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Problem Sheet #7 ESO205 Tutorial: October 19, 2023

31. For a phase transformation whose kinetics obeys the Avrami equation, the time
exponent is known to have a value of 1.5. (a) If, after 125s, the transformation is 25%
complete, how long (total time) will it take the transformation to go to 90%
completion? (b) Comment on the growth mechanism.

Avrami equation gives the fraction transformed, ( )

Given: at time t1 = 125 seconds, fraction transformed, f1 = 0.25 & at time t2, f2 = 0.90
Therefore,
( ) ( ) ( )
(a) ( )
( ( )
) ( ( )
)

(b) Likely growth mechanism is diffusion controlled (see problem 30 in Problem Sheet #6).

32. Following experimental data was obtained for a phase transformation.

Time (t) Fraction transformed (f)

90 0.01
190 0.2
240 0.48
300 0.78
380 0.98

Does the above data follow the Avrani kinetics? If it does, determine the values of the
Avrami parameters. What could be the likely nucleation and growth rates?

( ) ( ( )) ( ) ( )

x y
time (t) f ln(t) ln(-ln(1-f))
90 0.01 4.4998 -4.6001
190 0.2 5.2470 -1.4999
240 0.48 5.4806 -0.4248
300 0.78 5.7038 0.4148
380 0.98 5.9402 1.3641

Use Excel (as suggested in the lecture), another software or manually:

Best fit line using Excel:
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Slope of the line is the Avrami parameter ‘n’, n = 4.16 (close to 4)

Intercept of the line is ( )

Since, n = 4  nucleation rate is a constant and occurs continuously, and the growth rate
is a constant (ie, velocity of interphase is constant) - (see problem 30 in Problem Sheet #6)

33. By modifying heat-treatment, the same alloy can exhibit dramatically different properties
and can be used for different applications. Transformation diagrams (such as the TTT) are
useful in figuring out appropriate heat-treatment schedule. The TTT diagram for austenite to
pearlite transformation of plain carbon eutectoid steel is given below. Determine the
expected microstructure (wherever possible, estimate amounts of individual phases along
with comment on the properties) obtained for the following heat treatment schedules:

(a) Austenitized at 800oC followed by rapid cooling to 700oC, held for 10s and then
quenched to room temperature.

Holding for 10 seconds at 700oC does not reach the start of the austenite to
pearlite transformation curve. On subsequent quenching will result in 100%
martensite microstructure. The high carbon content (0.8 wt%) along with 100%
martensite structure will result in very hard and brittle steel.

(b) Austenitized at 800oC followed by rapid cooling to 600oC, held for 10s and then
quenched to room temperature.

Holding for 10 seconds at 600oC is sufficient for austenite to transform to 100%

pearlite. The strength will depend on the interlamellar spacing of pearlite.
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(c) Austenitized at 800oC followed by rapid cooling to 400oC, held for 10s and then
quenched to room temperature.

Holding for 10 seconds at 400oC will result in Bainite and subsequent quenching
will lead to the remaining Austenite to transform to Martensite. The
microstructure will be predominantly Martensite and hence it will tend to be hard
but not as brittle as in case (a).

(d) Austenitized at 800oC and rapidly cooled to 400oC, held for 100s and then quenched
to room temperature.

Holding for 100 seconds at 400oC will result in 100% Bainite microstructure. This
structure will display a good strength as well as reasonable ductility.

(e) Austenitized at 800oC followed by quenching to room temperature and then re-
heated to 700oC for 24 hours and air cooled to room temperature.

Quenching from 800oC will result in 100% Martensitic structure. As Martensite is a

metastable phase, re-heating at 700oC for 24 hours will lead to precipitation of
cementite and the formation of ferrite. The final microstructure will be a ferrite
matrix in which spheroidized (or globular) cementite particles are distributed. Such
a structure would have very low strength and hardness.

34. A eutectoid steel is subjected to the following non-isothermal treatment: austenitized at

800oC followed by (i) rapid cooling to 650oC and held for a sufficient time to produce 50%
pearlite, subsequently (ii) cooled to 600oC and held for a time long enough for the remaining
austenite to transform to pearlite. What would be time required at 650oC for producing 50%
pearlite and the minimum additional time required at 600oC for completing the
transformation? Use the TTT diagram given in problem 33.

Apply “additivity principle” as follows:

o
(i) Time required at 650 C for complete transformation = 60 seconds
o
(ii) Time required at 650 C for 50% of austenite to transform to pearlite = 18 seconds
o
(iii) Time required at 600 C for complete transformation = 8 seconds

Let t be the additional time required for completing the transformation at 600oC:
By additivity principle:
( )

The additivity principle can be used to convert TTT diagrams to CCT diagrams.
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35. A thick component made up of a certain alloy steel was given hardening treatment by
quenching. Since the component is thick the rate of cooling varies as function of depth from
the surface. Superimposed on the CCT diagram (given below) are the measured cooling rates
given by thick dashed lines A, B and C, which correspond to the surface, at mid-way between
surface and centre, and at the centre respectively. Describe how the microstructure will
evolve at these three positions.

Cooling rate A:
This is the fastest cooling rate, which completely misses the ferrite, pearlite and
bainite curves resulting in 100% Martensite microstructure.

Cooling rate B:
Completely misses ferrite and pealite curves but intersects the bainite start curve
and probably intersects the 50% bainite curve. Subsequent quenching will lead to
remaining austenite to transform to martensite. Hence the final microstructure
could be 50% Bainite and 50% Martensite.

Cooling rate C:
This is the slowest cooling rate, which intersects the ferrite start curve followed by
intersecting the pearlite start and finish curves. The final microstructure will be
pro-eutectoid ferrite and pearlite.