A new approach to quantitative analysis of bainitic transformation in a superbainite steel

In situ observation of bainitic nucleation and growth in a superbainite steel was conducted by high-temperature laser scanning confocal microscopy. The morphological development of bainite transformation was directly observed. Moreover, thermal simulation tests were carried out in which bainite transformation was recorded by dilatometry. The bainite transformation process of a superbainite steel was quantitatively analyzed by a new approach that combines laser scanning confocal microscopy and dilatometry in a thermal-mechanical simulator.