Phase Transformations in Steels

The processing-microstructure-property relationships in steels continue to present challenges to researchers because of the complexity of phase transformation reactions and the wide spectrum of microstructures and properties achievable. This major two-volume work summarises the current state of research on phase transformations in steels and its implications for the emergence of new steels with enhanced engineering properties.

Volume 1 reviews fundamentals and diffusion-controlled phase transformations. After a historical overview, chapters in part one discuss fundamental principles of thermodynamics, diffusion and kinetics as well as phase boundary interfaces. Chapters in part two go on to consider ferrite formation, proeutectoid ferrite and cementite transformations, pearlite formation and massive austenite-ferrite phase transformations. Part three discusses the mechanisms of bainite transformations, including carbide-containing and carbide-free bainite. The final part of the book considers additional driving forces for transformation including nucleation and growth during austenite-to-ferrite phase transformations, dynamic strain-induced ferrite transformations (DIST) as well as the effects of magnetic fields and heating rates.

With its distinguished editors and distinguished international team of contributors, the two volumes of Phase transformations in steels is a standard reference for all those researching the properties of steel and developing new steels in such areas as automotive engineering, oil and gas and energy production.

Part I: Fundamentals of phase transformations

Chapter 1: The historical development of phase transformations understanding in ferrous alloys

Abstract:

1.1 Introduction

1.2 The legacy of ferrous technology, characterization, and understanding prior to 1880

1.3 The recognition of ferrous phase transformations in the first period (1880-1925)

1.4 The consolidation of ferrous phase transformations in the second period (1925-1970)

1.5 Conclusion

1.6 Bibliography

Chapter 2: Thermodynamics of phase transformations in steels

Abstract:

2.1 Introduction: the use of thermodynamics in phase transformations

2.2 External and internal variables

2.3 The state of equilibrium

2.4 The combined first and second law - its application

2.5 The calculation of thermodynamic properties and equilibrium under fixed T, P and composition

2.6 Gibbs energy of phases in steel - the Calphad method

2.7 Various kinds of phase diagrams

2.8 Effect of interfaces

2.9 Thermodynamics of fluctuations in equilibrium systems

2.10 Thermodynamics of nucleation

Chapter 3: Fundamentals of diffusion in phase transformations

Abstract:

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Driving forces of simultaneous processes

3.3 Atomistic model of diffusion

3.4 Change to a new frame of reference

3.5 Evaluation of mobilities

3.6 Trapping and transition to diffusionless transformation

3.7 Future trends

3.8 Acknowledgement

Chapter 4: Kinetics of phase transformations in steels

Abstract:

4.1 Introduction

4.2 General kinetic models

4.3 Geometrical/microstructural aspects in kinetics

4.4 Nucleation

4.5 Growth

4.6 Experimental methods

4.7 Industrial relevance

4.8 Acknowledgements

Chapter 5: Structure, energy and migration of phase boundaries in steels

Abstract:

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Atomic structure of phase boundaries

5.3 Free energies of phase boundaries

5.4 Migration of phase boundaries

5.5 Conclusions and future trends

Part II: Diffusion-controlled transformations

Chapter 6: Fundamentals of ferrite formation in steels

Abstract:

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Crystallography

6.3 Transformation ranges

6.4 Nucleation

6.5 Growth

6.6 Conclusions

Chapter 7: Proeutectoid ferrite and cementite transformations in steels

Abstract:

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Temperature-composition range of formation of proeutectoid ferrite and cementite

7.3 The Dubé morphological classification system

7.4 Three-dimensional morphological classifications

7.5 Crystallographic orientation relationships with austenite

7.6 Habit plane, growth direction and interfacial structure of proeutectoid precipitates

7.7 Future trends

7.8 Source of further information and advice

7.9 Acknowledgements

Chapter 8: The formation of pearlite in steels

Abstract:

8.1 Introduction

8.2 An overview of the pearlite reaction

8.3 Crystallographic aspects of the reaction

8.4 The role of alloying elements

8.5 The deformation of pearlite

8.6 Future trends in pearlitic steels

8.7 Sources of further information and advice

8.8 Acknowledgements

Chapter 9: Nature and kinetics of the massive austenite-ferrite phase transformations in steels

Abstract:

9.1 Introduction

9.2 Kinetic information based on thermal analysis

9.3 Modular phase transformation model

9.4 Characteristics of normal and abnormal transformations

9.5 Kinetics of the normal transformation

9.6 Kinetics of the abnormal transformation

9.7 Transition from diffusion-controlled growth to interface-controlled growth

9.8 Transition fro