Multiphase Structures in Case Hardening Steels following Continuous Cooling

H. Roelofs, S. Hasler, L. Chabbi, U. Urlau, J. Chen and H. K. D. H. Bhadeshia

Abstract

Case hardening steels produced from continuous cooling processes often exhibit a multiphase microstructure. The parameters of the cooling process then define the product properties in cases where no additional annealing treatment is required. However, these steels can be very sensitive to process parameters. To optimise the properties after the cooling process is therefore not a trivial task. Using exclusively experimental methods can be costly in terms of the resources required. Computer modelling helps accelerate the development process. A new mathematical scheme has been applied to estimate the complete microstructure of some traditional multiphase steels following continuous transformation of austenite. The predictions are compared with experimental laboratory-data as well as some industrial scale trials.

New Developments on Metallurgy and Applications of High Strength Steels, Buenos Aires 2008, Argentina (2008).

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