Physical Metallurgy II

CAT One
1. Define phase transformation and state the categories of phase transformation.

Phase transformations refer to the transition of matter between solid, liquid, and
gaseous states. They can also occur between different crystal structures or
molecular structures within those states.
Based on
Mass transport (diffusional, diffusionless)
Orders (1st order, 2nd and higher orders)
2. Differentiate between homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation.

Homogeneous nucleation: the new phase forms uniformly within the parent
phase without the presence of any external surface or impurity. This process is
typically more difficult and requires higher supersaturation or undercooling
compared to heterogeneous nucleation.
Heterogeneous nucleation: the new phase forms at the surface of foreign
particles, impurities, or defects present in the parent phase. These surfaces act as
nucleation sites, reducing the energy barrier for nucleation and making the
process more favorable.

3. Why does heterogeneous nucleation have a smaller activation energy/barrier than

homogeneous nucleation?
Any suitable explanation
4. Give three examples of locations in a polycrystalline material where heterogeneous
nucleation would be favoured.

5. Re-derive the nucleation equation for the free energy change for homogeneous
nucleation assuming that the nuclei were cubes of side t, rather than spheres of size r.
 6. What would be the activation energy for nucleation in a system where the interfacial
energy per unit area, between the parent and product phases, is zero?

If the interfacial energy per unit area between the parent and product phases is zero,
the activation energy for nucleation would also be zero. Because there is no energy
barrier for the formation of the new phase, as the new phase can form spontaneously
without the need to overcome any energy barrier related to interfacial energy.

7. Below, the fraction recrystallized–time data for the recrystallization at 600 °C of

previously deformed steel are tabulated. Assuming that the kinetics of this process
obey the Avrami relationship, determine the fraction recrystallized after a total time of
22.8 min.
 8. Discuss the correlation between temperature/undercooling and transformation rates.

Any appropriate explanation is ok.

9. On a TTT, sketch the path to be followed to obtain fine pearlite microstructure for a
Fe-Cementite system
Any sensible sketch will be awarded