bulk microstructure is not one of upper bainite, as it has been described in the past, but one comprised of Widmanstätten ferrite and pockets of lower bainite. Segregation is observed on three different length scales, and the origins of each type are proposed. Suggestions are put forward for how the segregation might be minimized, and its detrimental effects suppressed by heat treatments.

Mechanical properties and microstructural evolution of modified 9Cr-1Mo steel after long-term aging for 50,000 h

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baek, Jong-Hyuk; Kim, Sung-Ho; Lee, Chan-Bock; Hahn, Do-Hee

2009-08-01

The mechanical properties and microstructural evolution of modified 9Cr-1Mo steel have been studied to investigate steel property changes after long-term isothermal aging at 600 °C for 50,000 h. The microhardness and strength were maintained constantly after aging but the impact energy was dramatically reduced by 62 % during the aging period. From the viewpoint of microstructural evolution after the aging process, Cr-enrichment and Fe-depletion took place within the M23C6-type precipitates in the as-aged steel and V-depletion also happened within the VX-type precipitates after aging. In addition, the precipitates of the M2Mo-type Laves phase and the segregation of the impurity atoms would be formed during the long-term aging period. It was considered that the sharp reduction of the impact energy could be related to the formation of the Laves phases and the impurity segregation after aging at 600 °C. The phase stability was also verified by the specific heat results up to 950 °C from a DSC test. It was concluded from this study that the modified 9Cr-1Mo steel would keep its microstructural stability at 600 °C during the long-term aging period of 50,000 h, which was equivalent to the in-service life of the SFR fuel cladding.

Investigation of the Microstructure Evolution in a Fe-17Mn-1.5Al-0.3C Steel via In Situ Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction during a Tensile Test

PubMed Central

Song, Wenwen; Bleck, Wolfgang

2017-01-01

The quantitative characterization of the microstructure evolution in high-Mn steel during deformation is of great importance to understanding its strain-hardening behavior. In the current study, in situ high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction was employed to characterize the microstructure evolution in a Fe-17Mn-1.5Al-0.3C steel during a tensile test. The microstructure at different engineering strain levels—in terms of ε-martensite and α’-martensite volume fractions, the stacking fault probability, and the twin fault probability—was analyzed by the Rietveld refinement method. The Fe-17Mn-1.5Al-0.3C steel exhibits a high ultimate tensile strength with a superior uniform elongation and a high strain-hardening rate. The remaining high strain-hardening rate at the strain level about 0.025 to 0.35 results from ε-martensite dominant transformation-induced-plasticity (TRIP) effect. The increase in the strain-hardening rate at the strain level around 0.35 to 0.43 is attributed to the synergetic α’-martensite dominant TRIP and twinning-induced-plasticity (TWIP) effects. An evaluation of the stacking fault energy (SFE) of the Fe-17Mn-1.5Al-0.3C steel by the synchrotron measurements shows good agreement with the thermodynamic calculation of the SFE. PMID:28946692

Investigation of the Microstructure Evolution in a Fe-17Mn-1.5Al-0.3C Steel via In Situ Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction during a Tensile Test.

PubMed

Ma, Yan; Song, Wenwen; Bleck, Wolfgang

2017-09-25

The quantitative characterization of the microstructure evolution in high-Mn steel during deformation is of great importance to understanding its strain-hardening behavior. In the current study, in situ high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction was employed to characterize the microstructure evolution in a Fe-17Mn-1.5Al-0.3C steel during a tensile test. The microstructure at different engineering strain levels-in terms of ε-martensite and α'-martensite volume fractions, the stacking fault probability, and the twin fault probability-was analyzed by the Rietveld refinement method. The Fe-17Mn-1.5Al-0.3C steel exhibits a high ultimate tensile strength with a superior uniform elongation and a high strain-hardening rate. The remaining high strain-hardening rate at the strain level about 0.025 to 0.35 results from ε-martensite dominant transformation-induced-plasticity (TRIP) effect. The increase in the strain-hardening rate at the strain level around 0.35 to 0.43 is attributed to the synergetic α'-martensite dominant TRIP and twinning-induced-plasticity (TWIP) effects. An evaluation of the stacking fault energy (SFE) of the Fe-17Mn-1.5Al-0.3C steel by the synchrotron measurements shows good agreement with the thermodynamic calculation of the SFE.

Effect of shot peening on the residual stress and mechanical behaviour of low-temperature and high-temperature annealed martensitic gear steel 18CrNiMo7-6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, R.; Zhang, X.; Mallipeddi, D.; Angelou, N.; Toftegaard, H. L.; Li, Y.; Ahlström, J.; Lorentzen, L.; Wu, G.; Huang, X.

2017-07-01

A martensitic gear steel (18CrNiMo7-6) was annealed at 180 °C for 2h and at ˜ 750 °C for 1h to design two different starting microstructures for shot peening. One maintains the original as-transformed martensite while the other contains irregular-shaped sorbite together with ferrite. These two materials were shot peened using two different peening conditions. The softer sorbite + ferrite microstructure was shot peened using 0.6 mm conditioned cut steel shots at an average speed of 25 m/s in a conventional shot peening machine, while the harder tempered martensite steel was shot peened using 1.5 mm steel shots at a speed of 50 m/s in an in-house developed shot peening machine. The shot speeds in the conventional shot peening machine were measured using an in-house lidar set-up. The microstructure of each sample was characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy, and the mechanical properties examined by microhardness and tensile testing. The residual stresses were measured using an Xstress 3000 G2R diffractometer equipped with a Cr Kα x-ray source. The correspondence between the residual stress profile and the gradient structure produced by shot peening, and the relationship between the microstructure and strength, are analyzed and discussed.

Effect of composition and austenite deformation on the transformation characteristics of low-carbon and ultralow-carbon microalloyed steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cizek, P.; Wynne, B. P.; Davies, C. H. J.; Muddle, B. C.; Hodgson, P. D.

2002-05-01

Deformation dilatometry has been used to simulate controlled hot rolling followed by controlled cooling of a group of low- and ultralow-carbon microalloyed steels containing additions of boron and/or molybdenum to enhance hardenability. Each alloy was subjected to simulated recrystallization and nonrecrystallization rolling schedules, followed by controlled cooling at rates from 0.1 °C/s to about 100 °C/s, and the corresponding continuous-cooling-transformation (CCT) diagrams were constructed. The resultant microstructures ranged from polygonal ferrite (PF) for combinations of slow cooling rates and low alloying element contents, through to bainitic ferrite accompanied by martensite for fast cooling rates and high concentrations of alloying elements. Combined additions of boron and molybdenum were found to be most effective in increasing steel hardenability, while boron was significantly more effective than molybdenum as a single addition, especially at the ultralow carbon content. Severe plastic deformation of the parent austenite (>0.45) markedly enhanced PF formation in those steels in which this microstructural constituent was formed, indicating a significant effective decrease in their hardenability. In contrast, in those steels in which only nonequilibrium ferrite microstructures were formed, the decreases in hardenability were relatively small, reflecting the lack of sensitivity to strain in the austenite of those microstructural constituents forming in the absence of PF.

Microstructure transformation of Cr-Al coating on carbon steel prepared by ball milling method as a function of tungsten doping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wismogroho, A. S.; Sudiro, T.; Didik, A.; Ciswandi

2018-03-01

In present work, Cr-Al coatings containing 0, 1, 2, 3, and 5% W have been prepared on the surface of low carbon steel by mechanical alloying technique. The composition of each powder was milled for 2 hour in a stainless steel crucible with a ball to powder ratio of 10:1. Afterward, the Cr-Al-W powder and substrate were mechanically alloyed in air for 1 hour. The heat treatment of coated samples was carried out at 800 °C in a vacuum furnace for 2 hour. In order to characterize the phase composition and microstructure of the coating before and after heat treatment, XRD and SEM-EDX were used. The analysis results reveal that the ball milling process induces the formation of homogeneous Cr-Al-W coating structure with a thickness of about 80 μm. The phase observation shows individual peaks of each starting elements, along with the occurrence of powder refinement and solid solution formation. After heat treatment, AlCr2 and Al8Cr5 phases were formed. The addition of W accelerates the formation of AlCr2, but inhibits the formation of Al8Cr5. The detail of the results was presented in this paper.

An Investigation of the Microstructure of an Intermetallic Layer in Welding Aluminum Alloys to Steel by MIG Process

PubMed Central

Nguyen, Quoc Manh; Huang, Shyh-Chour

2015-01-01

Butt joints of A5052 aluminum alloy and SS400 steel, with a new type of chamfered edge, are welded by means of metal inert gas welding and ER4043 Al-Si filler metal. The microhardness and microstructure of the joint are investigated. An intermetallic layer is found on the surface of the welding seam and SS400 steel sheet. The hardness of the intermetallic layer is examined using the Vickers hardness test. The average hardness values at the Intermetallic (IMC) layer zone and without the IMC layer zone were higher than that of the welding wire ER4043. The tensile strength test showed a fracture at the intermetallic layer when the tensile strength is 225.9 MPa. The tensile value test indicated the average of welds was equivalent to the 85% tensile strength of the A5052 aluminum alloy. The thickness of the intermetallic layers is non-uniform at different positions with the ranges from 1.95 to 5 μm. The quality of the butt joint is better if the intermetallic layer is minimized. The Si crystals which appeared at the welding seam, indicating that this element participated actively during the welding process, also contributed to the IMC layer’s formation. PMID:28793708

An Investigation of the Microstructure of an Intermetallic Layer in Welding Aluminum Alloys to Steel by MIG Process.

PubMed

Nguyen, Quoc Manh; Huang, Shyh-Chour

2015-12-02

Butt joints of A5052 aluminum alloy and SS400 steel, with a new type of chamfered edge, are welded by means of metal inert gas welding and ER4043 Al-Si filler metal. The microhardness and microstructure of the joint are investigated. An intermetallic layer is found on the surface of the welding seam and SS400 steel sheet. The hardness of the intermetallic layer is examined using the Vickers hardness test. The average hardness values at the Intermetallic (IMC) layer zone and without the IMC layer zone were higher than that of the welding wire ER4043. The tensile strength test showed a fracture at the intermetallic layer when the tensile strength is 225.9 MPa. The tensile value test indicated the average of welds was equivalent to the 85% tensile strength of the A5052 aluminum alloy. The thickness of the intermetallic layers is non-uniform at different positions with the ranges from 1.95 to 5 μm. The quality of the butt joint is better if the intermetallic layer is minimized. The Si crystals which appeared at the welding seam, indicating that this element participated actively during the welding process, also contributed to the IMC layer's formation.

A RSM-based predictive model to characterize heat treating parameters of D2 steel using combined Barkhausen noise and hysteresis loop methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kahrobaee, Saeed; Hejazi, Taha-Hossein

2017-07-01

Austenitizing and tempering temperatures are the effective characteristics in heat treating process of AISI D2 tool steel. Therefore, controlling them enables the heat treatment process to be designed more accurately which results in more balanced mechanical properties. The aim of this work is to develop a multiresponse predictive model that enables finding these characteristics based on nondestructive tests by a set of parameters of the magnetic Barkhausen noise technique and hysteresis loop method. To produce various microstructural changes, identical specimens from the AISI D2 steel sheet were austenitized in the range 1025-1130 °C, for 30 min, oil-quenched and finally tempered at various temperatures between 200 °C and 650 °C. A set of nondestructive data have been gathered based on general factorial design of experiments and used for training and testing the multiple response surface model. Finally, an optimization model has been proposed to achieve minimal error prediction. Results revealed that applying Barkhausen and hysteresis loop methods, simultaneously, coupling to the multiresponse model, has a potential to be used as a reliable and accurate nondestructive tool for predicting austenitizing and tempering temperatures (which, in turn, led to characterizing the microstructural changes) of the parts with unknown heat treating conditions.

Evolution of microstructure, texture and inhibitor along the processing route for grain-oriented electrical steels using strip casting

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Hai-Tao, E-mail: liuht@ral.neu.edu.cn; Institute of Research of Iron and Steel, Shasteel, Zhangjiagang 215625, Jiangsu; Yao, Sheng-Jie

2015-08-15

In the present work, a regular grade GO sheet was produced successively by strip casting, hot rolling, normalizing annealing, two-stage cold rolling with intermediate annealing, primary recrystallization annealing, secondary recrystallization annealing and purification. The aim of this paper was to characterize the evolution of microstructure, texture and inhibitor along the new processing route by comprehensive utilization of optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that a fine microstructure with the ferrite grain size range of 7–12 μm could be obtained in the primary recrystallization annealed sheet though a very coarse microstructure was produced in the initialmore » as-cast strip. The main finding was that the “texture memory” effect on Goss texture started on the through-thickness intermediate annealed strip after first cold rolling, which was not similar to the “texture memory” effect on Goss texture starting on the surface layers of the hot rolled strip in the conventional production route. As a result, the origin of Goss nuclei capable of secondary recrystallization lied in the grains already presented in Goss orientation in the intermediate annealed strip after first cold rolling. Another finding was that fine and dispersive inhibitors (mainly AlN) were easy to be produced in the primary recrystallization microstructure due to the initial rapid solidification during strip casting and the subsequent rapid cooling, and the very high temperature reheating usually used before hot rolling in the conventional production route could be avoided. - Highlights: • A regular grade grain-oriented electrical steel was produced. • Evolution of microstructure, texture and inhibitor was characterized. • Origin of Goss nuclei lied in the intermediate annealed strip. • A fine primary recrystallization microstructure could be produced. • Effective inhibitors were easy to be obtained in the new processing route.« less

Laser Surface Hardening of Groove Edges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussain, A.; Hamdani, A. H.; Akhter, R.; Aslam, M.

2013-06-01

Surface hardening of groove-edges made of 3Cr13 Stainless Steel has been carried out using 500 W CO2 laser with a rectangular beam of 2.5×3 mm2. The processing speed was varied from 150-500 mm/min. It was seen that the hardened depth increases with increase in laser interaction time. A maximum hardened depth of around 1mm was achieved. The microhardness of the transformed zone was 2.5 times the hardness of base metal. The XRD's and microstructural analysis were also reported.

Long-Term Effects of Temperature Exposure on SLM 304L Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amine, Tarak; Kriewall, Caitlin S.; Newkirk, Joseph W.

2018-03-01

Austenitic stainless steel is extensively used in industries that operate at elevated temperatures. This work investigates the high-temperature microstructure stability as well as elevated-temperature properties of 304L stainless steel fabricated using the selective laser melting (SLM) process. Significant microstructural changes were seen after a 400°C aging process for as little as 25 h. This dramatic change in microstructure would not be expected based on the ferrite decomposition studied in conventional 304L materials. The as-built additively manufactured alloy has much faster kinetic response to heat treatment at 400°C. An investigation of the structures which occur, the kinetics of the various transformations, and the mechanical properties is presented. The impact of this on the application of SLM 304L is discussed.

Prediction of Microstructure in High-Strength Ductile Forging Parts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urban, M.; Keul, C.; Back, A.; Bleck, W.; Hirt, G.

2010-06-01

Governmental, environmental and economic demands call for lighter, stiffer and at the same time cheaper products in the vehicle industry. Especially safety relevant parts have to be stiff and at the same time ductile. The strategy of this project was to improve the mechanical properties of forging steel alloys by employing a high-strength and ductile bainitic microstructure in the parts while maintaining cost effective process chains to reach these goals for high stressed forged parts. Therefore, a new steel alloy combined with an optimized process chain has been developed. To optimize the process chain with a minimum of expensive experiments, a numerical approach was developed to predict the microstructure of the steel alloy after the process chain based on FEM simulations of the forging and cooling combined with deformation-time-temperature-transformation-diagrams.

Microstructure and elevated-temperature erosion-oxidation behaviour of aluminized 9Cr-1Mo Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huttunen-Saarivirta, E.; Honkanen, M.; Tsipas, S. A.; Omar, H.; Tsipas, D.

2012-10-01

Degradation of materials by a combination of erosive wear and atmospheric oxidation at elevated temperatures constitutes a problem in some power generation processes, such as fluidized-bed combustion. In this work, 9Cr-1Mo steel, a common tube material in combustion chambers, is coated by a pack cementation method from an Al-containing pack in order to improve the resistance to erosion-oxidation at elevated temperatures. The resulting coating is studied in terms of microstructure and microhardness and tested for its resistance against impacts by sand particles in air at temperatures of 550-700 °C under several conditions, with thickness changes and appearance of the exposed surfaces being studied. The coating was found to contain several phases and layers, the outermost of which was essentially Al-rich and contained e.g., small AlN precipitates. The microhardness values for such coating ranged from 950 to 1100 HV20g. The coating provided the substrate with increased protection particularly against normal particle impacts, as manifested by smaller thickness losses for coated specimens as compared to uncoated counterparts. However, much of the coating was lost under all test conditions, despite the fact that particle debris formed a homogeneous layer on the surface. These results are described and discussed in this paper.

Nonlinear ultrasonic assessment of stress corrosion cracking damage in sensitized 304 stainless steel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Morlock, Florian, E-mail: fmorlock3@gatech.edu; Jacobs, Laurence J., E-mail: fmorlock3@gatech.edu; Kim, Jin-Yeon, E-mail: fmorlock3@gatech.edu

2015-03-31

This research uses nonlinear Rayleigh surface waves to characterize stress corrosion cracking (SCC) damage in welded 304 Stainless Steel (304 SS). 304 SS is widely used in reactor pressure vessels, where a corrosive environment in combination with applied stress due to high internal pressures can cause SCC. Welds and the nearby heat affected zones (HAZ) in the vessel material are especially sensitive to SCC damage. SCC damage results in microstructural changes such as dislocation formation and microcrack initiation that in the long term lead to reduced structural integrity and material failure. Therefore, the early detection of SCC is crucial tomore » ensure safe operation. It has been shown that the microstructural changes caused by SCC can generate higher harmonic waves when excited harmonically. This research considers different levels of SCC damage induced in samples of welded 304 SS by applying stress to a specimen held in a corrosive medium (Sodium Thiosulfate). A nonlinear Rayleigh surface wave is introduced in the material and the fundamental and the second harmonic waves are measured using wedge detection. The nonlinearity parameter that relates the fundamental and the second harmonic amplitudes, is computed to quantify the SCC damage in each sample. These results are used to demonstrate the feasibility of using nonlinear Rayleigh waves to characterize SCC damage.« less

Improvement of mechanical strength of sintered Mo alloyed steel by optimization of sintering and cold-forging processes with densification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamakoshi, Y.; Shohji, I.; Inoue, Y.; Fukuda, S.

2017-10-01

Powder metallurgy (P/M) materials have been expected to be spread in automotive industry. Generally, since sintered materials using P/M ones contain many pores and voids, mechanical properties of them are inferior to those of conventional wrought materials. To improve mechanical properties of the sintered materials, densification is effective. The aim of this study is to improve mechanical strength of sintered Mo-alloyed steel by optimizing conditions in sintering and cold-forging processes. Mo-alloyed steel powder was compacted. Then, pre-sintering (PS) using a vacuum sintering furnace was conducted. Subsequently, coldforging (CF) by a backward extrusion method was conducted to the pre-sintered specimen. Moreover, the cold-forged specimen was heat treated by carburizing, tempering and quenching (CQT). Afterwards, mechanical properties were investigated. As a result, it was found that the density of the PS specimen is required to be more than 7.4 Mg/m3 to strengthen the specimen by heat treatment after CF. Furthermore, density and the microstructure of the PS specimen are most important factors to make the high density and strength material by CF. At the CF load of 1200 kN, the maximum density ratio reached approximately 99% by the use of the PS specimen with proper density and microstructure. At the CF load of 900 kN, although density ratio was high like more than 97.8%, transverse rupture strength decreased sharply. Since densification caused high shear stress and stress concentration in the surface layer, microcracks occurred by the damages of inter-particle sintered connection of the surface layer. On the contrary, in case of the CF load of 1200 kN, ultra-densification of the surface layer occurred by a sufficient plastic flow. Such sufficient compressed specimens regenerated the sintered connections by high temperature heat treatment and thus the high strength densified material was obtained. These processes can be applicable to near net shape manufacturing without surface machining.

Spectroscopic investigation of plasma electrolytic borocarburizing on q235 low-carbon steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Run; Wang, Bin; Wu, Jie; Xue, Wenbin; Jin, Xiaoyue; Du, Jiancheng; Hua, Ming

2014-12-01

A plasma electrolytic borocarburizing process (PEB/C) in borax electrolyte with glycerin additive was employed to fabricate a hardening layer on Q235 low-carbon steel. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) was utilized to investigate the spectroscopy characteristics of plasma discharge around the steel during PEB/C process. Some plasma parameters were calculated in terms of OES. The electron temperature and electron concentration in plasma discharge zone is about 3000-12,000 K and 2 × 1022 m-3-1.4 × 1023 m-3. The atomic ionization degrees of iron, carbon and boron are 10-16-10-3, and 10-23-10-6, 10-19-10-4, respectively, which depend on discharge time. The surface morphology and cross-sectional microstructure of PEB/C hardening layer were observed, and the electrolyte decomposition and plasma discharge behaviors were discussed.

Metal dusting behavior of 321 stainless steel: Effects of edge and corner

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Chia-Hao; Tsai, Wen-Ta

2011-04-01

The metal dusting behavior of 321 stainless steel (SS) in a flowing mixed CO/H2/H2O gas stream at 600 °C for 500 h and 1000 h was investigated. The microstructures and chemical compositions of the reaction products at the surface and those in the substrate under the pits were examined by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM), each combined with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The phenomenon of a pitting attack that occurred preferentially at the edges and corners of the specimens was the focus of this study. The carburization behavior in the steel substrate under the pits was also characterized. Matrix carbide in the form of Cr7C3 and grain boundary carbide in the form of Cr23C6 were identified by TEM.

Influence of High Pulsed and Continuous Magnetic Fields on the Corrosion and Microstructure of Metallic Conductors

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-31

stainless steel , 416 stainless steel , 1018 steel , and 8620 steel as these offer structural integrity as well as both magnetic and...corrosion rate of untreated materials such as 304 stainless steel , 416 stainless steel , 1018 steel , 8620 steel . It is believed that the magnetic field...at characterizing the impact of a magnetic field on the corrosion behavior of the selected alloys, namely, 304 austenitic stainless steel

Effects of niobium additions on the structure, depth, and austenite grain size of the case of carburized 0.07% C steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Islam, M. A.; Bepari, M. M. A.

1996-10-01

Carbon (0.07%) steel samples containing about 0.04% Nb singly and in combination with nitrogen were carburized in a natural Titas gas atmosphere at a temperature of 1223 K (950 °C) and a pressure of about 0.10 MPa for 1/2 to 4 h, followed by slow cooling in the furnace. Their microstructures were studied by optical microscopy. The austenite grain size of the case and the case depths were determined on baseline samples of low-carbon steels and also on niobium and (Nb + N) microalloyed steel samples. It was found that, when compared to the baseline steel, niobium alone or in combination with nitrogen decreased the thickness of cementite network near the surface of the carburized case of the steels. However, niobium in combination with nitrogen was more effective than niobium in reducing the thickness of cementite network. Niobium with or without nitrogen inhibited the formation of Widmanstätten cementite plates at grain boundaries and within the grains near the surface in the hypereutectoid zone of the case. It was also revealed that, when compared to the baseline steel, niobium decreased the case depth of the carburized steels, but that niobium with nitrogen is more effective than niobium alone in reducing the case depth. Niobium as niobium carbide (NbC) and niobium in the presence of nitrogen as niobium carbonitride, [Nb(C,N)] particles refined the austenite grain size of the carburized case, but Nb(C,N) was more effective than NbC in inhibiting austenite grain growth.

Laser cladding of stainless steel with a copper-silver alloy to generate surfaces of high antimicrobial activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hans, Michael; Támara, Juan Carlos; Mathews, Salima; Bax, Benjamin; Hegetschweiler, Andreas; Kautenburger, Ralf; Solioz, Marc; Mücklich, Frank

2014-11-01

Copper and silver are used as antimicrobial agents in the healthcare sector in an effort to curb infections caused by bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics. While the bactericidal potential of copper and silver alone are well documented, not much is known about the antimicrobial properties of copper-silver alloys. This study focuses on the antibacterial activity and material aspects of a copper-silver model alloy with 10 wt% Ag. The alloy was generated as a coating with controlled intermixing of copper and silver on stainless steel by a laser cladding process. The microstructure of the clad was found to be two-phased and in thermal equilibrium with minor Cu2O inclusions. Ion release and killing of Escherichia coli under wet conditions were assessed with the alloy, pure silver, pure copper and stainless steel. It was found that the copper-silver alloy, compared to the pure elements, exhibited enhanced killing of E. coli, which correlated with an up to 28-fold increased release of copper ions. The results show that laser cladding with copper and silver allows the generation of surfaces with enhanced antimicrobial properties. The process is particularly attractive since it can be applied to existing surfaces.

Mechanical properties of aluminium fused SiO2 particulate composites cast using metallic and non-metallic chills

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harshith, H. S.; Hemanth, Joel

2018-04-01

This research work aims at developing and mechanical characterization of aluminium (LM13) based metal matrix composite reinforced with varying percentage of fused SiO2 (3%,6%,9%,12%). The mechanical properties are completely dependent on the microstructural parameters of the system. Also the microstructure further depends on the cooling rates during solidification process. Various Chills like Silicon carbide, Mild steel, Copper were used during the casting process to increase the rate of solidification, which enhances the mechanical properties of the composite. The chill casted specimens were subjected to tensile and hardness tests followed by microstructure studies. A casting produced using mild steel chill exhibited higher young's modulus and was found to be maximum at 9% reinforcement. Finer microstructure and better UTS were seen for specimen's casted using copper chills, whereas silicon carbide and mild steel chills gave rise to very coarse structure with reduced UTS values compared to copper chills.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 21-6-9 Stainless Steel Electron Beam Welds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elmer, John W.; Ellsworth, G. Fred; Florando, Jeffrey N.; Golosker, Ilya V.; Mulay, Rupalee P.

2017-04-01

Welds can either be stronger or weaker than the base metals that they join depending on the microstructures that form in the fusion and heat-affected zones of the weld. In this paper, weld strengthening in the fusion zone of annealed 21-6-9 stainless steel is investigated using cross-weld tensile samples, hardness testing, and microstructural characterization. Due to the stronger nature of the weld, the cross-weld tensile tests failed in the base metal and were not able to generate true fusion zone mechanical properties. Nanoindentation with a spherical indenter was instead used to predict the tensile behavior for the weld metal. Extrapolation of the nanoindentation results to higher strains was performed using the Steinberg-Guinan and Johnson-Cook strength models, and the results can be used for weld strength modeling purposes. The results illustrate how microstructural refinement and residual ferrite formation in the weld fusion zone can be an effective strengthener for 21-6-9 stainless steel.

Effects of heat treatment on mechanical properties of h13 steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guanghua, Yan; Xinmin, Huang; Yanqing, Wang; Xingguo, Qin; Ming, Yang; Zuoming, Chu; Kang, Jin

2010-12-01

Heat treatment on the mechanical properties of H13 hot working die steel for die casting is discussed. The H13 steel for die casting was treated by different temperatures of vacuum quenching, tempering, and secondary tempering to investigate its mechanical properties. Strength, plasticity, hardness, and impact toughness of the H13 hot working die steel for die casting were measured. Microstructure, grain size, and carbide particle size after heat treatment have a great impact on the mechanical properties of H13 hot working die steel for die casting. The microstructure of the H13 was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by a metallographic microscope. It is found that H13 exhibits excellent mechanical properties after vacuum quenching at 1050°C and twice tempering at 600°C.

A preliminary ferritic-martensitic stainless steel constitution diagram

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Balmforth, M.C.; Lippold, J.C.

1998-01-01

This paper describes preliminary research to develop a constitution diagram that will more accurately predict the microstructure of ferritic and martensitic stainless steel weld deposits. A button melting technique was used to produce a wide range of compositions using mixtures of conventional ferritic and martensitic stainless steels, including types 403, 409, 410, 430, 439 and 444. These samples were prepared metallographically, and the vol-% ferrite and martensite was determined quantitatively. In addition, the hardness and ferrite number (FN) were measured. Using this data, a preliminary constitution diagram is proposed that provides a more accurate method for predicting the microstructures ofmore » arc welds in ferritic and martensitic stainless steels.« less

Microstructure and Corrosive Behavior of Enamel Coating Modified on Mild Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Y. L.; Huang, Z. R.; Zhong, Q. D.

Due to the study of marine corrosion of mild steel, in order to simulate the corrosion conditions of enamel coatings in seawater, enamel coatings applied on mild steel were immersed in 3.5wt.% NaCl liquor and the related corrosion features and behavior of enamel were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and evaluated by electro-chemical method such as potentiodynamic polarization testing. Under the appropriate heat treatment system, the enamel coatings sintered on the same kind of mild steel at different temperatures were studied: all enamel samples were within the temperature range from 710∘C to 830∘C, the heat treating process at the microstructural level was evaluated and correlated with corrosion resistance properties. All the enamel coatings were characterized and it was observed that the enamel coatings that showed excellent corrosion resistance when sintered at a temperature of 810∘C can offer a better physical barrier than other temperatures because of their better bonding force and dense microstructure with less pores.

Effect of Multiple Local Repairs on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of T24 Steel Welded Joint

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaus, Alexander S.; Kuhajdová, Andrea; Marônek, Milan; Dománková, Mária

2018-05-01

The effect of multiple local repairs on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the T24 steel welded joints was studied. T24 steel tubes were butt-welded by the GTAW method. Peripheral welded joints were made in four locations of the tube. In order to simulate the repair procedure, the welds were cut off from the root and the first local repair was performed. Other two local repairs were carried out in the same way. After each local repair, the microstructure and mechanical properties of the joints were evaluated. The results of the mechanical tests demonstrate that only two local repairs can be performed on the T24 steel peripheral welded joint. After the third local repair, impact energy of the welded joint was lower than required value, which is attributed to the coarser martensite and the coarser carbide precipitates formed in the heat-affected zone, compared with the weld metal.

Acoustic emission analysis of crack resistance and fracture behavior of 20GL steel having the gradient microstructure and strength

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikulin, S.; Nikitin, A.; Belov, V.; Rozhnov, A.; Turilina, V.; Anikeenko, V.; Khatkevich, V.

2017-07-01

The crack resistances as well as fracture behavior of 20GL steel quenched with a fast-moving water stream and having gradient microstructure and strength are analyzed. Crack resistance tests with quenched and normalized flat rectangular specimens having different cut lengths loaded by three-point bending with acoustic emission measurements have been performed. The critical J-integral has been used as the crack resistance parameter of the material. Quenching with a fast moving water stream leads to gradient (along a specimen wall thickness) strengthening of steel due to highly refined gradient microstructure formation of the troostomartensite type. Quenching with a fast-moving water stream increases crack resistance Jc , of 20GL steel by a factor of ∼ 1.5. The fracture accrues gradually with the load in the normalized specimens while the initiated crack is hindered in the variable ductility layer and further arrested in the more ductile core in the quenched specimens.

Evolution of microstructure and residual stress during annealing of austenitic and ferritic steels

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wawszczak, R.; Baczmański, A., E-mail: Andrzej.Baczmanski@fis.agh.edu.pl; Marciszko, M.

2016-02-15

In this work the recovery and recrystallization processes occurring in ferritic and austenitic steels were studied. To determine the evolution of residual stresses during material annealing the nonlinear sin{sup 2}ψ diffraction method was used and an important relaxation of the macrostresses as well as the microstresses was found in the cold rolled samples subjected to heat treatment. Such relaxation occurs at the beginning of recovery, when any changes of microstructure cannot be detected using other experimental techniques. Stress evolution in the annealed steel samples was correlated with the progress of recovery process, which significantly depends on the value of stackingmore » fault energy. - Highlights: • X-ray diffraction was used to determine the first order and second order stresses. • Diffraction data were analyzed using scale transition elastoplastic models model. • Stress relaxation in annealed ferritic and austenitic steels was correlated with evolution of microstructure. • Influence of stacking fault energy on thermally induced processes was discussed.« less

Effect of microstructure on transformation-induced plasticity of silicon-containing low-alloy steel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tomita, Yoshiyuki; Morioka, Kojiro

1997-04-01

Fe-0.6C-1.5Si-0.8Mn steel was studied to determine the effect of the microstructure on transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) of silicon-containing low-alloy steel. A remarkable increase in elongation through TRIP can develop in the steel subjected to the following heat treatments: (1) austemper combined with subcritical annealing (SA Aus-T): subcritical annealing at 993K followed by austempering at 673K and then light tempering (after austenitization at 1173K); (2) austemper coupled with interrupted quenching (IQ Aus-T): interrupted quenching at 533K followed by austempering at 673K and light tempering (after austenization at 1,173K). The SA Aus-T treatment produced the triple structures of carbide-free upper bainite, retained austenitemore » ({gamma}R), and free ferrite. As a result of the IQ Aus-T treatment, the triple structures of carbide-free upper bainite, {gamma}R, and tempered martensite appeared. The results are described and microstructural factors in TRIP are discussed.« less

Mechanical Behavior and Microstructure Evolution of Bearing Steel 52100 During Warm Compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huo, Yuanming; He, Tao; Chen, Shoushuang; Wu, Riming

2018-05-01

High-performance bearing steel requires a fine and homogeneous structure of carbide particles. Direct deformation spheroidizing of bearing steel in a dual-phase zone can contribute to achieving this important structure. In this work, warm compression testing of 52100 bearing steel was performed at temperatures in the range of 650-850°C and at strain rates of 0.1-10.0 s-1. The effect of deformation temperatures on mechanical behavior and microstructure evolution was investigated to determine the warm deformation temperature window. The effect of deformation rates on microstructure evolution and metal flow softening behavior of the warm compression was analyzed and discussed. Experimental results showed that the temperature range from 750°C to 800°C should be regarded as the critical range separating warm and hot deformation. Warm deformation at temperatures in the range of 650-750°C promoted carbide spheroidization, and this was determined to be the warm deformation temperature window. Metal flow softening during the warm deformation was caused by carbide spheroidization.

Microstructural study and densification analysis of hot work tool steel matrix composites reinforced with TiB{sub 2} particles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fedrizzi, A., E-mail: anna.fedrizzi@ing.unitn.it; Pellizzari, M.; Zadra, M.

2013-12-15

Hot work tool steels are characterized by good toughness and high hot hardness but are less wear resistant than other tooling materials, such as high speed steel. Metal matrix composites show improved tribological behavior, but not much work has been done in the field of hot work tool steels. In this paper TiB{sub 2}-reinforced hot work tool steel matrix composites were produced by spark plasma sintering (SPS). Mechanical alloying (MA) was proposed as a suited process to improve the composite microstructure. Density measurements and microstructure confirmed that MA promotes sintering and produces a fine and homogeneous dispersion of reinforcing particles.more » X-ray diffraction patterns of the sintered composites highlighted the formation of equilibrium Fe{sub 2}B and TiC, as predicted by thermodynamic calculations using Thermo-Calc® software. Scanning electron microscopy as well as scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy highlighted the reaction of the steel matrix with TiB{sub 2} particles, showing the formation of a reaction layer at the TiB{sub 2}-steel interface. Phase investigations pointed out that TiB{sub 2} is not chemically stable in steel matrix because of the presence of carbon even during short time SPS. - Highlights: • TiB{sub 2} reinforced steel matrix composites were produced by spark plasma sintering. • TiB{sub 2} was successfully dispersed in the steel matrix by mechanical alloying. • Steel and TiB{sub 2} react during sintering forming equilibrium Fe{sub 2}B and TiC. • The new phases were investigated by means of AFM, Volta potential and XRD analyses.« less

Investigation of microstructural alterations in M50 and 52100 steel using nanoindentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paulson, Kristin R.

Bearing steels are used in rolling elements and are designed to withstand heavy loads for an extended period of time. At the end of life, microstructural alterations within the material have been observed and are linked to failure. In this study, a three ball-on-rod fatigue tester was used to test M50 and 52100 steel cylindrical rods at differing loads of 4.0 GPa, 4.5 GPa, and 5.0 GPa and in lubricated and unlubricated conditions to 108 cycles in an attempt to produce microstructural alterations. Microstructural alterations characterized as butterflies were observed and investigated further in two M50 samples that were tested at 4.5 GPa to 10 8 cycles in the lubricated and unlubricated condition. Microstructural alterations characterized as dark etching regions (DER), and white etching bands (WEBs) were not observed. Additionally, hardness was investigated cross sectionally as a function of depth and location within the wear track produced by the fatigue test. No conclusive evidence was derived from the hardness measurements as a function of depth in relation to the formation of microstructural alterations or the stress experienced subsurface within the material. Hardness measurements performed specifically within a butterfly wing, however, returned hardness values significantly higher than the matrix hardness values.

Microstructure-strength relations in a hardenable stainless steel with 16 pct Cr, 1.5 pct Mo, and 5 pct Ni

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grobner, P. J.; Blšs, V.

1984-07-01

Metallographic studies have been conducted on a 0.024 pct C-16 pct Cr-1.5 pct Mo-5 pct Ni stainless steel to study the phase reactions associated with heat treatments and investigate the strengthening mechanisms of the steel. In the normalized condition, air cooled from 1010 °C, the microstructure consists of 20 pct ferrite and 80 pct martensite. Tempering in a temperature range between 500 and 600 °C results in a gradual transformation of martensite to a fine mixture of ferrite and austenite. At higher tempering temperatures, between 600 and 800 °C, progressively larger quantities of austenite form and are converted during cooling to proportionally increasing amounts of fresh martensite. The amount of retained austenite in the microstructure is reduced to zero at 800 °C, and the microstructure contains 65 pct re-formed martensite and 35 pct total ferrite. Chromium rich M23C6 carbides precipitate in the single tempered microstructures. The principal strengthening is produced by the presence of martensite in the microstructure. Additional strengthening is provided by a second tempering treatment at 400 °C due to the precipitation of ultrafine (Cr, Mo) (C,N) particles in the ferrite.

Effect of prior-austenite grain refinement on microstructure, mechanical properties and thermal embrittlement of 9Cr-1Mo-0.1C steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karthikeyan, T.; Dash, Manmath Kumar; Ravikirana; Mythili, R.; Panneer Selvi, S.; Moitra, A.; Saroja, S.

2017-10-01

The effect of 'conventional normalizing and tempering' (CNT) and 'double austenitization based normalizing and tempering' (DNT) heat treatments on the microstructure, tensile, creep and impact toughness properties of 9Cr-1Mo steel has been studied. The tempered martensite microstructure obtained through DNT treatment exhibited smaller sizes of prior-austenite grains/martensite packets (28 μm/11 μm) compared to the CNT treatment (44 μm/14 μm). The tempered martensite morphology was largely retained after long-term thermal aging at 550 °C/5000 h, while the M23C6 and M2(C,N) type of precipitates were found to act as nucleation sites for precipitation of brittle Fe2Mo Laves phase. The grain refinement by DNT was found to be beneficial for minimizing the ductile-to-brittle transition characteristics (25 °C lower ductile-to-brittle transition temperature and 70 J higher upper shelf energy) over the CNT. Thermal embrittlement occurred in both heated treated steels, but the transition temperature of aged DNT steel remained below room temperature. Fractured Charpy specimens revealed ductile failure by void coalescence for high temperature tests, and a quasi-cleavage fracture at low temperatures with few isolated occurrence of intergranular crack in thermal embrittled steel. The DNT treated steel resulted in similar or better tensile and creep properties, when compared to the CNT treatment. The homogeneous fine grained tempered martensite microstructure obtained by DNT treatment resulted in improved embrittlement resistance and mechanical properties over the conventional treatment.

Effects of Rare Earth Metals on Steel Microstructures

PubMed Central

Pan, Fei; Zhang, Jian; Chen, Hao-Long; Su, Yen-Hsun; Kuo, Chia-Liang; Su, Yen-Hao; Chen, Shin-Hau; Lin, Kuan-Ju; Hsieh, Ping-Hung; Hwang, Weng-Sing

2016-01-01

Rare earth metals are used in semiconductors, solar cells and catalysts. This review focuses on the background of oxide metallurgy technologies, the chemical and physical properties of rare earth (RE) metals, the background of oxide metallurgy, the functions of RE metals in steelmaking, and the influences of RE metals on steel microstructures. Future prospects for RE metal applications in steelmaking are also presented. PMID:28773545

Effect of Steel Galvanization on the Microstructure and Mechanical Performances of Planar Magnetic Pulse Welds of Aluminum and Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avettand-Fènoël, M.-N.; Khalil, C.; Taillard, R.; Racineux, G.

2018-07-01

For the first time, planar joints between pure aluminum and galvanized or uncoated DP450 steel joints have been developed via magnetic pulse welding. Both present a wavy interface. The microstructure of the interfacial zone differs according to the joint. With uncoated steel, the interface is composed of discrete 2.5- µm-thick FeAl3 intermetallic compounds and Fe penetration lamellae, whereas the interface of the pure Al-galvanized steel joint is bilayered and composed of a 10-nm-thick (Al)Zn solid solution and a few micrometers thick aggregate of Al- and Zn-based grains, arranged from the Al side to the Zn coating. Even if the nature of the interfacial zone differs with or without the steel coating, both welds present rather similar maximum tensile forces and ductility in shear lap testing.

Effect of Steel Galvanization on the Microstructure and Mechanical Performances of Planar Magnetic Pulse Welds of Aluminum and Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avettand-Fènoël, M.-N.; Khalil, C.; Taillard, R.; Racineux, G.

2018-05-01

For the first time, planar joints between pure aluminum and galvanized or uncoated DP450 steel joints have been developed via magnetic pulse welding. Both present a wavy interface. The microstructure of the interfacial zone differs according to the joint. With uncoated steel, the interface is composed of discrete 2.5-µm-thick FeAl3 intermetallic compounds and Fe penetration lamellae, whereas the interface of the pure Al-galvanized steel joint is bilayered and composed of a 10-nm-thick (Al)Zn solid solution and a few micrometers thick aggregate of Al- and Zn-based grains, arranged from the Al side to the Zn coating. Even if the nature of the interfacial zone differs with or without the steel coating, both welds present rather similar maximum tensile forces and ductility in shear lap testing.

The fractography of casting alloys

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Powell, G.W.

1994-10-01

Several types of casting alloys were fractured using various loading modes (uniaxial tension, bending, impact, and torsion, and cyclic stressing), and the corresponding mechanical properties were determined. The unetched and etched fracture surfaces and the microstructures were examined using conventional techniques. The types of casting alloys that were the subjects f these investigations include gray iron, ductile iron, cast steel, and aluminum-base alloys (A380, A356, and 319). The fractographic studies have yielded these generalizations regarding the topography of the fracture surfaces. In the case of low-ductility alloys such as gray iron and the aluminum-base alloys, the tensile edge of amore » fracture surface produced by a stress system with a strong bending-moment component has a highly irregular contour, whereas the compressive edge of the fracture surface is quite straight and parallel to the bend axis. On the other hand, the periphery of a fracture surface produced by uniaxial tension has a completely irregular contour. The fracture surface produced by cyclic loading of a gray iron does not display any macroscopic evidence (such as a thumb nail) of the loading mode. However, the fracture surface of each of the other casting alloys displays clear, macroscopic evidence of failure induced by fatigue. The aluminum-base alloys fracture completely within the interdendritic region of the microstructure when subjected to monotonic loading by uniaxial tension or bending, whereas a fatigue crack propagates predominantly through the primary crystals of the microstructure.« less

Influence of laser radiation on structure and properties of steels and alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarasova, T.; Popova, E.

2013-03-01

In present study, and laser alloying of different steels and laser cladding of Ti and SiC powders mixtures was carried out, and microstructure, as well as microhardness profile and wear properties were examined. Research of the influence of lasers alloying modes on the elastic and plastic characteristics of the surface was conducted. As a result of chemical reactions in the cladded layer, a new phase (TiC) was synthesized during cladding process. The results showed that, in the clad layer, TiC was solidified to form dendrites in the clad zone. Produced coatings have high microhardness values in the upper and middle clad areas, about two time higher than clad matrix microhardness.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of V-Nb Microalloyed Ultrafine-Grained Dual-Phase Steels Processed Through Severe Cold Rolling and Intercritical Annealing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papa Rao, M.; Subramanya Sarma, V.; Sankaran, S.

2017-03-01

Ultrafine-grained (UFG) dual-phase (DP) steel was produced by severe cold rolling (true strain of 2.4) and intercritical annealing of a low carbon V-Nb microalloyed steel in a temperature range of 1003 K to 1033 K (730 °C to 760 °C) for 2 minutes, and water quenching. The microstructure of UFG DP steels consisted of polygonal ferrite matrix with homogeneously distributed martensite islands (both of size <1 µm) and a small fraction of the inter lath films of retained austenite. The UFG DP steel produced through intercritical annealing at 1013 K (740 °C) has good combination of strength (1295 MPa) and ductility (uniform elongation, 13 pct). The nanoscale V- and Nb-based carbides/carbonitrides and spheroidized cementite particles have played a crucial role in achieving UFG DP microstructure and in improving the strength and work hardening. Analysis of work hardening behavior of the UFG DP steels through modified Crussard-Jaoul analysis showed a continuously varying work hardening rate response which could be approximated by 2 or 3 linear regimes. The transmission electron microscopy analysis on post tensile-tested samples indicated that these regimes are possibly related to the work hardening of ferrite, lath, and twin martensite, respectively.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of diffusion bonded W/steel joint using V/Ni composite interlayer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, W.S.; Cai, Q.S., E-mail: cai2009pm@163.com; Ma, Y.Z.

2013-12-15

Diffusion bonding between W and steel using V/Ni composite interlayer was carried out in vacuum at 1050 °C and 10 MPa for 1 h. The microstructural examination and mechanical property evaluation of the joints show that the bonding of W to steel was successful. No intermetallic compound was observed at the steel/Ni and V/W interfaces for the joints bonded. The electron probe microanalysis and X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that Ni{sub 3}V, Ni{sub 2}V, Ni{sub 2}V{sub 3} and NiV{sub 3} were formed at the Ni/V interface. The tensile strength of about 362 MPa was obtained for as-bonded W/steel joint and themore » failure occurred at W near the V/W interface. The nano-indentation test across the joining interfaces demonstrated the effect of solid solution strengthening and intermetallic compound formation in the diffusion zone. - Highlights: • Diffusion bonding of W to steel was realized using V/Ni composite interlayer. • The interfacial microstructure of the joint was clarified. • Several V–Ni intermetallic compounds were formed in the interface region. • The application of V/Ni composite interlayer improved the joining quality.« less

Effect of Yttrium Addition on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Cu-Rich Nano-phase Strengthened Ferritic Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hongyu; He, Jibai; Luan, Guoqing; Ke, Mingpeng; Fang, Haoyan; Lu, Jianduo

2018-03-01

Due to the brittle problem of Cu-rich nano-phase strengthened ferritic steel (CNSFS) after air aging, the effect of Y addition in CNSFS was systemically investigated in the present work. The microstructure, tensile fracture morphology and oxide layer of the steels were surveyed by optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. Transmission electron microscope with the combination of energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and selected area electron diffraction was used to analyze the morphology, size, number density, chemical compositions and crystal structure for nano-crystalline precipitates. Microstructural examinations of the nano-crystalline precipitates show that Cu-rich precipitates and Y compounds in the range of 2-10 and 50-100 nm, respectively, form in the Y-containing steel; meanwhile, the average size of nano-crystalline precipitates in Y-containing steel is larger, but the number density is lower, and the ferritic grains are refined. Furthermore, the tensile strength and ductility of Y-containing steel after air aging are improved, whereas the tensile strength is enhanced and the ductility decreased after vacuum aging. The drag effect of Y makes the oxide layer thinner and be compacted. Tensile properties of CNSFS after air aging are improved due to the refined grains, antioxidation and purification by the addition of Y.

Tempering characteristics of a vanadium containing dual phase steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rashid, M. S.; Rao, B. V. N.

1982-10-01

Dual phase steels are characterized by a microstructure consisting of ferrite, martensite, retained austenite, and/or lower bainite. This microstructure can be altered by tempering with accompanying changes in mechanical properties. This paper examines such changes produced in a vanadium bearing dual phase steel upon tempering below 500 °C. The steel mechanical properties were minimally affected on tempering below 200 °C; however, a simultaneous reduction in uniform elongation and tensile strength occurred upon tempering above 400 °C. The large amount of retained austenite (≅10 vol pct) observed in the as-received steel was found to be essentially stable to tempering below 300 °C. On tempering above 400 °C, most of the retained austenite decomposed to either upper bainite (at 400 °C) or a mixture of upper bainite and ferrite-carbide aggregate formed by an interphase precipitation mechanism (at 500 °C). In addition, tempering at 400 °C led to fine precipitation in the retained ferrite. The observed mechanical properties were correlated with these microstructural changes. It was concluded that the observed decrease in uniform elongation upon tempering above 400 °C is primarily the consequence of the decomposition of retained austenite and the resulting loss of transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) as a contributing mechanism to the strain hardening of the steel.

Fe-Mn(Al, Si) TWIP steel - strengthening characteristics and weldability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Podany, P.; Koukolikova, M.; Kubina, T.; Prochazka, R.; Franc, A.

2017-02-01

Twinning Induced Plasticity steel, or TWIP steel, has had increased interest in recent years from various industry sectors. This is due to it being lightweight, strong, and ductile; which are all properties that are useful in the automotive and aerospace industries. These steels potentially can offer lighter weight vehicles and parts with increased strength and other mechanical properties. This combination could offer greater fuel efficiency and performance while at the same time improving the safety features of the vehicle. This steel is characterised by being a high alloy steel, specifically having a high manganese content. It also has a fully austenitic microstructure at room temperature, which is a unique characteristic. But, for TWIP steel to be useful in various industrial sectors, it must have good weldability. This paper deals with the description of the strengthening due to the cold rolling on experimental heats of manganese steel with TRIP/TWIP effect. Impacts on microstructure, yield strength and tensile strength are described. Also, the weldability of experimental TWIP steel by studying the properties of weld joints after laser welding is described.

Progress in thermomechanical control of steel plates and their commercialization

PubMed Central

Nishioka, Kiyoshi; Ichikawa, Kazutoshi

2012-01-01

The water-cooled thermomechanical control process (TMCP) is a technology for improving the strength and toughness of water-cooled steel plates, while allowing control of the microstructure, phase transformation and rolling. This review describes metallurgical aspects of the microalloying of steel, such as niobium addition, and discusses advantages of TMCP, for example, in terms of weldability, which is reduced upon alloying. Other covered topics include the development of equipment, distortions in steel plates, peripheral technologies such as steel making and casting, and theoretical modeling, as well as the history of property control in steel plate production and some early TMCP technologies. We provide some of the latest examples of applications of TMCP steel in various industries such as shipbuilding, offshore structures, building construction, bridges, pipelines, penstocks and cryogenic tanks. This review also introduces high heat-affected-zone toughness technologies, wherein the microstructure of steel is improved by the addition of fine particles of magnesium-containing sulfides and magnesium- or calcium-containing oxides. We demonstrate that thanks to ongoing developments TMCP has the potential to meet the ever-increasing demands of steel plates. PMID:27877477

Progress in thermomechanical control of steel plates and their commercialization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishioka, Kiyoshi; Ichikawa, Kazutoshi

2012-04-01

The water-cooled thermomechanical control process (TMCP) is a technology for improving the strength and toughness of water-cooled steel plates, while allowing control of the microstructure, phase transformation and rolling. This review describes metallurgical aspects of the microalloying of steel, such as niobium addition, and discusses advantages of TMCP, for example, in terms of weldability, which is reduced upon alloying. Other covered topics include the development of equipment, distortions in steel plates, peripheral technologies such as steel making and casting, and theoretical modeling, as well as the history of property control in steel plate production and some early TMCP technologies. We provide some of the latest examples of applications of TMCP steel in various industries such as shipbuilding, offshore structures, building construction, bridges, pipelines, penstocks and cryogenic tanks. This review also introduces high heat-affected-zone toughness technologies, wherein the microstructure of steel is improved by the addition of fine particles of magnesium-containing sulfides and magnesium- or calcium-containing oxides. We demonstrate that thanks to ongoing developments TMCP has the potential to meet the ever-increasing demands of steel plates.

Experimental Investigation of Minimum Quantity Lubrication in Meso-scale Milling with Varying Tool Diameter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yusof, M. Q. M.; Harun, H. N. S. B.; Bahar, R.

2018-01-01

Minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) is a method that uses a very small amount of liquid to reduce friction between cutting tool and work piece during machining. The implementation of MQL machining has become a viable alternative to flood cooling machining and dry machining. The overall performance has been evaluated during meso-scale milling of mild steel using different diameter milling cutters. Experiments have been conducted under two different lubrication condition: dry and MQL with variable cutting parameters. The tool wear and its surface roughness, machined surfaces microstructure and surface roughness were observed for both conditions. It was found from the results that MQL produced better results compared to dry machining. The 0.5 mm tool has been selected as the most optimum tool diameter to be used with the lowest surface roughness as well as the least flank wear generation. For the workpiece, it was observed that the cutting temperature possesses crucial effect on the microstructure and the surface roughness of the machined surface and bigger diameter tool actually resulted in higher surface roughness. The poor conductivity of the cutting tool may be one of reasons behind.