Tshwane University of Technology

Test 4
2021

SUBJECT: Physical Metallurgy

SUBJECT CODE: PHM206B

PAPER NO.:
PAPER DESCRIPTION: Close Book
TOTAL MARKS: 60 FULL MARKS: 60
DURATION: 90 Minutes

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
None
Non-programmable pocket calculators
Scientific calculators ()
Drawing instruments
Other

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES: ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS

NUMBER OF PAGES: 5

QUALIFICATION:

BEng(Tech): Metallurgical Engineering

EXAMINER: Mr. N Malatji

Question 1 [26]

1.1 Identify and write down the reactions of the invariant points occurring in Figure 1. (6)

1.2 Determine the number of degree of freedom in Fe-C system for alloy containing 2 wt.% C
at 1400, 1200, 1000, 800 and 600oC. (10)
1.3 Calculate the relative amount of each phase in terms of (a) mass fraction and (b) volume
fraction for cast iron containing 3 wt.% at 800oC. Make an assumption that the density of
Fe and C remain to be 7.87 and 2.27 g/cm3, respectively, at 800oC. (10)

Question 2 [24]

2.1 Give and discuss a heat treatment procedure (s) that can be carried out to achieve a refined
microstructure and improved hardness for a steel containing 0.4 wt.% of carbon. Also
include the mechanism of strengthening in your discussion. (8)
2.2 Using the hardenability curve, determine the effect of sample size on the hardness of a
material after heat treatment. Also explain the mechanism that is responsible for the heat
treated steel to possess such hardness. (6)
2.3 Identify and explain the heat treatment that can be used to increase the hardness of Al-Cu
alloys. (6)
2.4 What is the difference between martempering and precipitation heat treatments? (4)

Question 3 [10]

3.1 Explain why the presence of refractory elements (such asV, Cr, Mo etc) make it hard for
cast irons to be softened. (4)
3.2 Explain the effect of temperature, time and composition on the penetration depth of carbon
during carburization. (6)
Appendix

Figure 1: Fe-C system

Figure 2: Fe-C phase diagram indicating heat treating temperature ranges for plain carbon
steels.
Figure 3: Hardenability curve

Figure 4: Al-Cu system