Direct observation of deformation in semi-solid carbon steel

The dynamics of globule motion are studied in situ during the deformation of globular semi-solid steel (Fe–2C–0.9Mn–0.5Si in mass%). Samples with globular morphology and 55–65% effective solid fraction were deformed in direct shear at a shear rate of ∼10−3 s−1 during time-resolved synchrotron X-ray imaging. Globule rearrangement involving dilation was the main deformation mechanism. Agglomeration is shown to significantly influence rearrangement by increasing the effective size of structural units.

► Semi-solid ultra steel was deformed during time resolved synchrotron X-ray imaging.
► Globule rearrangement involving dilation was the main deformation mechanism.
► Agglomeration influenced rearrangement by increasing the effective size of structural units.