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The Basics of Ferrous Metallurgy

102 Articles

Steel Deoxidation: Part Two

This article examines the complex processes of steel deoxidation, focusing on the use of manganese, silicon, and aluminum as primary deoxidizing agents. The paper explores the paradoxical phenomenon of reoxidation that occurs when deoxidizer concentration exceeds critical values. Through detailed analysis of deoxidation equilibria and inclusion formation, the article presents the thermodynamic relationships governing these reactions at various temperatures.

Steel-making processes

This comprehensive article examines various steel-making processes and their technological evolution in modern manufacturing. It details the primary methods including Bessemer, Siemens Open Hearth, basic oxygen furnace, electric arc, electric high-frequency, and crucible processes. The text explores the distinctions between acid and basic steelmaking, highlighting their specific applications and limitations.

Structure of plain steel

The essential difference between ordinary steel and pure iron is the amount of carbon in the former, which reduces the ductility but increases the strength and the susceptibility to hardening when rapidly cooled from elevated temperatures. On account of the various micro-structures which may be obtained by different heat-treatments, it is necessary to emphasise the fact that the following structures are for "normal" steels, i.e. slowly cooled from 760-900°C depending on the carbon contents.

The Effects of Alloying Elements on Iron-Carbon Alloys

This article examines the fundamental effects of alloying elements on iron-carbon alloys, focusing on their influence on phase transformations and microstructural development. The article presents Wever's classification of iron binary equilibrium systems into four distinct categories: open γ-field, expanded γ-field, closed γ-field, and contracted γ-field systems.

The Iron-Carbon Equilibrium Diagram

The iron-carbon equilibrium diagram forms the foundation for understanding the constitution and structure of all steels and irons. Many fundamental features of this system influence the behavior of even the most complex alloy steels. The phases present in the simple binary Fe-C system persist in more intricate steels, necessitating an understanding of how alloying elements affect these phases.

The Oxygen Steelmaking Process

The oxygen steelmaking process encompasses methods that utilize gaseous oxygen as the primary agent for autothermic heat generation through oxidation of dissolved impurities including carbon, silicon, manganese, and phosphorus. This process includes various techniques such as top blowing, bottom blowing, and combined blowing methods.