Effect of 30Â T magnetic field on transformations in a novel bainitic steel

The continuous cooling transformation characteristics of novel bainitic steels have been studied, both under ordinary conditions and whilst subjected to a 30 T magnetic field. The magnetic field has been found to completely change the microstructure obtained, from a mixture of bainite and martensite to one containing an incredibly fine pearlite with an interlamellar spacing of about 50 nm. As a consequence, the pearlite is found to be much harder than any other examples found in the published literature.