Isij International 

About: Isij International is an academic journal published by The Iron and Steel Institute of Japan. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Microstructure & Austenite. It has an ISSN identifier of 0915-1559. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 10073 publications have been published receiving 188284 citations. The journal is also known as: Iron and Steel Institute of Japan international (Online) & Iron and Steel Institute of Japan international.

Supra-Ductile and High-Strength Manganese-TRIP/TWIP Steels for High Energy Absorption Purposes

Abstract: The microstructural properties of advanced high strength and supra-ductile TRIP and TWIP steels with high-manganese concentrations (15 to 25 mass%) and additions of aluminum and silicon (2 to 4mass%) were investigated as a function of temperature (−196 to 400°C) and strain rate (10−4≤e≤103 s−1). Multiple martensitic γfcc (austenie)→ehcpMs (hcp-martensite)→αbccMs (bcc-martensite)-transformations occurred in the TRIP steel when deformed at higher strain rates and ambient temperatures. This mechanism leads to a pronounced strain hardening and high tensile strength (>1 000 MPa) with improved elongations to failure of >50%. The austenitic TWIP steel reveals extensive twin formation when deformed below 150°C at low and high strain rates. Under these conditions extremely high tensile ductility (>80%) and energy absorption is achieved and no brittle fracture transition temperature occurs. The governing microstructural parameter is the stacking fault energy Γfcc of the fcc austenite and the phase stability determined by the Gibbs free energy ΔGγ→e. These factors are strongly influenced by the manganese content and additions of aluminum and silicon.The stacking fault energy Γfcc and the Gibbs free energy G were calculated using the regular solution model. The results show that aluminum increases Γfcc and suppresses the γfcc→ehcpMs transformation, whereas silicon sustains the γfcc→ehcpMs transformation and decreases the stacking fault energy. At the critical value of Γfcc≈25 mJ/mol and for ΔGγ→e>0, the twinning mechanism is favored. At lower stacking fault energy of (Γfcc 0, martensitic phase transformation will be the governing deformation mechanism.The excellent ductility and the enhanced impact properties enable complex deep drawing or stretch forming operations of sheets and the fabrication of crash absorbing frame structures.

Neural Networks in Materials Science

Abstract: There are difficult problems in materials science where the general concepts might be understood but which are not as yet amenable to scientific treatment. We are at the same time told that good engineering has the responsibility to reach objectives in a cost and time-effective way. Any model which deals with only a small part of the required technology is therefore unlikely to be treated with respect. Neural network analysis is a form of regression or classification modelling which can help resolve these difficulties whilst striving for longer term solutions. This paper begins with an introduction to neural networks and contains a review of some applications of the technique in the context of materials science.

Strengthening Mechanisms of Creep Resistant Tempered Martensitic Steel

Abstract: The creep deformation resistance and rupture life of high Cr ferritic steel with a tempered martensitic lath structure are critically reviewed on the basis of experimental data. Special attention is directed to the following three subjects: creep mechanism of the ferritic steel, its alloy design for further strengthening, and loss of its creep rupture strength after long-term use. The high Cr ferritic steel is characterized by its fine subgrain structure with a high density of free dislocations within the subgrains. The dislocation substructure is the most densely distributed obstacle to dislocation motion in the steel. Its recovery controls creep rate and rupture life at elevated temperatures. Improvement of creep strength of the steel requires a fine subgrain structure with a high density of free dislocations. A sufficient number of pinning particles (MX particles in subgrain interior and M 23 C 6 particles on sub-boundaries) are necessary to cancel a large driving force for recovery due to the high dislocation density. Coarsening and agglomeration of the pinning particles have to be delayed by an appropriate alloy design of the steel. Creep rupture strength of the high Cr ferritic steel decreases quickly after long-term use. A significant improvement of creep rupture strength can be achieved if we can prevent the loss of rupture strength. In the steel tempered at high temperature, enhanced recovery of the subgrain structure along grain boundaries is the cause of the premature failure and the consequent loss of rupture strength. However, the scenario is not always applicable. Further studies are needed to solve this important problem of high Cr ferritic steel. MX particles are necessary to retain a fine subgrain structure and to achieve the excellent creep strength of the high Cr ferritic steel. Strengthening mechanism of the MX particles is another important problem left unsolved.

Five Decades of the Zener Equation

Abstract: The Zener equation was first reported by C. S. Smith in 1948 and since then it has become an integral part of any theory which deals with recovery, recrystallization and grain growth in particle-containing materials. Several modifications to the original equation have been made over the past five decades to improve its applicability to more realistic situations. This paper summarises these modifications and discusses which modifications are reasonable and justifiable based on the analytical models and experimental evidence reported in the literature. Several examples of the applications of the equation are provided to describe annealing phenomena in a wide variety of materials. The paper also examines the impact of the equation in the field of materials science and engineering and suggests a direction for its future development.

State of the Art in Evaluation and Control of Steel Cleanliness

Abstract: This paper first reviews the current “state-of-the-art” in the evaluation of steel cleanliness, discussing over 20 different methods. The demand for cleaner steels requires lowering non-metallic oxide inclusions and also controlling their morphology, composition and size distribution. Because no single method can measure all of these aspects accurately, it is best to combine several methods together to quantify steel cleanliness in a given operation. Owing to the cost, time requirements, and sampling difficulties, steel cleanliness is widely inferred using total oxygen, nitrogen pick-up, and other indirect methods. Recent cleanliness values using these indicators are summarized for LCAK at many steel plants around the world. Secondly, this paper reviews operating practices to improve steel cleanliness at the ladle, tundish and continuous caster, emphasizing findings quantified with plant measurements. Inclusions come from many sources, including deoxidation, reoxidation, slag entrapment, refractory wear, and chemical reactions. They generate many defects such as cracks and slivers in the steel product. Steel cleanliness is controlled by attention to a wide range of important operating conditions throughout the steelmaking and casting processes. For ladle operations, FeO and MnO in the slag, ladle treatments, and inclusion modification are discussed. For tundish operations, tundish depth and capacity, casting transitions, refractory lining, tundish flux; gas stirring, and flow controls are discussed. Important transfer operations from ladle to tundish and from tundish to mold, such as argon protection, sealing issues, and SEN clogging are summarized. Caster operations reviewed include the effect of casting speed, fluid flow pattern control, surface level control, and caster curvature.