Effect of Thermomechanical Treatment on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AISI 52100 Steel

摘要

The effects of various thermo-mechanical treatments on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AISI 52100 steel have been investigated using a combination of optical and transmission electron microscopy in conjunction with standard mechanical testing. The response of the as-treated material to various hardening and tempering treatments has been determined and compared to that of material processed using a standard commercial technique. The results indicate that the thermo-mechanical treatments examined refine the microstructure and increase the tensile strength of AISI 52100 steel. Using these treatments allows processing of the steel to be accomplished at lower austenitizing temperatures and in shorter times than in currently utilized techniques. Additionally, the degradation of mechanical properties by time at various tempering temperatures is reduced. (Author)