Microstructure evolution of austenite-to-martensite transformation in low-alloy steel via thermodynamically assisted phase-field method

Kaiyang Wang; Zhihao Tian; Hong-Hui Wu; Jiaming Zhu; Shuize Wang; Guilin Wu; Junheng Gao; Haitao Zhao; Chaolei Zhang; Xinping Mao

Journal of Materials Research and Technology (May 2025)

Microstructure evolution of austenite-to-martensite transformation in low-alloy steel via thermodynamically assisted phase-field method

Kaiyang Wang,
Zhihao Tian,
Hong-Hui Wu,
Jiaming Zhu,
Shuize Wang,
Guilin Wu,
Junheng Gao,
Haitao Zhao,
Chaolei Zhang,
Xinping Mao

Affiliations

Kaiyang Wang: Institute for Carbon Neutrality, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
Zhihao Tian: Institute for Carbon Neutrality, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
Hong-Hui Wu: Institute for Carbon Neutrality, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China; Institute of Steel Sustainable Technology, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang, 110004, China; Institute of Materials Intelligent Technology, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang, 110004, China; Corresponding author. Institute for Carbon Neutrality, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China.
Jiaming Zhu: Institute of Materials Intelligent Technology, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang, 110004, China; School of Civil Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, 250061, China; Corresponding author. Institute of Materials Intelligent Technology, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang, 110004, China.
Shuize Wang: Institute for Carbon Neutrality, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China; Institute of Steel Sustainable Technology, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang, 110004, China
Guilin Wu: Institute for Carbon Neutrality, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China; Institute of Steel Sustainable Technology, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang, 110004, China
Junheng Gao: Institute for Carbon Neutrality, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China; Institute of Steel Sustainable Technology, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang, 110004, China
Haitao Zhao: Institute for Carbon Neutrality, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China; Institute of Steel Sustainable Technology, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang, 110004, China
Chaolei Zhang: Institute for Carbon Neutrality, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China; Institute of Steel Sustainable Technology, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang, 110004, China
Xinping Mao: Institute for Carbon Neutrality, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China; Institute of Steel Sustainable Technology, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang, 110004, China

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 36
pp. 1683 – 1689

Abstract

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The austenite-to-martensite phase transformation plays a crucial part in the microstructure evolution of steel, with the morphology and grain size of martensite being key factors that influence the mechanical properties. This study explores the influence of cooling rate, prior austenite grain size (PAGS), and carbon content on the transformation process. Integrating thermodynamic calculation and phase-field modeling, it is observed that increasing the cooling rate from 20.0 °C/s to 40.0 °C/s elevates the martensite start temperature (Ms) from 320 °C to 348 °C, while simultaneously reducing the average martensite grain size from 8.36 μm to 7.79 μm. Reducing the PAGS from 63.08 μm to 31.54 μm hinders martensite nucleation, resulting in a decrease in Ms from 340 °C to 328 °C and a decrease in the average martensite grain size from 8.92 μm to 7.91 μm. Increasing the carbon content from 0.22 wt% to 0.36 wt% causes a reduction in Ms from 380 °C to 348 °C, with the average martensite grain size decreasing from 8.02 μm to 7.79 μm. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the martensitic transformation mechanisms and offer valuable guidance for the optimization of steel microstructures in practical applications.

Published in Journal of Materials Research and Technology

ISSN: 2238-7854 (Print); 2214-0697 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: Netherlands
LCC subjects: Technology: Mining engineering. Metallurgy
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-materials-research-and-technology/

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