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Analysis of Microstructure Evolution in Quenching and Partitioning Automotive Sheet Steel

  • Symposium: Austenite Formation and Decomposition IV
  • Published:
Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Extensive research efforts are underway globally to develop new steel microstructure concepts for high-strength sheet products, driven largely by the need for lightweight automotive structures in support of designs to enhance occupant safety and energy efficiency. One promising approach, involving the quenching and partitioning (Q&P) process, was introduced in the predecessor to this paper series, Austenite Formation and Decomposition, 2003.[1] Development of the Q&P process has continued through to the present, and the current status is highlighted in this article, along with some alternative approaches that are also receiving attention. Special emphasis is placed on the synthesis and interpretation of the fundamental phase transformation responses, perspectives related to alloying and processing, and the resulting microstructure and properties. Key mechanistic issues are discussed, including carbide formation and suppression, migration of the martensite/austenite interface, carbon partitioning, and partitioning kinetics.

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Notes

  1. Although the ability to apply the desired thermal process signature consistently raises important issues being considered in industrial scale-up investigations (related to microstructure and property variability), these engineering aspects are not addressed in this article.

  2. Substantial similarities also exist between (one-step) Q&P and some other processes proposed recently such as TRIP-dual,[23] Interrupted quenching plus tempering,[39] and TRIP aided bainitic ferrite.[40] These process variants incorporate a somewhat wider range of responses, including higher process temperatures where martensite formation is deemphasized and austempered carbide-free bainite is the primary constituent.

  3. One might envision that a glissile austenite/martensite interface could have potentially even greater mobility,[54] but this situation has not yet been explored.

  4. The characteristic behaviors in the figure are different than observed in similar work involving bainite transformation, and bainite formation would clearly be accompanied by an increase in the bcc fraction and a decrease in the face-centered cubic fraction.[58]

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Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the sponsors of the Advanced Steel Processing and Products Research Center, an industry/university cooperative research center at the Colorado School of Mines, and the National Science Foundation through award number CMMI-0729114.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Advanced Steel Processing and Products Research Center, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, 80401, USA

    John G. Speer (Professor), E. De Moor (Assistant Professor), K. O. Findley (Assistant Professor) & D. K. Matlock (Professor)

  2. Graduate Institute of Ferrous Technology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Kyungbuk, 790-784, Republic of Korea

    B. C. De Cooman (Professor)

  3. Institute for Materials Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom

    D. V. Edmonds (Professor)

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  1. John G. Speer
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  2. E. De Moor
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Correspondence to John G. Speer.

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Manuscript submitted February 16, 2011.

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Speer, J.G., De Moor, E., Findley, K.O. et al. Analysis of Microstructure Evolution in Quenching and Partitioning Automotive Sheet Steel. Metall Mater Trans A 42, 3591–3601 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11661-011-0869-7

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