In the present study,a simple but effective two-step annealing processing strategy via manipulating the austenite reversion path is proposed to obtain a large fraction of retained austenite in low-Mn medium-Mn steels....In the present study,a simple but effective two-step annealing processing strategy via manipulating the austenite reversion path is proposed to obtain a large fraction of retained austenite in low-Mn medium-Mn steels.Initially,the Fe-3Mn-0.2C-1.5Si(wt%)steel is intercritically annealed to form Mn-enriched lamellar martensite precursors.Subsequently,the austenite reversion transformation is manipulated to occur within the martensite lamellae during the second annealing process,resulting in an ultra-fine duplex microstructure of laminated austenite and ferrite.This process can not only allow a large fraction of austenite to be retained in low-Mn medium-Mn steels,but also increase the elongation by up to 41%without sacrificing the strength level compared to the conventional annealing.展开更多
In this study, novel reconstruction methods, including grain graph and variant graph, were established to reconstruct parent austenite on the basis of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) data. The evaluation indic...In this study, novel reconstruction methods, including grain graph and variant graph, were established to reconstruct parent austenite on the basis of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) data. The evaluation indicators included boundary identification and variant distribution. Moreover, an innovative variant pair analysis method was proposed. The results indicated that the Kurdjumov-Sachs orientation relationship was the most appropriate because it had the smallest refinement error and deviation. In addition, the variant graph reconstruction was more effective in reducing mis-indexing areas than the grain graph, exhibiting a robust capacity to accurately identify austenite grain boundaries. Additionally, the variant graph reconstruction induced the transformation of variants, variant pairs, close-packed plane (CP) groups, and Bain groups. Moreover, various reconstructed datasets (calc-grain data and EBSD data) affected the distribution of variants. The austenite grains reconstructed from the calc-grain data featured two or more variants clustered within the same region due to the preprocessing (calculating, filtering, and smoothing) of the EBSD data. These variations did not impede the microstructural analysis when consistent original data and reconstruction methods were used. The reconstruction of parent austenite grains holds promise for providing a fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of strengthening and toughening mechanisms in the future.展开更多
How to describe the austenite reverse transformation(ART)has always been considered as a key problem of controlling microstructures and mechanical properties in high-strength steels.So far,numerous studies have been c...How to describe the austenite reverse transformation(ART)has always been considered as a key problem of controlling microstructures and mechanical properties in high-strength steels.So far,numerous studies have been conducted,unfortunately,without fully considering diffusion of elements,interface migration,and interaction between trans-interface diffusion and interface migration,as well as synergy of thermodynamic and kinetic for interfacial migration.A more flexible modeling for the ART is herein developed using thermodynamic extremal principle,where the concept of trans-interface diffusion in two steps,i.e.,from the parent phase to the interface and from the interface to the product phase,as well as the Gibbs energy balance approach,was introduced to predict the behavior of interface migration and element trans-interface diffusion within the migrating interface.Subsequently,the thermodynamic driving force ΔG and the effective kinetic energy barrier Q_(eff) for the ART were also analytically performed,as well as a unified expression for so-called generalized stability(GS).It is demonstrated that the higher driving force in the ART generally results in the increased yield strength,while the larger GS tends to yield improved uniform elongation,thus forming a correspondence between the thermo-kinetics trade-off and the strength-ductility trade-off.Applying a proposed criterion of high ΔG-high GS,the present model can be adopted to design the ART,which will produce the austenite microstructure with high strength and high plasticity,as evidenced by the current experiments.展开更多
Corrosion is an essential issue limiting the application of high-strength low-carbon steel in seawater environment. The impact of retained austenite on its corrosion behavior with immersion experiments and related cor...Corrosion is an essential issue limiting the application of high-strength low-carbon steel in seawater environment. The impact of retained austenite on its corrosion behavior with immersion experiments and related corrosion sensor technology was explored. A model that clarifies the micro-galvanic effect and the heat-induced changes to the shape and composition of retained austenite was used to discuss the findings. The results indicated that retained austenite was generated following an intercritical process and demonstrated approximately 48 mV higher Volta potential than the matrix. The retained austenite content first increased and then decreased with increasing intercritical temperatures, while reaching the maximum value of 8.5% at 660℃. With the increase in retained austenite content, the corrosion rate was increased by up to 32.8% compared to “quenching + tempering” (QT) specimen. The interfaces between the retained austenite and matrix were the priority nucleation sites for corrosion. Moreover, the retained austenite reduced the corrosion resistance of the steel by increasing the micro-galvanic effect and reducing rust layer compactness.展开更多
The microstructural characteristics of austenite in Ti microalloyed steel during continuous casting significantly influence thethermoplasticity,thereby affecting the quality of the slab.In this work,a prediction model...The microstructural characteristics of austenite in Ti microalloyed steel during continuous casting significantly influence thethermoplasticity,thereby affecting the quality of the slab.In this work,a prediction model for two-stage austenite growth under varyingcooling rates was established by incorporating the effect of second-phase pinning and high-temperature ferrite-austenite phase transform-ation and growth theory.The results indicate that with 0.02wt%Ti,the high-temperature ferrite growth exhibits typical parabolic growthcharacteristics.When the Ti content increases to 0.04wt%,the high-temperature ferrite grain boundary migration rate significantly slowsduring the initial solidification stage.The predicted austenite grain sizes for 0.02wt%Ti microalloyed steel at the center,quarter,and sur-face of the slab are 5592,3529,and 1524μm,respectively.For 0.04wt%Ti microalloyed steel,the austenite grain sizes are 4074,2942,and 1179μm at the same positions.The average error is within 5%.As the Ti content increases from 0.02wt% to 0.04wt%,the austenitegrain refinement at the center is most significant,with an average grain size reduction of 27.14%.展开更多
The effects of prior austenite and primary carbides on the mechanical properties of a novel 2.5 GPa grade steel were investigated by treating at various solid-solution temperatures.The ultimate tensile strength and Ch...The effects of prior austenite and primary carbides on the mechanical properties of a novel 2.5 GPa grade steel were investigated by treating at various solid-solution temperatures.The ultimate tensile strength and Charpy U-notch impact energy initially increased and subsequently decreased as the solid-solution temperature rose,while the yield strength consistently decreased.The size of prior austenite grain and martensite block always increased with rising the solid-solution temperature,and austenite grain growth activation energy is 274,969 J/mol.The growth of prior austenite was restricted by primary carbides M6C and MC.The dissolution of the primary carbides not only enhanced solid-solution strengthening and secondary hardening effects but also increased the volume fraction of retained austenite.The increase in the ultimate tensile strength and Charpy U-notch impact energy was primarily attributed to the dissolution of the primary carbides M6C and MC,while the decrease was due to the increase in the size of prior austenite grain and martensite block.Exceptional combination of strength,ductility and toughness with ultimate tensile strength of 2511 MPa,yield strength of 1920 MPa,elongation of 9.5%,reduction of area of 41%and Charpy U-notch impact energy of 19.5 J was obtained when experimental steel was solid-solution treated at 1020℃.展开更多
Hypoeutectoid steel,a crucial metal structural material,is characterized by the coexisting microstructure of ferrite and pearlite.Driven by multiphase competition and multicomponent characteristics,the intricate inter...Hypoeutectoid steel,a crucial metal structural material,is characterized by the coexisting microstructure of ferrite and pearlite.Driven by multiphase competition and multicomponent characteristics,the intricate interplay among its composition,processing conditions,and microstructure substantially complicates the understanding of austenite decomposition kinetics and elemental diffusion mechanisms during phase transformations.The present study explores the effects of cooling rate,prior austenite grain size,and C content on the component distribution and microstructure evolution during the austenite decomposition of hypoeutectoid steels to address the aforementioned complexities.Results of a multiphase field model reveal that an increase in the cooling rate from 1.0 to 7.0℃/s leads to a reduction in the ferrite proportion and fine pearlite lamellae spacing from 52vol% to 22vol% at 400℃ and from 1.01 to 0.67μm at 660℃,respectively.Concurrently,a decreased prior austenite grain size from 25.23 to 8.92μm enhances the phase transformation driving force,resulting in small average grain sizes of pearlite clusters and proeutectoid ferrite.Moreover,increasing the C content from 0.22wt% to 0.37wt% decreases the phase transition temperature from 795 to 750℃ and enhances the proportion of pearlite phases from 27vol%to 61vol% at 500℃,concurrently refining the spacing of pearlite layers from 1.25 to 0.87μm at 600℃.Overall,this work aims to elucidate the complex dynamics governing the microstructural transformations of hypoeutectoid steels,thereby facilitating their wide application across different industrial scenes.展开更多
The continuous growth behavior of austenite grain in 20Cr peritectic steel was analyzed by experiment and theoretical modeling.The peculiar casting experiment with different cooling rates was achieved by multigradient...The continuous growth behavior of austenite grain in 20Cr peritectic steel was analyzed by experiment and theoretical modeling.The peculiar casting experiment with different cooling rates was achieved by multigradient operation scheme,and different morphologies in austenite grain were observed at the target location.The increase in austenite grain size with increasing cooling rate was firstly revealed in steels.The anomalous grain growth theoretically results from the mechanism of peritectic transformation transiting from the diffusional to massive type,and the additional energy storage stimulates the grain boundary migration.A new kinetic model to predict the growth behavior of austenite grain during continuous cooling process was developed,and the energy storage induced by massive type peritectic transformation was novelly taken into account.The parameters in the model were fitted by multiphase field modeling and experimental results.The kinetic model was finally verified by austenite grain size in laboratory test as well as the trial data at different locations in continuously cast bloom.The coarsening behavior of austenite grain during continuous casting was predicted based on the simulated temperature history.It is found that the grain coarsening occurs generally in the mold zone at high temperature for 20Cr steel and then almost levels off in the following process.The austenite finish transformation temperature Tγand primary cooling intensity show great influence on the grain coarsening.As Tγdecreases by 1℃,the austenite grain size decreases by 4μm linearly.However,the variation of Tγagainst heat flux is in a nonlinear relationship,suggesting that low cooling rate is much more harmful for austenite grain coarsening in continuous casting.展开更多
Hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) is one of the most complex material problems that hydrogen can diffuse into and interact with microstructure, degrading their mechanical properties. Microstructural modification is an e...Hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) is one of the most complex material problems that hydrogen can diffuse into and interact with microstructure, degrading their mechanical properties. Microstructural modification is an effective way to enhance the resistance to HIC. The present study focused on the relationship between the retained austenite (RA) and HIC behavior in NiCrMoV/Nb multi-alloying ultra-strength steel. Results demonstrated that the maximum volume fraction of RA of 9.31% was obtained for QL30T specimen. After the deep cryogenic pretreatment, the volume fraction of RA reduced to 8.8%. RA could reduce the effective diffusion coefficient, while deep cryogenic pretreatment increased the susceptibility of the steel to HIC by a maxim of 14.8%. This was mainly due to the transformation of retained austenite into martensite, degrading the mechanical properties under hydrogen-charged condition. In addition, the deep cryogenic pretreatment had a significant effect on the crack initiation and propagation, with the intergranular (IG) fracture becoming the dominant fracture mode where an increase in the number of secondary cracks in the section. The interfaces of RA and matrix, as well as the grain boundaries, were the preferred sites for cracks initiation.展开更多
Cellular microstructure is a unique feature in alloys fabricated by selective laser melting(SLM).Abundant efforts have been made to reveal the formation mechanism of cellular microstructures and its influences on mech...Cellular microstructure is a unique feature in alloys fabricated by selective laser melting(SLM).Abundant efforts have been made to reveal the formation mechanism of cellular microstructures and its influences on mechanical performances,while its potential role in microstructure architecting during post-heat treatment is rarely explored.In this work,we investigated the features of cellular microstructures in an SLM-fabricated 18Ni(300)steel and revealed how this microstructure influences austenite reversion upon aging.Segregation of Ti and Mo is experimentally detected at cell boundaries.It is interestingly found that a distinctive reverted austenite network forms rapidly along cell boundaries during aging,whereas much less austenite is found in conventionally treated 18Ni(300)steels.The rapid austenite reversion in SLM-fabricated material proceeds mainly via the growth of retained austenite on cell boundaries while the nucleation and growth of new austenite grains is negligible.Phase-field simulations suggest austenite grows in a fast,partitionless manner along cell boundaries where the chemical driving force for austen-ite reversion is substantially enhanced by Ti and Mo segregations,but in a sluggish,partitioning manner towards cell interiors.Contrary to conventional views that austenite fraction should be confined to avoid strength reduction,current SLM-fabricated 18Ni(300)steel containing∼13%cellular austenite is found to have higher tensile strength compared to its counterparts with negligible austenite.The design of austen-ite also shows its potential to enhance fracture toughness.The current study demonstrates that cellular structures could substantially alter austenite reversion behavior,providing a new route for microstructure architecting in additively manufactured steels.展开更多
Enhancing the ductility and toughness of advanced high-strength steels is essential for the wide range of promising applications.The retained austenite(RA)is a key phase due to the austenite-to-martensite transformati...Enhancing the ductility and toughness of advanced high-strength steels is essential for the wide range of promising applications.The retained austenite(RA)is a key phase due to the austenite-to-martensite transformation and its transformation-induced plasticity effect.It is commonly accepted that slow RA-to-martensite transformation is beneficial to ductility;therefore,the RA fraction and stability should be carefully controlled.The RA stability is related to its morphology,size,carbon content,neighboring phase and orientation.Importantly,these factors are cross-influenced.It is noteworthy that the influence of RA on ductility and fracture toughness is not consistent because of their difference in stress state.There is no clear relationship between fracture toughness and tensile properties.Thus,it is important to understand the role of RA in toughness.The toughness is enhanced during the RA-to-martensite transformation,while the fracture toughness is decreased due to the formation of fresh and brittle martensite.As a result,the findings regarding to the effect of RA on fracture toughness are conflicting.Further investigations should be conducted in order to fully understand the effects of RA on ductility and fracture toughness,which can optimize the combination of ductility and toughness in AHSSs.展开更多
Understandings of the effect of hot deformation parameters close to the practical production line on grain refinement are crucial for enhancing both the strength and toughness of future rail steels.In this work,the au...Understandings of the effect of hot deformation parameters close to the practical production line on grain refinement are crucial for enhancing both the strength and toughness of future rail steels.In this work,the austenite dynamic recrystallization(DRX)behaviors of a eutectoid pearlite rail steel were studied using a thermo-mechanical simulator with hot deformation parameters frequently employed in rail production lines.The single-pass hot deformation results reveal that the prior austenite grain sizes(PAGSs)for samples with different deformation reductions decrease initially with an increase in deformation temperature.However,once the deformation temperature is beyond a certain threshold,the PAGSs start to increase.It can be attributed to the rise in DRX volume fraction and the increase of DRX grain with deformation temperature,respectively.Three-pass hot deformation results show that the accumulated strain generated in the first and second deformation passes can increase the extent of DRX.In the case of complete DRX,PAGS is predominantly determined by the deformation temperature of the final pass.It suggests a strategic approach during industrial production where part of the deformation reduction in low temperature range can be shifted to the medium temperature range to release rolling mill loads.展开更多
In this work,we proposed a novel Cu/θdual nanoparticles strategy to tailor the austenite characteris-tics of a medium Mn steel via a tempering-annealing process to optimize the mechanical properties.We explored the e...In this work,we proposed a novel Cu/θdual nanoparticles strategy to tailor the austenite characteris-tics of a medium Mn steel via a tempering-annealing process to optimize the mechanical properties.We explored the effects of Cu-rich particles and cementite precipitated in the tempering process on the austenite reversion during the subsequent annealing process.Both experiments and numerical simula-tions verified that the austenite inherited from cementite had a finer size and a higher Mn enrichment compared with the austenite originating from the tempered martensite matrix.In addition,quantitative evaluations revealed that the pinning effect exerted by the Cu-rich particles could significantly hinder theα/γinterface migration and the recrystallized grain growth,thereby further refining the final mi-crostructure.With contributions from the effects of dual nanoprecipitates on the austenite reversion,the heterogeneous austenite grains inherited from varying nucleation sites ensured the sustained and gradual deformation-induced martensite and twinning formation.Therefore,the Cu-added steels subjected to a tempering-annealing process achieved synergetic enhancement of the tensile strength from 1055 MPa to 1250 MPa and elongation from 33%to 45%.This strategy may provide new guidance for the development and alloy design of high-performance medium Mn steels.展开更多
The mechanical properties of the sample and the stability of retained austenite were studied by designing two kinds of ultra-fine bainitic steel with different heat treatment methods austempering above and below Ms(ma...The mechanical properties of the sample and the stability of retained austenite were studied by designing two kinds of ultra-fine bainitic steel with different heat treatment methods austempering above and below Ms(martensite start tem-perature),which were subjected to tensile tests at 20 and 450℃,respectively.The results show that compared to room temperature(20℃)tensile properties,the uniform elongation of the sample at high temperature(450℃)significantly decreased.Specifically,the uniform elongation of the sample austempered above Ms decreased from 8.0%to 3.5%,and the sample austempered below Ms decreased from 10.9%to 3.1%.Additionally,the tensile strength of the sample austempered above Ms significantly decreased(from 1281 to 912 MPa),and the sample austempered below Ms slightly decreased(from 1010 to 974 MPa).This was due to the high carbon content(1.60 wt.%),high mechanical stability,low thermal stability for the retained austenite of the sample austempered below Ms.Besides,the retained austenite decomposed at high temper-atures,the carbon content and transformation driving force were significantly reduced,the transformation rate increased,and the phase transformation content reduced.展开更多
The metastable retained austenite(RA)plays a significant role in the excellent mechanical performance of quenching and partitioning(Q&P)steels,while the volume fraction of RA(V_(RA))is challengeable to directly pr...The metastable retained austenite(RA)plays a significant role in the excellent mechanical performance of quenching and partitioning(Q&P)steels,while the volume fraction of RA(V_(RA))is challengeable to directly predict due to the complicated relationships between the chemical composition and process(like quenching temperature(Qr)).A Gaussian process regression model in machine learning was developed to predict V_(RA),and the model accuracy was further improved by introducing a metallurgical parameter of martensite fraction(fo)to accurately predict V_(RA) in Q&P steels.The developed machine learning model combined with Bayesian global optimization can serve as another selection strategy for the quenching temperature,and this strategy is very effcient as it found the"optimum"Qr with the maximum V_(RA) using only seven consecutive iterations.The benchmark experiment also reveals that the developed machine learning model predicts V_(RA) more accurately than the popular constrained carbon equilibrium thermodynamic model,even better than a thermo-kinetic quenching-partitioning-tempering-local equilibrium model.展开更多
Effects of silicon （Si） content on the stability of retained austenite and temper embrittlement of ultrahigh strength steels were investigated using X-ray diffraction （XRD）,transmission electron microscopy （TEM）...Effects of silicon （Si） content on the stability of retained austenite and temper embrittlement of ultrahigh strength steels were investigated using X-ray diffraction （XRD）,transmission electron microscopy （TEM）,and other experimental methods.The results show that Si can suppress temper embrittlement,improve temper resistance,and hinder the decomposition of retained austenite.Reversed austenite appears gradually with the increase of Si content during tempering.Si has a significant effect on enhancing carbon （C） partitioning and improving the stability of retained austenite.Si and C atoms are mutually exclusive in lath bainite,while they attract each other in austenite.ε-carbides are found in 1.8wt% Si steel tempered at 250℃,and they get coarsened obviously when tempered at 400℃,leading to temper embrittlement.Not ε-carbides but acicular or lath carbides lead to temper embrittlement in 0.4wt% Si steel,which can be inferred as cementites and composite compounds.Temper embrittlement is closely related to the decomposition of retained austenite and the formation of reversed austenite.展开更多
The influence of prior austenite deformed at different temperature on the subsequent continuous cooling bainitic transformation has been investigated in an C-Ma-Cr-Ni-Mo plastic die steel. The results show that the pr...The influence of prior austenite deformed at different temperature on the subsequent continuous cooling bainitic transformation has been investigated in an C-Ma-Cr-Ni-Mo plastic die steel. The results show that the prior deformation in low temperature region of austenite retards significantly the bainitic transformation. For the same continuous cooling schedule, as austenite deformed at lower temperature, the quantity of the classical sheaf-like bainite becomes less. The present results show that severe deformation leads to mechanical stabilization of austenite and causes the difficulty of bainitic ferrite propagation into the austenite.展开更多
The equation which reflects the relationship between the retained austenite and strain has been proposed and clear TRIP can be obtained while the S value (An index of retained austenite stability) is less than 6.5 for...The equation which reflects the relationship between the retained austenite and strain has been proposed and clear TRIP can be obtained while the S value (An index of retained austenite stability) is less than 6.5 for Silicon-Manganese TRIP steel展开更多
The effect of multi-step tempering on retained austenite content and mechanical properties of low alloy steel used in the forged cold back-up roll was investigated.Microstructural evolutions were characterized by opti...The effect of multi-step tempering on retained austenite content and mechanical properties of low alloy steel used in the forged cold back-up roll was investigated.Microstructural evolutions were characterized by optical microscope,X-ray diffraction,scanning electron microscope and Feritscope,while the mechanical properties were determined by hardness and tensile tests.The results revealed that the content of retained austenite decreased by about 2% after multi-step tempering.However,the content of retained austenite increased from 3.6% to 5.1% by increasing multi-step tempering temperature.The hardness and tensile strength increased as the austenitization temperature changed from 800 to 920 ℃,while above 920 ℃,hardness and tensile strength decreased.In addition,the maximum values of hardness,ultimate and yield strength were obtained via triple tempering at 520 ℃,while beyond 520 ℃,the hardness,ultimate and yield strength decreased sharply.展开更多
The austenitizing temperature controls the carbon content of the austenite which,in turn,influences the structure and properties of cast irons after subsequent cooling to room temperature.In this paper,for a cast iron...The austenitizing temperature controls the carbon content of the austenite which,in turn,influences the structure and properties of cast irons after subsequent cooling to room temperature.In this paper,for a cast iron with known silicon content,a formula of calculating austenite carbon content at a certain austenitizing temperature was developed.This relationship can be used to more accurately select carbon content of austenite or austenitizing temperature to produce desired properties after subsequent cooling to room temperature.展开更多
基金support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.52321001 and 52071322).
文摘In the present study,a simple but effective two-step annealing processing strategy via manipulating the austenite reversion path is proposed to obtain a large fraction of retained austenite in low-Mn medium-Mn steels.Initially,the Fe-3Mn-0.2C-1.5Si(wt%)steel is intercritically annealed to form Mn-enriched lamellar martensite precursors.Subsequently,the austenite reversion transformation is manipulated to occur within the martensite lamellae during the second annealing process,resulting in an ultra-fine duplex microstructure of laminated austenite and ferrite.This process can not only allow a large fraction of austenite to be retained in low-Mn medium-Mn steels,but also increase the elongation by up to 41%without sacrificing the strength level compared to the conventional annealing.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.52325406,52374331,and U1960203)the Program of Introducing Talents of Discipline to Universities(Grant No.B21001).
文摘In this study, novel reconstruction methods, including grain graph and variant graph, were established to reconstruct parent austenite on the basis of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) data. The evaluation indicators included boundary identification and variant distribution. Moreover, an innovative variant pair analysis method was proposed. The results indicated that the Kurdjumov-Sachs orientation relationship was the most appropriate because it had the smallest refinement error and deviation. In addition, the variant graph reconstruction was more effective in reducing mis-indexing areas than the grain graph, exhibiting a robust capacity to accurately identify austenite grain boundaries. Additionally, the variant graph reconstruction induced the transformation of variants, variant pairs, close-packed plane (CP) groups, and Bain groups. Moreover, various reconstructed datasets (calc-grain data and EBSD data) affected the distribution of variants. The austenite grains reconstructed from the calc-grain data featured two or more variants clustered within the same region due to the preprocessing (calculating, filtering, and smoothing) of the EBSD data. These variations did not impede the microstructural analysis when consistent original data and reconstruction methods were used. The reconstruction of parent austenite grains holds promise for providing a fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of strengthening and toughening mechanisms in the future.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52130110,52271116,52431002)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.D5000220052)the Aeronautical Science Foundation of China(2023Z053053003).
文摘How to describe the austenite reverse transformation(ART)has always been considered as a key problem of controlling microstructures and mechanical properties in high-strength steels.So far,numerous studies have been conducted,unfortunately,without fully considering diffusion of elements,interface migration,and interaction between trans-interface diffusion and interface migration,as well as synergy of thermodynamic and kinetic for interfacial migration.A more flexible modeling for the ART is herein developed using thermodynamic extremal principle,where the concept of trans-interface diffusion in two steps,i.e.,from the parent phase to the interface and from the interface to the product phase,as well as the Gibbs energy balance approach,was introduced to predict the behavior of interface migration and element trans-interface diffusion within the migrating interface.Subsequently,the thermodynamic driving force ΔG and the effective kinetic energy barrier Q_(eff) for the ART were also analytically performed,as well as a unified expression for so-called generalized stability(GS).It is demonstrated that the higher driving force in the ART generally results in the increased yield strength,while the larger GS tends to yield improved uniform elongation,thus forming a correspondence between the thermo-kinetics trade-off and the strength-ductility trade-off.Applying a proposed criterion of high ΔG-high GS,the present model can be adopted to design the ART,which will produce the austenite microstructure with high strength and high plasticity,as evidenced by the current experiments.
文摘Corrosion is an essential issue limiting the application of high-strength low-carbon steel in seawater environment. The impact of retained austenite on its corrosion behavior with immersion experiments and related corrosion sensor technology was explored. A model that clarifies the micro-galvanic effect and the heat-induced changes to the shape and composition of retained austenite was used to discuss the findings. The results indicated that retained austenite was generated following an intercritical process and demonstrated approximately 48 mV higher Volta potential than the matrix. The retained austenite content first increased and then decreased with increasing intercritical temperatures, while reaching the maximum value of 8.5% at 660℃. With the increase in retained austenite content, the corrosion rate was increased by up to 32.8% compared to “quenching + tempering” (QT) specimen. The interfaces between the retained austenite and matrix were the priority nucleation sites for corrosion. Moreover, the retained austenite reduced the corrosion resistance of the steel by increasing the micro-galvanic effect and reducing rust layer compactness.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52474355)the Liaoning Province Science and Technology Plan Joint Program(Key Research and Development Program Project,Nos.2022JH25/10200003 and 2023JH2/101800058)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Nos.N25YJS003 and N25DCG006)。
文摘The microstructural characteristics of austenite in Ti microalloyed steel during continuous casting significantly influence thethermoplasticity,thereby affecting the quality of the slab.In this work,a prediction model for two-stage austenite growth under varyingcooling rates was established by incorporating the effect of second-phase pinning and high-temperature ferrite-austenite phase transform-ation and growth theory.The results indicate that with 0.02wt%Ti,the high-temperature ferrite growth exhibits typical parabolic growthcharacteristics.When the Ti content increases to 0.04wt%,the high-temperature ferrite grain boundary migration rate significantly slowsduring the initial solidification stage.The predicted austenite grain sizes for 0.02wt%Ti microalloyed steel at the center,quarter,and sur-face of the slab are 5592,3529,and 1524μm,respectively.For 0.04wt%Ti microalloyed steel,the austenite grain sizes are 4074,2942,and 1179μm at the same positions.The average error is within 5%.As the Ti content increases from 0.02wt% to 0.04wt%,the austenitegrain refinement at the center is most significant,with an average grain size reduction of 27.14%.
基金supported financially by National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2022YFB3705200)Heilongjiang Province's Key Technology Project:‘Leading the Charge with Open Competition’(No.2023ZXJ04A02)Youth Program of CISRI Funding under Grant(No.S-23T60190B).
文摘The effects of prior austenite and primary carbides on the mechanical properties of a novel 2.5 GPa grade steel were investigated by treating at various solid-solution temperatures.The ultimate tensile strength and Charpy U-notch impact energy initially increased and subsequently decreased as the solid-solution temperature rose,while the yield strength consistently decreased.The size of prior austenite grain and martensite block always increased with rising the solid-solution temperature,and austenite grain growth activation energy is 274,969 J/mol.The growth of prior austenite was restricted by primary carbides M6C and MC.The dissolution of the primary carbides not only enhanced solid-solution strengthening and secondary hardening effects but also increased the volume fraction of retained austenite.The increase in the ultimate tensile strength and Charpy U-notch impact energy was primarily attributed to the dissolution of the primary carbides M6C and MC,while the decrease was due to the increase in the size of prior austenite grain and martensite block.Exceptional combination of strength,ductility and toughness with ultimate tensile strength of 2511 MPa,yield strength of 1920 MPa,elongation of 9.5%,reduction of area of 41%and Charpy U-notch impact energy of 19.5 J was obtained when experimental steel was solid-solution treated at 1020℃.
基金financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2021YFB3702401)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52122408 and 52071023)+1 种基金financial support from the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,China(University of Science and Technology Beijing(USTB),Nos.FRF-TP-202104C1 and 06500135)supported by USTB Mat Com of Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering。
文摘Hypoeutectoid steel,a crucial metal structural material,is characterized by the coexisting microstructure of ferrite and pearlite.Driven by multiphase competition and multicomponent characteristics,the intricate interplay among its composition,processing conditions,and microstructure substantially complicates the understanding of austenite decomposition kinetics and elemental diffusion mechanisms during phase transformations.The present study explores the effects of cooling rate,prior austenite grain size,and C content on the component distribution and microstructure evolution during the austenite decomposition of hypoeutectoid steels to address the aforementioned complexities.Results of a multiphase field model reveal that an increase in the cooling rate from 1.0 to 7.0℃/s leads to a reduction in the ferrite proportion and fine pearlite lamellae spacing from 52vol% to 22vol% at 400℃ and from 1.01 to 0.67μm at 660℃,respectively.Concurrently,a decreased prior austenite grain size from 25.23 to 8.92μm enhances the phase transformation driving force,resulting in small average grain sizes of pearlite clusters and proeutectoid ferrite.Moreover,increasing the C content from 0.22wt% to 0.37wt% decreases the phase transition temperature from 795 to 750℃ and enhances the proportion of pearlite phases from 27vol%to 61vol% at 500℃,concurrently refining the spacing of pearlite layers from 1.25 to 0.87μm at 600℃.Overall,this work aims to elucidate the complex dynamics governing the microstructural transformations of hypoeutectoid steels,thereby facilitating their wide application across different industrial scenes.
基金supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.FRF-TP-19-017A3)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51874026).
文摘The continuous growth behavior of austenite grain in 20Cr peritectic steel was analyzed by experiment and theoretical modeling.The peculiar casting experiment with different cooling rates was achieved by multigradient operation scheme,and different morphologies in austenite grain were observed at the target location.The increase in austenite grain size with increasing cooling rate was firstly revealed in steels.The anomalous grain growth theoretically results from the mechanism of peritectic transformation transiting from the diffusional to massive type,and the additional energy storage stimulates the grain boundary migration.A new kinetic model to predict the growth behavior of austenite grain during continuous cooling process was developed,and the energy storage induced by massive type peritectic transformation was novelly taken into account.The parameters in the model were fitted by multiphase field modeling and experimental results.The kinetic model was finally verified by austenite grain size in laboratory test as well as the trial data at different locations in continuously cast bloom.The coarsening behavior of austenite grain during continuous casting was predicted based on the simulated temperature history.It is found that the grain coarsening occurs generally in the mold zone at high temperature for 20Cr steel and then almost levels off in the following process.The austenite finish transformation temperature Tγand primary cooling intensity show great influence on the grain coarsening.As Tγdecreases by 1℃,the austenite grain size decreases by 4μm linearly.However,the variation of Tγagainst heat flux is in a nonlinear relationship,suggesting that low cooling rate is much more harmful for austenite grain coarsening in continuous casting.
文摘Hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) is one of the most complex material problems that hydrogen can diffuse into and interact with microstructure, degrading their mechanical properties. Microstructural modification is an effective way to enhance the resistance to HIC. The present study focused on the relationship between the retained austenite (RA) and HIC behavior in NiCrMoV/Nb multi-alloying ultra-strength steel. Results demonstrated that the maximum volume fraction of RA of 9.31% was obtained for QL30T specimen. After the deep cryogenic pretreatment, the volume fraction of RA reduced to 8.8%. RA could reduce the effective diffusion coefficient, while deep cryogenic pretreatment increased the susceptibility of the steel to HIC by a maxim of 14.8%. This was mainly due to the transformation of retained austenite into martensite, degrading the mechanical properties under hydrogen-charged condition. In addition, the deep cryogenic pretreatment had a significant effect on the crack initiation and propagation, with the intergranular (IG) fracture becoming the dominant fracture mode where an increase in the number of secondary cracks in the section. The interfaces of RA and matrix, as well as the grain boundaries, were the preferred sites for cracks initiation.
基金the National Key R&D program of China(Grant Nos.2022YFB3705200 and 2021YFB3702301)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.52171008)+2 种基金the National Key R&D program of China(Grant No.2022YFE0110800)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grants Nos.51922054 and U1808208)the Mobility Programme from the Sino-German Center(Grant No.M-0319).
文摘Cellular microstructure is a unique feature in alloys fabricated by selective laser melting(SLM).Abundant efforts have been made to reveal the formation mechanism of cellular microstructures and its influences on mechanical performances,while its potential role in microstructure architecting during post-heat treatment is rarely explored.In this work,we investigated the features of cellular microstructures in an SLM-fabricated 18Ni(300)steel and revealed how this microstructure influences austenite reversion upon aging.Segregation of Ti and Mo is experimentally detected at cell boundaries.It is interestingly found that a distinctive reverted austenite network forms rapidly along cell boundaries during aging,whereas much less austenite is found in conventionally treated 18Ni(300)steels.The rapid austenite reversion in SLM-fabricated material proceeds mainly via the growth of retained austenite on cell boundaries while the nucleation and growth of new austenite grains is negligible.Phase-field simulations suggest austenite grows in a fast,partitionless manner along cell boundaries where the chemical driving force for austen-ite reversion is substantially enhanced by Ti and Mo segregations,but in a sluggish,partitioning manner towards cell interiors.Contrary to conventional views that austenite fraction should be confined to avoid strength reduction,current SLM-fabricated 18Ni(300)steel containing∼13%cellular austenite is found to have higher tensile strength compared to its counterparts with negligible austenite.The design of austen-ite also shows its potential to enhance fracture toughness.The current study demonstrates that cellular structures could substantially alter austenite reversion behavior,providing a new route for microstructure architecting in additively manufactured steels.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52271004 and 51901021).
文摘Enhancing the ductility and toughness of advanced high-strength steels is essential for the wide range of promising applications.The retained austenite(RA)is a key phase due to the austenite-to-martensite transformation and its transformation-induced plasticity effect.It is commonly accepted that slow RA-to-martensite transformation is beneficial to ductility;therefore,the RA fraction and stability should be carefully controlled.The RA stability is related to its morphology,size,carbon content,neighboring phase and orientation.Importantly,these factors are cross-influenced.It is noteworthy that the influence of RA on ductility and fracture toughness is not consistent because of their difference in stress state.There is no clear relationship between fracture toughness and tensile properties.Thus,it is important to understand the role of RA in toughness.The toughness is enhanced during the RA-to-martensite transformation,while the fracture toughness is decreased due to the formation of fresh and brittle martensite.As a result,the findings regarding to the effect of RA on fracture toughness are conflicting.Further investigations should be conducted in order to fully understand the effects of RA on ductility and fracture toughness,which can optimize the combination of ductility and toughness in AHSSs.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52293395 and 52293393)the Xiongan Science and Technology Innovation Talent Project of MOST,China(No.2022XACX0500)。
文摘Understandings of the effect of hot deformation parameters close to the practical production line on grain refinement are crucial for enhancing both the strength and toughness of future rail steels.In this work,the austenite dynamic recrystallization(DRX)behaviors of a eutectoid pearlite rail steel were studied using a thermo-mechanical simulator with hot deformation parameters frequently employed in rail production lines.The single-pass hot deformation results reveal that the prior austenite grain sizes(PAGSs)for samples with different deformation reductions decrease initially with an increase in deformation temperature.However,once the deformation temperature is beyond a certain threshold,the PAGSs start to increase.It can be attributed to the rise in DRX volume fraction and the increase of DRX grain with deformation temperature,respectively.Three-pass hot deformation results show that the accumulated strain generated in the first and second deformation passes can increase the extent of DRX.In the case of complete DRX,PAGS is predominantly determined by the deformation temperature of the final pass.It suggests a strategic approach during industrial production where part of the deformation reduction in low temperature range can be shifted to the medium temperature range to release rolling mill loads.
基金support received from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.U1964204).
文摘In this work,we proposed a novel Cu/θdual nanoparticles strategy to tailor the austenite characteris-tics of a medium Mn steel via a tempering-annealing process to optimize the mechanical properties.We explored the effects of Cu-rich particles and cementite precipitated in the tempering process on the austenite reversion during the subsequent annealing process.Both experiments and numerical simula-tions verified that the austenite inherited from cementite had a finer size and a higher Mn enrichment compared with the austenite originating from the tempered martensite matrix.In addition,quantitative evaluations revealed that the pinning effect exerted by the Cu-rich particles could significantly hinder theα/γinterface migration and the recrystallized grain growth,thereby further refining the final mi-crostructure.With contributions from the effects of dual nanoprecipitates on the austenite reversion,the heterogeneous austenite grains inherited from varying nucleation sites ensured the sustained and gradual deformation-induced martensite and twinning formation.Therefore,the Cu-added steels subjected to a tempering-annealing process achieved synergetic enhancement of the tensile strength from 1055 MPa to 1250 MPa and elongation from 33%to 45%.This strategy may provide new guidance for the development and alloy design of high-performance medium Mn steels.
基金The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52071238)Leading Innovation and Entrepreneurship Team in Zhejiang Province(2021R01020)+2 种基金the Key Research and Development Program of Hubei Province(2021BAA057)Science and Technology Program of Guangxi Province(AA22068080)the 111 Project.
文摘The mechanical properties of the sample and the stability of retained austenite were studied by designing two kinds of ultra-fine bainitic steel with different heat treatment methods austempering above and below Ms(martensite start tem-perature),which were subjected to tensile tests at 20 and 450℃,respectively.The results show that compared to room temperature(20℃)tensile properties,the uniform elongation of the sample at high temperature(450℃)significantly decreased.Specifically,the uniform elongation of the sample austempered above Ms decreased from 8.0%to 3.5%,and the sample austempered below Ms decreased from 10.9%to 3.1%.Additionally,the tensile strength of the sample austempered above Ms significantly decreased(from 1281 to 912 MPa),and the sample austempered below Ms slightly decreased(from 1010 to 974 MPa).This was due to the high carbon content(1.60 wt.%),high mechanical stability,low thermal stability for the retained austenite of the sample austempered below Ms.Besides,the retained austenite decomposed at high temper-atures,the carbon content and transformation driving force were significantly reduced,the transformation rate increased,and the phase transformation content reduced.
基金The authors acknowledge financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.51771114 and 51371117).
文摘The metastable retained austenite(RA)plays a significant role in the excellent mechanical performance of quenching and partitioning(Q&P)steels,while the volume fraction of RA(V_(RA))is challengeable to directly predict due to the complicated relationships between the chemical composition and process(like quenching temperature(Qr)).A Gaussian process regression model in machine learning was developed to predict V_(RA),and the model accuracy was further improved by introducing a metallurgical parameter of martensite fraction(fo)to accurately predict V_(RA) in Q&P steels.The developed machine learning model combined with Bayesian global optimization can serve as another selection strategy for the quenching temperature,and this strategy is very effcient as it found the"optimum"Qr with the maximum V_(RA) using only seven consecutive iterations.The benchmark experiment also reveals that the developed machine learning model predicts V_(RA) more accurately than the popular constrained carbon equilibrium thermodynamic model,even better than a thermo-kinetic quenching-partitioning-tempering-local equilibrium model.
基金supported by the Project of Scientific and Technical Supporting Program of China during the 11th Five-Year Plan(No.2006BAE03A06)
文摘Effects of silicon （Si） content on the stability of retained austenite and temper embrittlement of ultrahigh strength steels were investigated using X-ray diffraction （XRD）,transmission electron microscopy （TEM）,and other experimental methods.The results show that Si can suppress temper embrittlement,improve temper resistance,and hinder the decomposition of retained austenite.Reversed austenite appears gradually with the increase of Si content during tempering.Si has a significant effect on enhancing carbon （C） partitioning and improving the stability of retained austenite.Si and C atoms are mutually exclusive in lath bainite,while they attract each other in austenite.ε-carbides are found in 1.8wt% Si steel tempered at 250℃,and they get coarsened obviously when tempered at 400℃,leading to temper embrittlement.Not ε-carbides but acicular or lath carbides lead to temper embrittlement in 0.4wt% Si steel,which can be inferred as cementites and composite compounds.Temper embrittlement is closely related to the decomposition of retained austenite and the formation of reversed austenite.
文摘The influence of prior austenite deformed at different temperature on the subsequent continuous cooling bainitic transformation has been investigated in an C-Ma-Cr-Ni-Mo plastic die steel. The results show that the prior deformation in low temperature region of austenite retards significantly the bainitic transformation. For the same continuous cooling schedule, as austenite deformed at lower temperature, the quantity of the classical sheaf-like bainite becomes less. The present results show that severe deformation leads to mechanical stabilization of austenite and causes the difficulty of bainitic ferrite propagation into the austenite.
文摘The equation which reflects the relationship between the retained austenite and strain has been proposed and clear TRIP can be obtained while the S value (An index of retained austenite stability) is less than 6.5 for Silicon-Manganese TRIP steel
文摘The effect of multi-step tempering on retained austenite content and mechanical properties of low alloy steel used in the forged cold back-up roll was investigated.Microstructural evolutions were characterized by optical microscope,X-ray diffraction,scanning electron microscope and Feritscope,while the mechanical properties were determined by hardness and tensile tests.The results revealed that the content of retained austenite decreased by about 2% after multi-step tempering.However,the content of retained austenite increased from 3.6% to 5.1% by increasing multi-step tempering temperature.The hardness and tensile strength increased as the austenitization temperature changed from 800 to 920 ℃,while above 920 ℃,hardness and tensile strength decreased.In addition,the maximum values of hardness,ultimate and yield strength were obtained via triple tempering at 520 ℃,while beyond 520 ℃,the hardness,ultimate and yield strength decreased sharply.
基金supported by the scientific and technological project of China Textile Industry Association
文摘The austenitizing temperature controls the carbon content of the austenite which,in turn,influences the structure and properties of cast irons after subsequent cooling to room temperature.In this paper,for a cast iron with known silicon content,a formula of calculating austenite carbon content at a certain austenitizing temperature was developed.This relationship can be used to more accurately select carbon content of austenite or austenitizing temperature to produce desired properties after subsequent cooling to room temperature.
