Mechanical and magnetic properties of a new austenitic structural steel

A new high carbon austenitic structural steel having low total alloy content has been developed. This steel, after melting, casting and hot-rolling has a fully austenitic microstructure. The mechanical, magnetic and thermodynamic properties of this new steel were studied extensively. Consistent with the fully austenitic structure, this steel is non ferromagnetic. Initial studies on this new alloy indicate that this steel has good strength and ductility and high fracture toughness. Two interesting phase transformations were observed in this steel, one around 550 °C and another close to the Curie temperature of ferrite phase. A major application of this steel is expected to be in power generation devices such as turbines, generators, etc. There will be very little power loss in power generation devices due to the low permeability and the non-magnetic nature of austenite. This steel also could be potentially used at elevated temperatures (remaining below 550 °C) because of its potentially high creep resistance in this temperature range.