Modeling non-isothermal austenite to ferrite transformation in low carbon steels

Austenite to ferrite transformation has significant commercial importance due to its effect on the final microstructure and properties of steel. In the present work, austenite to ferrite transformation has been studied by dilatation method under isochronal conditions. The experimental data for a wide range of cooling rates have been accurately modeled by the quasi-isothermal model, in conjunction with a functional relationship between the cooling rate and the apparent activation energy. Furthermore, the mechanistic significance of the observed functional relationship has been explained.