Steel Design

Abstract

The most modern quality of steel is undoubtedly its great versatility. In spite of the fact that world steel consumption is no longer increasing, the range of available grades lias risen significantly in response to ever more stringent and precise marieet demands. For the potential user, the first step in the steel selection process is to compare the technical properties of the different grades with the characteristics required for the intended application [Ash92], [Ash99], [AshO2] For the steel designer, property combinations can be improved and optimised only by a detailed scientific analysis of the metallurgical mechanisms involved A clear understanding of the underlying phenomena provides the flexibility needed to tailor properties to meet particular needs in a reliable and reproducible manner. However, it is not only the final functional properties of a component that must be considered, but also the ease and cheapness of manufacture, including the cost of raw materials. Recyclability and environmental considerations are also becoming increasingly important. The hest material is the one that meets all these requirements at the lowest total life cost.