Modeling of Reversible γ/α Transformations of Low Carbon Steels in the Intercritical Temperature Ran

A phenomenological kinetic model has been developed for the prediction of non-isothermal reversible incomplete transformations in low-carbon hypoeutectoid steels. The theoretical basis of the proposed method has its origin in a possible extension of the traditional Austin-Rickett kinetic differential equation. To critically assess the applicability of the model, anumber of experiments based on computer simulations have been performed to predict the austenite/ferrite proeutectoid transformation in the temperature range of Ae1 to Ae3 on plain carbon hypoeutectoid steels. A comparison with published experimental data has verified that the model developed is reasonable both quantitatively and with respect to well-established trends. Extension of the method of prediction appears promising when the non-isothermal reactions occurring during heat treatment (such as carbide precipitation and dissolution) can be assumed to proceed in a reversible manner.