Computer-aided composition-treatment-structure-property correlation studies in steels

Abstract

Internal structure of materials uniquely decides their properties. The structure is a complicated function of composition and thermal and/or mechanical treatment. Inter-relation is so complex that a highly generalized correlation is very difficult. Steel is a very good example to illustrate this complexity. Advent of mini- and microcomputers have now paved way for handling such multiparametric problems in a more rational way, with greater ease and increased confidence. This paper is an attempt to develop a computer software which will assist the user in three different ways: (a) to determine the treatments that will generate a desired structure, when compositions are known; (b) to determine composition limits within which desired structure will result having defined the treatments, and (c) to predict structures that can be generated when composition and treatments are limited. This program has immense utility of (i) best use of available inventory, (ii) reduction of standards, varieties and inventory and (iii) most importantly to decide the best purchase based on treatment limitations in the shop. A large data bank is being built to support the program.