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1. a) Determine the constants c and n in a sigmoidal equation that describes the rate of
phase transformation in the figure below at 135 oC. b) Determine the activation energy
for the phase transformation from the sigmoidal curves. Hint: the rate of transformation
is the reciprocal of the time required for half of the transformation to occur. Use the
Arrhenius equation. (4 marks)
6.67 x
0.9 ; x 0.92%C
6.67 0.02
4. A steel that is heated until 85% austenite has a carbon content of 1.05%. Estimate the
temperature and the overall carbon content of the steel. (1 mark)
In order for the to contain 1.05%C, the austenitizing temperature must be about 845 oC
(from the tie line). At this temperature:
6.67 x
0.85 ; x 1.893%C
6.67 1.05
5. A steel that is heated until 85% austenite has a carbon content of 0.5%. Estimate the
temperature and the overall carbon content of the steel. (1 mark)
In order for the to contain 0.5%C, the austenitizing temperature must be about 770 oC
(from the tie line). At this temperature:
x 0.01
0.85 ; x 0.43%C
0.5 0.01
6. Compare the interlamellar spacing and the yield strength when a eutectoid steel is
isothermally transformed to pearlite at a) 700 oC and b) 600 oC. Use figures provided in
class. (1 mark, ½ each)
We can find the interlamellar spacing from the figures provided in the class notes (below)
and then use this spacing to find the strength from the additional figure.
a) = 7.5 x 10exp(-5) cm 1/ = 13,333; YS = 200 MPa (29,400 psi)
b) = 1.5 x 10exp(-5) cm 1/ = 66,667; YS = 460 MPa (67,600 psi)
728o C
0.3 - 0.0218
: 0.77%C %M 100% 37.2% HRC 65
0.77 0.0218
790o C
0.3 - 0.02
C %M 100% 84.8% HRC 58
0.35 0.02
Hardness RC
8. A steel microstructure contains 92% martensite and 8% Fe3C where the composition of
the martensite is 1.10%C. Determine the temperature from which the steel was quenched
and the carbon content of the steel. (1 mark)
In order for the (and therefore martensite) to contain 1.10%C, the austenitizing
temperature T = 865 oC. Then:
at T 865o C
6.67 - x
M 0.92 , x 1.55%C
6.67 1.10
1015
6.67 - 0.15
100% 97.8% Fe3C 2.2%
6.67 0
0.77 - 0.15
primary 100% 82.9% pearlite 17.1%
0.77 0.0218
1095
6.67 - 0.95
100% 85.8% Fe 3C 14.2%
6.67 0
0.95 - 0.77
primary Fe 3C 100% 3.1% pearlite 96.9%
6.77 0.77
10. Estimate the AISI-SAE number for steels having the following microstructures, a)
38% pearlite – 62% primary ferrite and b) 97% ferrite – 3% cementite. (2 marks)
11. We wish to produce a martensitic stainless steel containing 17% Cr. Recommend a
carbon content and austenizing temperature that would permit us to obtain 100%
martensite during the quench. What microstructure would be produced if the martensite
were then tempered until the equilibrium phases formed? The Fe-Cr-C phase diagram is
provided below for your assistance. (3 marks)
If the martensite is tempered until equilibrium is reached, the two phases will be
ferrite and M23C6 exists. The M23C6 is typically Cr23C6.
12. You would like to produce a gray cast iron that freezes with no primary austenite or
graphite. If the carbon content in the iron is 3.5%, what percentage of silicon must you
add? (1 mark)
We get neither primary phase when the carbon equivalent (CE) is 4.3%. Thus,
CE = 4.3 = %C + (1/3)%Si = 3.5 + (1/3)%Si or %Si = 2.4
13. What is the primary source (alloying addition) of hardening (strengthening) during
heat-treating of steels? (1 mark)
14. What are the unique characteristics of the martensite transformation? Explain the
significance of each characteristic. (2 marks)
15. What are high-speed tool steels and their main applications? What are hot-work tool
steels and their uses? What are cold-work tool steels and their uses? What are water-
hardening tool steels and their uses? (4 marks)
High speed tools steels are used for high cutting speeds such as drills, mill cutters,
taps and others. Hot-work tool steels are intended to withstand combinations of heat,
pressure, and abrasion associated with shearing, punching or forming of metals during
manufacturing at high temperatures. Cold-work tool steels are those intended for
applications that do not require prolonged or repeated heating in the range above 205-260
o
C. Shock resisting tool steels are those intended for applications requiring toughness
and resistance to shock-loading such as hammers, chisels, punches, driver bits and others.
Water hardening tool steels are shallow hardened and have relatively low resistance to
softening. They are suitable for woodworking tools, hand-metal cutting tools such as taps
and reamers and cutlery.
16. What are stainless steels and the five different types of stainless steels? (2 marks)
Stainless steels are alloys of iron with a minimum addition of 10.5%Cr, which
imparts a passivity and prevents the rusting of the steel. The five types of stainless steels
are ferritic, austenitic, martensitic, duplex and precipitation hardening steels.
17. What is the most significant factor used in the selection of stainless steels, and the
predominant type of stainless steel used in the market? (2 marks)
Stainless steels are used predominantly for their corrosion resistance. Thus,
corrosion resistance rates the highest with their mechanical properties coming second.
The most predominant type is the 304 austenitic stainless steel and selection of stainless
steel starts by considering first if 304 can do the job or not. Other grades are chosen
when 304 needs an upgrade in other properties.
18. What is meant by stabilization and its significance in regards to stainless steels?
What is another method to reduce the sensitization of stainless steels? (2 marks)
19. What is a quick and easy way to differentiate an austenitic stainless steel from a
ferritic, martensitic or duplex stainless steel? (1 mark)
An austenitic stainless steel will not attach a magnet, whereas the others will. An
austenitic stainless steel can also be used in a microwave.