Name: Gurpratap Singh

Instructor: Dana Betts

Assignment: 2022 A5
Course code: MATE1100A
Due Date: 20 October, 2022

“This document is my own work and is in accordance with NBCC

Academic Integrity Policy”
MATE 1100A Assignment# A5

Metal Materials and Testing Due: September 20 oct 2022

Mr. Betts Dana Gurpratap Singh

Page 1 of 5

#1 Identify the main phases present, and their characteristics, from the Iron-carbon phase
equilibrium diagram seen in Figure 13-7, as discussed in class.

BCC α Ferrite Pure iron is made up of a body-centered cubic lattice at ambient temperature. It is
known as alpha iron in this state, sometimes known as ferrite, and is soft, ductile, and magnetic.

FCC γ Austenite – Only occurs at 7270C* and is soft and non-magnetic. Alpha iron loses it’s
magnetic but keeps its body-centered crystalline structure at temperatures above roughly 1415°F
(768°C). At around 1670°F (910°C), the crystal structure changes to face-centered cubic, and at
this temperature, alpha iron is converted to gamma iron, the FCC form, and stays nonmagnetic.

Fe3C / Iron Carbide / Cementite – hard and brittle. Each molecule has a crystal lattice structure
made up of several rectangular prisms that grow from a common base structure and cross at 90-
degree angles (Fe3C). Three iron atoms are bound to one carbon atom in each molecule (Fe3C).
The end product is iron carbide, often known as cementite, which is extremely hard and brittle.

Pearlite – layered BCC α Ferrite and Fe3C together depending on the composition of the alloy,
pearlite formation can start at a temperature between 1150°C and 723°C during the gradual
cooling of iron alloys. Typically, ferrite and cementite are combined in a lamellar (alternative
plate) structure (Fe3C)..

#2 Explain in detail, how the microstructure of steel changes to adapt to the increase in carbon
content, using figure 13-8 as the basis of your explanation. Include sketches of each carbon level
and identify the majority and minority phases.

Steel is entirely composed of ferrite when it is carbon-free, but as the carbon concentration rises
to 0.5%, some of the ferrite will be transformed into layers of ferrite and Fe3C, or pearlite, and at
this point the microstructure is primarily composed of ferrite and very little pearlite. All of the
ferrite transforms into pearlite at a carbon level of 0.8%, reaching a saturation threshold when no
more Fe3C can be taken up. As the carbon concentration rises to 1.5%, surplus Fe3C begins to
build at the grain boundaries, and at this point, Pearlite predominates over Fe3C in the
microstructure. Finally, excess Fe3C creates thicker borders and the microstructure when the
carbon content is increased to 3.2%.
MATE 1100A Assignment# A5

Metal Materials and Testing Due: September 20sept 2022

Mr. Betts Dana Gurpratap Singh

Page 2 of 5

#3 Explain, in detail, how alloying atoms can fit into solid solution in most metals.

At the phase transition temperatures, the alloying elements can dissolve into the solid solution in
the majority of metals, and under equilibrium conditions, they can precipitate out of the solution
at the grain boundary when the metal is gently cooled in air. When a material is rapidly
quenched, excess alloying atoms, on the other hand, do not have enough time to go to the grain
boundary under non-equilibrium conditions. As a result, they become stuck and deform the
microstructure into a hard and brittle substance.

#4 What are the three prerequisites for quench hardening to work? Explain each in detail.

The steel should be heated above the austenizing temperature, which is above 727 oC. Below
this temperature, quenching steel would not have the desired effects.

Adequate carbon equivalence: For quenching to be successful, carbon equivalence—the carbon

rating in steel based on carbon content and fractional values of alloys—should be at least 0.6%.
Rapid cooling

rate: To get the desired outcomes, a rapid cooling rate of at least 600oF/sec is necessary; if the
cooling rate is slower, the needed microstructure will not form.
MATE 1100A Assignment# A5

Metal Materials and Testing Due: September 20oct 2022

Mr. Betts Dana Gurpratap Singh

Page 3 of 5

#5 Detail the process, softening mechanisms and resulting structures for tempering. Include a
mini-TTT diagram showing this process.

These are the softening mechanisms in use: certain martensite slowly decays into pearlite
Austenite that has been preserved slowly decays into Pearlite. stress and dislocation re-
crystallization The material that is produced has increased hardness while maintaining its
strength.

#6 Detail the process used in austempering. What will the final microstructure be for this process?
Include a mini-TTT diagram showing these processes.

The steps in the austempering process include austenizing, quenching in high-temperature

molten salts between austenizing and above the Ms line, and holding the material there for a
prolonged period of time to allow it to cross the knee lines. The coarse Bainite microstructure,
which resembles martensite but is actually a BCC composed of ferrite and Fe3C, is the final
microstructure.
MATE 1100A Assignment# A5

Metal Materials and Testing Due: September 20 oct 2022

Mr. Betts Dana Gurpratap Singh

Page 4 of 5

#7 Detail the process, softening mechanisms and resulting microstructures for stress relieving.
Include a mini-TTT diagram showing this process.

The metal must be held at a temperature between 100 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit below
austenitizing for at least an hour before being subjected to a prolonged process of controlled
cooling. These are the softening mechanisms in use: Dislocation movement is possible at long,
slow temperatures. Internal tensions are eliminated through recrystallization. Due to defect and
dislocation movement and partial recrystallization, the microstructure of metal is subsequently
affected, allowing for the removal of the majority of internal stress without totally altering the
phase.

MATE 1100A Assignment# A5

Metal Materials and Testing Due: September 20 oct 2022

Mr. Betts Dana Gurpratap Singh

Page 5 of 5

#8

Detail the process used in, the softening mechanisms of and resulting structures for full
annealing. Include a mini-TTT diagram showing this process

Customizing the metal during full annealing causes a phase transition from any BCC/BCT to
FCC. The metal is then cooled under equilibrium circumstances at a controlled pace of 100oF/hr.
These are the softening mechanisms in use: causes phase change in the metal by austenitizing it
Cooled under equilibrium circumstances at a specified rate. The resultant structure is a layered
BCC—Ferrite and Fe3C pearlite with big grains, softness, and ductility.