In Situ Observation of Solidification Process of AISI 304 Austenitic Stainless Steel

The solidification process of AISI 304 stainless steel during cooling at a rate of 0. 05 K/s has been observed in situ using a confocal scanning laser microscope (CSLM). The results show that the δ phase appeared first in liquid steel, as the temperature decreased, the γ phase precipitated prior at δ-grain boundary at 1 452. 2 °C, the liquid steel disappeared at 1 431. 3 °C, and then the γ phase precipitated on the δ ferrite. Based on the Scheil-Gulliver solidification model, the solidification processes of AISI 304 stainless steel are simulated using the Scheil model in Thermo-Calc, and the simulation results agree well with the results observed in the experiment.