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Computer-aided design of transformation toughened blast resistant naval hull steels: Part I

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Journal of Computer-Aided Materials Design

Abstract

A systematic approach to computer-aided materials design has formulated a new class of ultratough, weldable secondary hardened plate steels combining new levels of strength and toughness while meeting processability requirements. A theoretical design concept integrated the mechanism of precipitated nickel-stabilized dispersed austenite for transformation toughening in an alloy strengthened by combined precipitation of M2C carbides and BCC copper both at an optimal ∼3 nm particle size for efficient strengthening. This concept was adapted to plate steel design by employing a mixed bainitic/martensitic matrix microstructure produced by air-cooling after solution-treatment and constraining the composition to low carbon content for weldability. With optimized levels of copper and M2C carbide formers based on a quantitative strength model, a required alloy nickel content of 6.5 wt% was predicted for optimal austenite stability for transformation toughening at the desired strength level of 160 ksi (1,100 MPa) yield strength. A relatively high Cu level of 3.65 wt% was employed to allow a carbon limit of 0.05 wt% for good weldability, without causing excessive solidification microsegregation.

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  1. A. Saha

    Present address: Intel Corporation, 2501 NW 229th Avenue, RA3-355, Hillsboro, OR, 97124, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Robert R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science, Northwestern University, 2220 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA

    A. Saha & G. B. Olson

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  1. A. Saha
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  2. G. B. Olson
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Correspondence to A. Saha.

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Saha, A., Olson, G.B. Computer-aided design of transformation toughened blast resistant naval hull steels: Part I. J Computer-Aided Mater Des 14, 177–200 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10820-006-9031-z

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