Mathematical Modelling of Isothermal Decomposition of Austenite in Steel

Abstract

The main goal of this paper is mathematical modelling and computer simulation of isothermal decomposition of austenite in steel. Mathematical modelling and computer simulation of isothermal decomposition of austenite nowadays is becoming an indispensable tool for the prediction of isothermal heat treatment results of steel. Besides that, the prediction of isothermal decomposition of austenite can be applied for understanding, optimization and control of microstructure composition and mechanical properties of steel. Isothermal decomposition of austenite is physically one of the most complex engineering processes. In this paper, methods for setting the kinetic expressions for prediction of isothermal decomposition of austenite into ferrite, pearlite or bainite were proposed. After that, based on the chemical composition of hypoeutectoid steels, the quantification of the parameters involved in kinetic expressions was performed. The established kinetic equations were applied in the prediction of microstructure composition of hypoeutectoid steels.

Keywords

• mathematical modelling
• computer simulation
• austenite decomposition kinetics
• microstructure transformations