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Interest in hard-turning is steadily increasing due to its obvious benefits in terms of desirable surface integrity and improved operational efficiency. Surface microstructural variations can occur during machining due to cutting speed, tool geometry, and process conditions. Th ese variations create nanostructured white layers (WL), categorized as mechanically induced white layers (M-WL) or thermally induced white layers (T-WL). This study explored the role of retained austenite (RA) content (<2%, 12%, and 25%) on WL generation in AISI 52100 bearing steel, offering insights for optimizing hard-turning. The findings showed that, regardless of RA content, samples exhibited M-WL with no dark layer beneath the white layer when utilizing a cutting speed (VC) of 60m/min using a fresh insert. Increasing tool flank wear to 0.2mm led to the formation of T-WL and surface tensile residual stresses in specimens with higher RA content (12% and 25%). This effect was also observed at 260m/min with a fresh cutting insert. Machining at 260m/min with a worn tool (VB) of 0.2mm resulted in T-WL and surface tensile residual stresses, independent of RA content. Additionally, a 0.2mm tool wear caused a significant shift in the maximum subsurface compressive residual stre sses to greater depths, irrespective of RA content., Conference name: 7th CIRP Conference on Surface Integrity, CSI 2024; Conference date: 15 May 2024 through 17 May 2024; Conference code: 200295; All Open Access, Gold Open AccessThe study is part of the Turn2Flex (Vinnova 2021-01274) project and the HybridSurf (Vinnova 2018-04263) project financed by the Swedish government agency for Enterprise and Innovation. We especially thank AB SKF, Ovako AB, and Sumitomo Electric Hartmetall GmbH for supporting with machining and material support.

Interest in hard-turning is steadily increasing due to its obvious benefits in terms of desirable surface integrity and improved operational efficiency. Surface microstructural variations can occur during machining due to cutting speed, tool geometry, and process conditions. Th ese variations create nanostructured white layers (WL), categorized as mechanically induced white layers (M-WL) or thermally induced white layers (T-WL). This study explored the role of retained austenite (RA) content (<2%, 12%, and 25%) on WL generation in AISI 52100 bearing steel, offering insights for optimizing hard-turning. The findings showed that, regardless of RA content, samples exhibited M-WL with no dark layer beneath the white layer when utilizing a cutting speed (VC) of 60m/min using a fresh insert. Increasing tool flank wear to 0.2mm led to the formation of T-WL and surface tensile residual stresses in specimens with higher RA content (12% and 25%). This effect was also observed at 260m/min with a fresh cutting insert. Machining at 260m/min with a worn tool (VB) of 0.2mm resulted in T-WL and surface tensile residual stresses, independent of RA content. Additionally, a 0.2mm tool wear caused a significant shift in the maximum subsurface compressive residual stre sses to greater depths, irrespective of RA content., Conference name: 7th CIRP Conference on Surface Integrity, CSI 2024; Conference date: 15 May 2024 through 17 May 2024; Conference code: 200295; All Open Access, Gold Open AccessThe study is part of the Turn2Flex (Vinnova 2021-01274) project and the HybridSurf (Vinnova 2018-04263) project financed by the Swedish government agency for Enterprise and Innovation. We especially thank AB SKF, Ovako AB, and Sumitomo Electric Hartmetall GmbH for supporting with machining and material support.

Solidification of cast irons usually involves dendritic growth of austenite. This article presents a literature survey about the dendrites in cast irons, their consequences and how they may be manipulated. The literature review is supplemented with relevant micrographs from our research. While austenite usually transforms into ferrite or pearlite, the dendrites limit where liquid flows, where eutectic grows, and where segregated elements go. The amount and shape of dendrites show correlations with tensile strength in pearlitic gray and compacted graphite irons. There are also indications that a coarse dendrite grain structure may be beneficial to tensile strength. The dendrite grain structure depends on melting process parameters and shows sensitivity to melt treatment. The evolution of scale of dendrite arms and their spacing under isothermal condition is by now fairly well-understood; however, work remains to better understand its evolution during cooling and its interaction with the eutectic. The amount and shape of dendrites are less understood in irons of near-eutectic and hypereutectic composition, in particular mixtures of dendrites of distinct scales, associated with regions of distinct graphite morphology. While significant advances have been made in recent years, the role and control of dendrites remain a relatively unexplored area of research with potential to improve production and properties of cast irons., Acknowledgements: "This paper is an invited submission to IJMC selected from presentations at the 7th Keith Millis symposium on Ductile Iron held October 18–20, 2023, at the Crown Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia, Atlanta, GA. It is published in the IJMC by permission of the DIS (Ductile Iron Society)".

In this study, we demonstrate the significance of austenite annealing twin boundaries when calibrating laser ultrasonic measurements for gauging austenite grain size in situ during the thermomechanical processing of high-strength low-alloy steels. Simple calculations show how differences in twinning density can lead to errors in grain size measurements if twins are disregarded during calibration and the method is used for a broad range of steels. Conversely, when calibration is performed using alloys with a metastable austenite microstructure at room temperature, the same calibration is suitable for a broad range of HSLA steels, provided that annealing twins are taken into account. Since light optical microscopy does not allow the characterization of annealing twins in low-alloy steel, the verification of the laser ultrasonic results was conducted using the novel approach of comparing the twinned grain sizes obtained using the ultrasonic method in low-alloy steels with the austenite grain maps reconstructed from martensite orientation maps measured using electron backscatter diffraction. Finally, we show how differences in twinning density occur even for alloys with a roughly similar stacking fault energy, further highlighting the importance of annealing twins in the calibration of laser ultrasonic measurements for industrial use., QC 20231030

Outgoing

Isothermal heat treatments below the martensite start temperature are carried out in a 0.25C-1.4Mn-1.4Si-0.32Mo steel (in wt%). The microstructural observation reveals a combination of tempered lath and plate martensite, accompanied by bainite and retained austenite. The temperature variation of the austenitic carbon content under different constrained equilibrium models is calculated and compared with experimental measurements. Neither of the existing models seems to predict the behavior of the measured austenitic carbon content in the temperature range studied. The results suggest that the diffusional formation of bainite governs the carbon content of austenite at temperatures nearby the MS., Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository 'You share, we take care!' - Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public., Team Maria Santofimia Navarro

Even though it has been in use for a very long time, the high chromium white cast iron (HCWCI) still triggers scientists due to its outstanding wear resistance. Besides its well-known as-cast usage, it can be used as a coating material, as well. HCWCI owes this feature due to the presence of carbides in microstructure, which depends on the composition and heat treatment regime. This investigation was conducted on two HCWCI alloys, where in addition to chromium, the second important alloying element is molybdenum (Mo). Apart from other alloying elements, HCWCI_1 is alloyed with 24.48% Cr and 1.32% Mo, while HCWCI_2 contains 14.11% Cr and 2.47% Mo. The comprehensive microstructural characterization was carried out on as-cast samples and samples obtained after quenching (at -196oC) and/or quenching followed by tempering (at 250oC). Important microstructure indicators are: the stability of austenite, the ratio of microconstituents (especially different types of carbides), as well as their arrangement and morphology, so they are revealed and discussed in relation to the influencing mechanical properties.

Localised laser treatments enable the creation of sophisticated austenite/martensite mesostructures in Fe–Ni–C steel with the potential of achieving enhanced mechanical performance. The control of phase topology is essential to modify the properties of these structures on demand and requires a profound understanding of the effect of the processing parameters on the development of the different phases upon the application of laser treatment. In this work, the microstructure evolution under exceptional gradients in temperature and heating rates is thoroughly investigated. The extent of the laser-affected zone and the heat input were tailored by varying laser parameters and specimen thickness, based on a model that considers transient material properties and the coupling between temperature and microstructure. The predicted temperature fields resulted in a complex interplay between martensite to austenite phase transformation and martensite tempering. Considering the high heating rates of up to 25000 K/s and the observed microstructures, it is suggested that austenite was formed by a pseudo-displacive mechanism and subsequently fully recrystallised in the zones most directly affected by the laser heat source. A smooth strength transition from austenite to martensite, affected by the laser parameters, could be exploited for more effective deformation mechanisms and improved material mechanical properties., Team Marcel Hermans, Team Maria Santofimia Navarro

The evolution of retained austenite in a high-carbon high-silicon bearing steel is explored by high energy X-ray diffraction during continuous heating, giving insights on the control of austenite stability or decomposition during fast tempering. Retained austenite suffers two stages of slight decomposition into bainite below 400 °C, while substantial decomposition into ferrite + cementite occurs above 500 °C. Stress relief decreases retained austenite lattice anisotropy, previously introduced by the stresses caused by martensite formation during quenching. The highest rate of austenite carbon enrichment occurs at 370 °C. In comparison, the highest austenite carbon content is obtained at 466 °C, clarifying a process window for quick retained austenite stabilization with mini mal phase decomposition. Austenite achieves intrinsic stacking fault energy values as high as mJ.m-2, avoiding the undesired transformation-induced plasticity effect for bearing application, This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brasil (CAPES) - Finance Code 001 and FAPESP, grant 2019/00691-0. This work was supported by ICC-IMR, Tohoku University. A. Avila is a Serra Hunter fellow and a CNPq fellow. Hélio Goldenstein and Giovani G. Ribamar acknowledges partial funding from a CNPq grant. JPO acknowledges funding by national funds from FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, IP, in the scope of the projects LA/P/0037/2020, UIDP/50025/2020 and UIDB/50025/2020 of the Associate Laboratory Institute of Nanostructures, Nanomodelling and Nanofabrication – i3N. The authors acknowledge DESY (Hamburg, Germany), a member of the Helmholtz Association HGF, for providing experimental facilities. Beamtime was allocated for proposal I-20210899400 EC. The research leading to this result has been supported by the project CALIPSOplus under Grant Agreement 730872 from the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation HORIZON 2020, Preprint

Low-alloy 42CrMo4 steels were studied by Fe-57 Mossbauer spectroscopy (MS), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) measurements. The investigations were performed on metallographic samples, which were subjected to a series of successive grinding and polishing with a progressively finer grit. Conversion X-ray Mossbauer spectroscopy (CXMS) was used to determine the occurrence of austenite in steel samples. It is a unique method detecting the austenite content very sensitively. Six samples with different surface preparation were investigated, starting with 4.8% of austenite on an as-cut sample, and a large decrease in the retained austenite to 2.6% was observed after the first grinding of a hardened cut sample. Additionally, an unexpectedly large decrease in the austenite content to 2.3% was found due to the final polishing. A second time applied successive grinding and polishing of all samples resulted in identical austenite content determined by CXMS of approx. 5%, which proved the applicability of the CXMS method. Generally, the result calls attention to the importance of preparation of metallurgical samples by grinding and polishing where the results can vary significantly on the level of surface processing.

The realisation of sophisticated hierarchically patterned multiphase steels has the potential to enable unprecedented properties in engineering components. The present work explores the controlled creation of patterned multiphase steels in which the patterns are defined by two different crystal structures: face centre cubic or fcc (austenite) and body centre cubic or bcc (martensite). These austenite/martensite mesostructures are generated by solid–solid phase transformations during the application of localised laser heat treatments in a Fe-Ni-C alloy. In particular, four patterned configurations are analysed in this work consisting of one or two horizontal austenite line structures imprinted in a base of as-quenched or tempered martensite. Digital image correlation analysis during tensile testing of the developed materials showed that both the strength of the base martensite and the mesostructure at the gauge have a strong effect on the resulting properties. Clear differences were observed among the configurations in strain partitioning, hardening of the different constituents and failure. The uniform elongation and tensile strength are increased with respect to that of the reference martensite and austenite, respectively. Concepts explored in this work can be extended to more complex patterns and other base microstructures, opening novel strategies to engineer properties in steel and other alloys., Team Maria Santofimia Navarro, Team Jilt Sietsma

Austempered ductile irons (ADIs) are used in applications commonly exposed to severe contact conditions, and as a consequence wear damage frequently followed by failure of components. Hence, wear resistance of the material governs the final life time of a component. In the present work, the sliding wear resistance of two ausferritic spheroidal graphite ductile irons ADI1 and ADI2 used commonly in mining and construction equipment was investigated. ADI1 and ADI2 were heat treated to a similar strength, the volume fraction of the carbon-rich austenite in ADI1 and ADI2 was around 30% and 16%, respectively, and they both contained 10 – 13% nodular graphite. The wear tests were performed using a slider-on-flat-surface (SOFS) tribometer. Case-hardened steel plates made of a high strength steel, 22NiCrMo12–F, were used as the counterface. The wear tests were conducted under lubricated sliding contact at normal loads of 50, 100, 200 and 300 N, and at each load level sliding at 100, 200 and 300 m. The friction force between contacting surfaces was continuously monitored during sliding. The lubrication used in the present investigation was a mineral-oil-based paste commonly used in applications where high frictional heating is generated. Wear mechanisms of the tested specimens were investigated by means of optical and scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, and the wear damage was quantified using a 3D-profile optical interferometer. The main wear mechanisms, severe plastic deformation and surface delamination, were discussed concerning test conditions and material properties. The ADI1 grade with the higher volume of carbon-rich austenite displayed better resistance to sliding wear at high normal loads. The higher normal loads promoted larger deformation at and beneath the contact surface and initiated austenite transformation into hard martensite. Thus, it was concluded that the increase of wear resistance in ADI1 was due to the formation of marteniste. On the ot

Austempered ductile irons (ADIs) are used in applications commonly exposed to severe contact conditions, and as a consequence wear damage frequently followed by failure of components. Hence, wear resistance of the material governs the final life time of a component. In the present work, the sliding wear resistance of two ausferritic spheroidal graphite ductile irons ADI1 and ADI2 used commonly in mining and construction equipment was investigated. ADI1 and ADI2 were heat treated to a similar strength, the volume fraction of the carbon-rich austenite in ADI1 and ADI2 was around 30% and 16%, respectively, and they both contained 10 – 13% nodular graphite. The wear tests were performed using a slider-on-flat-surface (SOFS) tribometer. Case-hardened steel plates made of a high strength steel, 22NiCrMo12–F, were used as the counterface. The wear tests were conducted under lubricated sliding contact at normal loads of 50, 100, 200 and 300 N, and at each load level sliding at 100, 200 and 300 m. The friction force between contacting surfaces was continuously monitored during sliding. The lubrication used in the present investigation was a mineral-oil-based paste commonly used in applications where high frictional heating is generated. Wear mechanisms of the tested specimens were investigated by means of optical and scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, and the wear damage was quantified using a 3D-profile optical interferometer. The main wear mechanisms, severe plastic deformation and surface delamination, were discussed concerning test conditions and material properties. The ADI1 grade with the higher volume of carbon-rich austenite displayed better resistance to sliding wear at high normal loads. The higher normal loads promoted larger deformation at and beneath the contact surface and initiated austenite transformation into hard martensite. Thus, it was concluded that the increase of wear resistance in ADI1 was due to the formation of marteniste. On the ot

Low-alloy 42CrMo4 steels were studied by Fe-57 Mossbauer spectroscopy (MS), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) measurements. The investigations were performed on metallographic samples, which were subjected to a series of successive grinding and polishing with a progressively finer grit. Conversion X-ray Mossbauer spectroscopy (CXMS) was used to determine the occurrence of austenite in steel samples. It is a unique method detecting the austenite content very sensitively. Six samples with different surface preparation were investigated, starting with 4.8% of austenite on an as-cut sample, and a large decrease in the retained austenite to 2.6% was observed after the first grinding of a hardened cut sample. Additionally, an unexpectedly large decrease in the austenite content to 2.3% was found due to the final polishing. A second time applied successive grinding and polishing of all samples resulted in identical austenite content determined by CXMS of approx. 5%, which proved the applicability of the CXMS method. Generally, the result calls attention to the importance of preparation of metallurgical samples by grinding and polishing where the results can vary significantly on the level of surface processing.

Three composite bronzes reinforced with steel dendrites from steels of different classes, which perform the function of a bearing surface in sliding friction, are studied. The chemical compositions of the dendrites and of the matrix are determined as a function of the heat treatment of bronze BrZhNOA 12-7-2-1. The fine structure of dendrites in bronze BrZhNKoA 9-4-1-1 is studied and the effect of the aging temperature in the intermetallic reinforcement of the dendrite with composition corresponding to maraging steel N23Yu1 is determined. The type of the crystal lattice of the dendrite is shown to affect substantially the tribological properties of bronze BrZhNKhA 12-9-3-1. © 2022, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

Low-alloy 42CrMo4 steels were studied by Fe-57 Mossbauer spectroscopy (MS), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) measurements. The investigations were performed on metallographic samples, which were subjected to a series of successive grinding and polishing with a progressively finer grit. Conversion X-ray Mossbauer spectroscopy (CXMS) was used to determine the occurrence of austenite in steel samples. It is a unique method detecting the austenite content very sensitively. Six samples with different surface preparation were investigated, starting with 4.8% of austenite on an as-cut sample, and a large decrease in the retained austenite to 2.6% was observed after the first grinding of a hardened cut sample. Additionally, an unexpectedly large decrease in the austenite content to 2.3% was found due to the final polishing. A second time applied successive grinding and polishing of all samples resulted in identical austenite content determined by CXMS of approx. 5%, which proved the applicability of the CXMS method. Generally, the result calls attention to the importance of preparation of metallurgical samples by grinding and polishing where the results can vary significantly on the level of surface processing.

Low-alloy 42CrMo4 steels were studied by Fe-57 Mossbauer spectroscopy (MS), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) measurements. The investigations were performed on metallographic samples, which were subjected to a series of successive grinding and polishing with a progressively finer grit. Conversion X-ray Mossbauer spectroscopy (CXMS) was used to determine the occurrence of austenite in steel samples. It is a unique method detecting the austenite content very sensitively. Six samples with different surface preparation were investigated, starting with 4.8% of austenite on an as-cut sample, and a large decrease in the retained austenite to 2.6% was observed after the first grinding of a hardened cut sample. Additionally, an unexpectedly large decrease in the austenite content to 2.3% was found due to the final polishing. A second time applied successive grinding and polishing of all samples resulted in identical austenite content determined by CXMS of approx. 5%, which proved the applicability of the CXMS method. Generally, the result calls attention to the importance of preparation of metallurgical samples by grinding and polishing where the results can vary significantly on the level of surface processing.

Low-alloy 42CrMo4 steels were studied by Fe-57 Mossbauer spectroscopy (MS), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) measurements. The investigations were performed on metallographic samples, which were subjected to a series of successive grinding and polishing with a progressively finer grit. Conversion X-ray Mossbauer spectroscopy (CXMS) was used to determine the occurrence of austenite in steel samples. It is a unique method detecting the austenite content very sensitively. Six samples with different surface preparation were investigated, starting with 4.8% of austenite on an as-cut sample, and a large decrease in the retained austenite to 2.6% was observed after the first grinding of a hardened cut sample. Additionally, an unexpectedly large decrease in the austenite content to 2.3% was found due to the final polishing. A second time applied successive grinding and polishing of all samples resulted in identical austenite content determined by CXMS of approx. 5%, which proved the applicability of the CXMS method. Generally, the result calls attention to the importance of preparation of metallurgical samples by grinding and polishing where the results can vary significantly on the level of surface processing.

Low-alloy 42CrMo4 steels were studied by Fe-57 Mossbauer spectroscopy (MS), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) measurements. The investigations were performed on metallographic samples, which were subjected to a series of successive grinding and polishing with a progressively finer grit. Conversion X-ray Mossbauer spectroscopy (CXMS) was used to determine the occurrence of austenite in steel samples. It is a unique method detecting the austenite content very sensitively. Six samples with different surface preparation were investigated, starting with 4.8% of austenite on an as-cut sample, and a large decrease in the retained austenite to 2.6% was observed after the first grinding of a hardened cut sample. Additionally, an unexpectedly large decrease in the austenite content to 2.3% was found due to the final polishing. A second time applied successive grinding and polishing of all samples resulted in identical austenite content determined by CXMS of approx. 5%, which proved the applicability of the CXMS method. Generally, the result calls attention to the importance of preparation of metallurgical samples by grinding and polishing where the results can vary significantly on the level of surface processing.

Press Hardened Steels (PHS), with tensile strength in the range 1300 and 1800 MPa, are fundamental elements in the body-in-white of automotive structures. Developed in the late 90’s, the idea of a 22MnB5 blank hardened by austenitization treatment and die quenching made its way to become a breakthrough discovery such as the development of commercial steel Usibor® 1500AS. The simplicity of its alloy design combined with a cost-efficient hot stamping process allow for achieving the technical requirements for anti-intrusion parts during crash. In this work, the chemical composition of a PHS1500 steel has been adjusted by different silicon and aluminium additions to ensure some bainite formation during press hardening process combined with isothermal transformation. This strategy is expected to lead to the formation of different combinations of tempered martensite and/or bainite with different morphologies here examined through a multi-characterization technique approach, including light optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Silicon and aluminium additions allowed the formation of lathlike ferritic microstructures with certain amount of austenite after conventional hot stamping practices. Mechanical properties seem promising in terms of local ductility and fracture strain for automotive applications.

A new methodology is proposed for assessing the integrity of steel structures in a post-fire condition. The work includes a combination of numerical simulations and experimental techniques. A fire that affected the sports centre Els Serradells in Andorra in 2018 is presented as a case study. Flame propagation was characterized using computational fluid dynamics and combustion simulations; the obtained results were compared with the data collected on site, and time-temperature laws that affected the structural elements were determined. These laws enable the numerical characterisation of the heat transfer and temperature in structural members; several tests were conducted afterwards. The numerical results matched the chemical and microstructural alterations observed in steel, which allowed rationalizing reconstruction costs because the intervention was limited to elements with residual deformations. This methodology is expected to help increase the number of buildings that will be refurbished after a fire instead of being demolished and rebuilt., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (published version)

Austempered ductile irons (ADIs) are used in applications commonly exposed to severe contact conditions, and as a consequence wear damage frequently followed by failure of components. Hence, wear resistance of the material governs the final life time of a component. In the present work, the sliding wear resistance of two ausferritic spheroidal graphite ductile irons ADI1 and ADI2 used commonly in mining and construction equipment was investigated. ADI1 and ADI2 were heat treated to a similar strength, the volume fraction of the carbon-rich austenite in ADI1 and ADI2 was around 30% and 16%, respectively, and they both contained 10 – 13% nodular graphite. The wear tests were performed using a slider-on-flat-surface (SOFS) tribometer. Case-hardened steel plates made of a high strength steel, 22NiCrMo12–F, were used as the counterface. The wear tests were conducted under lubricated sliding contact at normal loads of 50, 100, 200 and 300 N, and at each load level sliding at 100, 200 and 300 m. The friction force between contacting surfaces was continuously monitored during sliding. The lubrication used in the present investigation was a mineral-oil-based paste commonly used in applications where high frictional heating is generated. Wear mechanisms of the tested specimens were investigated by means of optical and scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, and the wear damage was quantified using a 3D-profile optical interferometer. The main wear mechanisms, severe plastic deformation and surface delamination, were discussed concerning test conditions and material properties. The ADI1 grade with the higher volume of carbon-rich austenite displayed better resistance to sliding wear at high normal loads. The higher normal loads promoted larger deformation at and beneath the contact surface and initiated austenite transformation into hard martensite. Thus, it was concluded that the increase of wear resistance in ADI1 was due to the formation of marteniste. On the ot

Liquid metal embrittlement (LME) has emerged as a major concern when developing high-strength automotive steels. However, information regarding the impact of initial microstructure on LME severity is limited in the Fe/Zn couple. Specifically, there is no consensus as to which ferritic and austenitic microstructures are more susceptible to LME cracking. The present study aims to examine the LME cracking behavior of fully ferritic and austenitic microstructures under the same thermomechanical conditions. It was shown that the ferritic microstructure has a higher sensitivity to LME crack initiation, whereas the austenitic specimen displayed a much longer average crack length, which indicates higher crack propagation rate than the ferritic specimen. It has been determined that in-situ austenite to ferrite transformations during Zn diffusion, as well as grain boundary segregation of alloying elements such as Cr and Ti, contribute to the LME propagation rate.

The realisation of sophisticated hierarchically patterned multiphase steels has the potential to enable unprecedented properties in engineering components. The present work explores the controlled creation of patterned multiphase steels in which the patterns are defined by two different crystal structures: face centre cubic or fcc (austenite) and body centre cubic or bcc (martensite). These austenite/martensite mesostructures are generated by solid–solid phase transformations during the application of localised laser heat treatments in a Fe-Ni-C alloy. In particular, four patterned configurations are analysed in this work consisting of one or two horizontal austenite line structures imprinted in a base of as-quenched or tempered martensite. Digital image correlation analysis during tensile testing of the developed materials showed that both the strength of the base martensite and the mesostructure at the gauge have a strong effect on the resulting properties. Clear differences were observed among the configurations in strain partitioning, hardening of the different constituents and failure. The uniform elongation and tensile strength are increased with respect to that of the reference martensite and austenite, respectively. Concepts explored in this work can be extended to more complex patterns and other base microstructures, opening novel strategies to engineer properties in steel and other alloys., Team Maria Santofimia Navarro, Team Kevin Rossi

Austempered ductile irons (ADIs) are used in applications commonly exposed to severe contact conditions, and as a consequence wear damage frequently followed by failure of components. Hence, wear resistance of the material governs the final life time of a component. In the present work, the sliding wear resistance of two ausferritic spheroidal graphite ductile irons ADI1 and ADI2 used commonly in mining and construction equipment was investigated. ADI1 and ADI2 were heat treated to a similar strength, the volume fraction of the carbon-rich austenite in ADI1 and ADI2 was around 30% and 16%, respectively, and they both contained 10 – 13% nodular graphite. The wear tests were performed using a slider-on-flat-surface (SOFS) tribometer. Case-hardened steel plates made of a high strength steel, 22NiCrMo12–F, were used as the counterface. The wear tests were conducted under lubricated sliding contact at normal loads of 50, 100, 200 and 300 N, and at each load level sliding at 100, 200 and 300 m. The friction force between contacting surfaces was continuously monitored during sliding. The lubrication used in the present investigation was a mineral-oil-based paste commonly used in applications where high frictional heating is generated. Wear mechanisms of the tested specimens were investigated by means of optical and scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, and the wear damage was quantified using a 3D-profile optical interferometer. The main wear mechanisms, severe plastic deformation and surface delamination, were discussed concerning test conditions and material properties. The ADI1 grade with the higher volume of carbon-rich austenite displayed better resistance to sliding wear at high normal loads. The higher normal loads promoted larger deformation at and beneath the contact surface and initiated austenite transformation into hard martensite. Thus, it was concluded that the increase of wear resistance in ADI1 was due to the formation of marteniste. On the ot

Austempered ductile irons (ADIs) are used in applications commonly exposed to severe contact conditions, and as a consequence wear damage frequently followed by failure of components. Hence, wear resistance of the material governs the final life time of a component. In the present work, the sliding wear resistance of two ausferritic spheroidal graphite ductile irons ADI1 and ADI2 used commonly in mining and construction equipment was investigated. ADI1 and ADI2 were heat treated to a similar strength, the volume fraction of the carbon-rich austenite in ADI1 and ADI2 was around 30% and 16%, respectively, and they both contained 10 – 13% nodular graphite. The wear tests were performed using a slider-on-flat-surface (SOFS) tribometer. Case-hardened steel plates made of a high strength steel, 22NiCrMo12–F, were used as the counterface. The wear tests were conducted under lubricated sliding contact at normal loads of 50, 100, 200 and 300 N, and at each load level sliding at 100, 200 and 300 m. The friction force between contacting surfaces was continuously monitored during sliding. The lubrication used in the present investigation was a mineral-oil-based paste commonly used in applications where high frictional heating is generated. Wear mechanisms of the tested specimens were investigated by means of optical and scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, and the wear damage was quantified using a 3D-profile optical interferometer. The main wear mechanisms, severe plastic deformation and surface delamination, were discussed concerning test conditions and material properties. The ADI1 grade with the higher volume of carbon-rich austenite displayed better resistance to sliding wear at high normal loads. The higher normal loads promoted larger deformation at and beneath the contact surface and initiated austenite transformation into hard martensite. Thus, it was concluded that the increase of wear resistance in ADI1 was due to the formation of marteniste. On the ot

Segregation modelling in multicomponent random alloys within the single-site mean-field approximation is considered. As an example, the surface segregation in austenite Fe70Cr20Ni10 and equimolar Fe20Mn20Co20Cr20Ni20 random fcc alloy towards the (111) facet is calculated using ab initiomultiple scattering technique in the coherent potential approximation (CPA). The results show a very similar trend in both alloys: relatively strong surface segregation of Ni and strong anti-segregation of Cr. However, in the case of Fe70Cr20Ni10, the reversal of the surface enrichment from Ni to Fe is observed at 1750 K, while the surface of FeMnCoCrNi is Ni-rich up to 2500 K., QC 20210121

Computational materials design has made significant progress lately. However, one underexploited opportunity lies in the combination of physically based modelling and machine learning (ML). In the present work we exploit this combination for modelling of strain-induced martensitic phase transformation (SIMT) in austenitic steels. A fully predictive model for SIMT, responsible for the TRIP effect in many steels, is devised. An experimental dataset correlating SIMT with composition, temperature and strain is collected from the open literature firstly. Secondly, the Olson-Cohen model is applied to make physically based predictions on temperature and strain dependence of SIMT in order to expand the database to the final size of 16,500 entries relating the features and the target. Thirdly, ensemble ML methods are applied to model the data and the final model is validated on a holdout dataset, including also dual-phase alloys. The final model provides accurate predictions of SIMT in a temperature range from −196 to 100 °C and from 0 to 1 in strain. The model can readily be extended to consider further factors such as strain rate and stress state. Moreover, it can be used together with thermodynamic and kinetic calculations, or thermomechanical simulations, for the design of steels and components, respectively., QC 20210205

Experimental compositions of composite bronzes reinforced with dendrites from maraging steel 00NiCo9Al1 (BrFeNiCoAl 23-8-3-1), the properties of which can be controlled over a wide range, have been developed. The dispersion of dendrites in these bronzes can only be controlled by the crystallization rate of the corresponding melt. Bronze BrFeNiCrSi 12-7-5-1 reinforced with stainless steel dendrites, always “coated” with a solid (HV > 600) oxide film (Fe, Cr, Si)2O3 which does not adhesively interact with the counterbody—steel C 1%, Cr 1.5%, HRc 45, and this is the supporting friction surface (Charpy–Bochwar). All this provides bronze with extremely high wear resistance −0.001 μm/km, which is an order of magnitude higher than that of known prototypes. An increase in the dispersion of dendrites for all the studied bronzes significantly increases their tribological properties. Heat treatment of castings made of composite bronzes and surfacing is not required. There are no analogues similar to those considered. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

This article presents the result of studies of the influence of modes hardening for structural components of die tool steels. Shown ambiguous influence of high-temperature hardening on the growth of austenite grain will prolong the retained austenite.

This article presents the result of studies of the influence of modes of low-temperature nitrocarburizing on the structure and properties of steel R6M5. Shown the possibility of carrying out a combined technology with nitrocarburizing.

This article presents the result of studies of the influence of modes of low-temperature nitrocarburizing on the structure and properties of steel R6M5. Shown the possibility of carrying out a combined technology with nitrocarburizing.

This article presents the result of studies of the influence of modes hardening for structural components of die tool steels. Shown ambiguous influence of high-temperature hardening on the growth of austenite grain will prolong the retained austenite.

This article presents the result of studies of the influence of modes hardening for structural components of die tool steels. Shown ambiguous influence of high-temperature hardening on the growth of austenite grain will prolong the retained austenite.

This article presents the result of studies of the influence of modes of low-temperature nitrocarburizing on the structure and properties of steel R6M5. Shown the possibility of carrying out a combined technology with nitrocarburizing.

This article presents the result of studies of the influence of modes of low-temperature nitrocarburizing on the structure and properties of steel R6M5. Shown the possibility of carrying out a combined technology with nitrocarburizing.

This article presents the result of studies of the influence of modes hardening for structural components of die tool steels. Shown ambiguous influence of high-temperature hardening on the growth of austenite grain will prolong the retained austenite.

This article presents the result of studies of the influence of modes hardening for structural components of die tool steels. Shown ambiguous influence of high-temperature hardening on the growth of austenite grain will prolong the retained austenite.

This article presents the result of studies of the influence of modes of low-temperature nitrocarburizing on the structure and properties of steel R6M5. Shown the possibility of carrying out a combined technology with nitrocarburizing.

In the present work, a novel medium carbon martensitic stainless steel (MCMSS) with an excellent combination of strength, ductility, and impact toughness was designed on the basis of quenching-tempering and partitioning (Q–T&P) technology. Q–T&P is an identical heat treatment with a standard quenching and tempering (Q–T) process but has the same role with quenching and partitioning (Q&P) on microstructure control, i.e., promoting carbon-rich retained austenite via inhibiting carbide precipitation. Results show that, without compromise on strength, the total elongation and room temperature impact toughness, i.e., 9.6 pct and 90 J cm−2, of the proposed alloy (23Cr13MnSi) increase by 14 and 110 pct, respectively, as compared to those of the commercial AISI 420. The significant improvement of ductility and impact toughness in the proposed alloy is mainly a result of the gradual transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) effects, which are caused by carbon-rich retained austenite with heterogeneous stability and carbide-free martensite formed in the Q–T&P process, QC 20211221

The austenite stability and the mechanical properties in a typical medium Mn grade steel, i.e., 5Mn steel, were investigated under a wide range of strain rates through the combination of experimental and theoretical methodologies. The obtained results indicate that austenite is more stable at a high strain rate, which is due to the suppression of the austenite to martensite transformation. This suppression is attributed to the increased stacking fault energy and the high deformation energy barrier. Moreover, the suppression of martensitic transformation also leads to the decrease in the ultimate tensile strength and the uniform elongation. Owing to the increase in an adiabatic heating temperature, an increase in the uniform elongation is acquired at a high strain rate. The obtained fundamental study results shed light on a wide application of the medium Mn steel under different strain rate conditions., QC 20211221

This article presents the result of studies of the influence of modes hardening for structural components of die tool steels. Shown ambiguous influence of high-temperature hardening on the growth of austenite grain will prolong the retained austenite.

This article presents the result of studies of the influence of modes of low-temperature nitrocarburizing on the structure and properties of steel R6M5. Shown the possibility of carrying out a combined technology with nitrocarburizing.

The austenitic ductile cast iron D5S, used for exhaust manifolds in heavy-duty truck engines, was creep tested at 750 °C in air under constant load with initial stresses of 18.5–50 MPa. Four of the specimens (20–50 MPa) were tested to rupture (22–5476 h) and the remaining one (18.5 MPa) was interrupted in the secondary creep regime after 6494 h. Secondary creep was generally predominant at lower stresses whereas primary and tertiary creep were predominant at higher stresses. The damage was characterized by various types of voids/creep cavities around the graphite nodules which were interlinked by shear cracks upon fracture. The results show that significant amounts of finely dispersed Cr7C3 carbides, larger Fe2Ni2Si particles, and an unknown carbide precipitated during creep exposure. Dislocation substructures which had developed during creep were revealed through EBSD., Not duplicate with DiVA 1502345QC 20210323

A combination of experimental and numerical approaches was applied for constructing a dynamic model for thermomechanical processing, which was used for simulating laboratory rolling and cooling, and for designing a cooling path to enable phase transformation from austenite to ultrafine (~ 50–100 nm) bainitic laths. Physical thermomechanical simulation experiments were used for calibrating the numerical models. Hot rolling and water cooling experiments were conducted and they were numerically simulated. The calibrated numerical models were used for simulating the main processing stages affecting the final microstructure evolution during a laboratory scale processing, i.e. the low temperature (500 °C) ausforming and subsequent cooling schedules leading to the decomposition of austenite into bainite and martensite. The fitted model parameters and simulation results are presented for the laboratory rolling and two different cooling paths: (i) air cooling to 350 °C temperature with subsequent holding for 1–1.5 h, and (ii) water cooling close to martensite start temperature, and furnace holding for 1–1.5 h. Microstructural analysis was carried out using scanning electron microscopy combined with electron backscatter diffraction as well as X-ray diffraction and the structures were corroborated with mechanical properties evaluated in respect of hardness, tensile and impact toughness properties. The achieved mechanical properties and microstructures were further interpreted with the numerical simulation results. The results show that the calibrated numerical simulations provide an effective tool for designing suitable thermomechanical processing paths leading to desired microstructure.

In the past decade, efforts have been focused on developing very fine, medium-carbon bainitic steels via the low-temperature (typically 300–400 °C) ausforming process, which not only enables shorter isothermal holding times for bainitic transformation at low temperatures, but also offers significantly improved strength. This paper describes static recrystallization (SRX) characteristics of austenite in four medium-carbon 2%Mn-1.3%Si-0.7%Cr steels with and without microalloying intended for the development of these steels. The stress-relaxation method on a Gleeble simulator resulted in recrystallization times over a wide range of temperatures, strains and strain rates. Also, the occurrence of precipitation was revealed. Powers of strain (−1.7 to −2.7) and strain rate (−0.21 to −0.28) as well as the apparent activation energies (225–269 kJ/mol) were in the ranges reported in the literature for C-Mn and microalloyed steels with lower Mn and Si contents. The new regression equations established for estimating times for 50% SRX revealed the retardation effects of microalloying and Mo addition showing reasonable fits with the experimental data, whereas the previous model suggested for ordinary microalloyed steels tended to predict clearly shorter times on average than the experimental values for the present coarse-grained steels. The Boratto equation to estimate the non-recrystallization temperature was successfully modified to include the effect of Mo alloying and high silicon concentrations.

The aim of this project is to investigate the microstructure evolution due to tempering of nanobainitic steels and their properties including fatigue properties at elevated service temperatures up to 250°C. Furthermore this project will be the first attempt to evaluate the potential of a new class of steel combining nanostructured bainitic steels with secondary precipitation. This entirely novel approach may indeed lead to a material that combines the excellent and increasingly well-known performances of nanostructured bainitic materials, with an improved potential for use at elevated temperatures. Intrinsic tempering resistance of nanostructured bainitic microstructure will be enhanced by adding secondary precipitating elements to create a new class of steel material with expected exceptional properties for service at moderate temperatures. Indeed, it is hoped that this yet untested combination will lead to an economical yet very high performance material for use at elevated temperatures. In comparison with nanostructured bainitic microstructure also steels with conventional QT matrix will be investigated.

Despite numerous studies making an effort to attain a thorough understanding of the liquid-metal-embrittlement (LME) phenomenon, the metallurgical facet of this catastrophic event remains unclear in iron/zinc (Fe/Zn) systems. While it has been frequently reported that the presence of austenite is an essential prerequisite for LME formation, the present study showed that fully ferritic structure is prone to LME phenomenon and has a high susceptibility to LME-cracking which makes it a novel observation adding to a pool of knowledge regarding LME occurrence. The elemental distribution analysis near the LME crack-tip indicated that liquid Zn was not present which confirmed solid-state grain boundary diffusion was a plausible description of LME-cracking. The occurrence of grain dropout as well as a Zn-containing crack in grain boundary without any branches with other cracks showed that grain boundary sensitization has assisted LME-cracking.

Metastable austenite plays a critical role in achieving improved combinations of high strength and high ductility/toughness in the design of advanced high-strength steels (AHSS). The thermal stability of metastable austenite determines the transformation characteristics of AHSS and thus primarily determines the microstructure evolution during complex processes, e.g., the quenching and partitioning process, to achieve the desirable microstructure. This study provides a review of the thermal stability of austenite and its influence on martensitic transformation from both experimental and theoretical modeling perspectives. From the experimental perspective, factors affecting the thermal stability are analyzed, the relative sensitivities are compared, and their corresponding mechanisms are discussed. From the theoretical modeling perspective, the most representative kinetic models that describe athermal and isothermal martensitic transformation are reviewed. The advantages, shortcomings, and applicability of each model are discussed. The systematic review of both experimental and theoretical aspects reveals critical factors in tailoring the stability of metastable austenite and, therefore, provides guidance for the design of advanced steels.