Mathematical Model for the Kinetics of the Bainite Reaction in Steels
N. Chester and H. K. D. H. Bhadeshia
Abstract
Steels with a mixed microstructure of allotriomorphic ferrite, bainitic ferrite, retained austenite and martensite have potentially good combinations of high strength and formability. This work
describes a kinetic theory for the formation of bainite in steels where the precipitation of carbides is suppressed. The theory is based on the mechanism of transformation. It includes, for example,
a nucleation model based on the Magee/Olson/Cohen theory for martensite, growth by a diffusionless mechanism in which sheaves of bainite form by the repeated nucleation of sub-units. These latter
platelets grow to a size limited by plastic accommodation of the shape deformation. The theory is compared against experimental data.
Journal de Physique IV, Colloque C5, Vol. 7, 1997, pp. 41-46.