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Chapter 9: Problem 3

Cite three variables that determine the microstructure of an alloy.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The three variables that determine the microstructure of an alloy are chemical composition, processing temperature, and thermal-mechanical treatment. The chemical composition affects the formation of various phases and structures, processing temperature impacts phase dissolution and grain structure development, and thermal-mechanical treatment, such as heat treatment or annealing, alters phase distribution and grain boundaries to achieve specific mechanical properties.

Step by step solution

01

Variable 1: Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of an alloy is crucial in determining its microstructure. Different elements, when combined, can form various phases and structures within the alloy. It is important to consider the amounts and types of elements present and how they will interact to create a specific microstructure.
02

Variable 2: Processing Temperature

The processing temperature has a significant impact on the microstructure of an alloy. Higher temperatures can dissolve certain phases and cause the formation of different phases. Additionally, cooling rates during solidification will determine the extent of segregation and grain structure development. Temperature control during manufacturing processes, like casting or welding, can greatly affect the properties of the alloy.
03

Variable 3: Thermal-Mechanical Treatment

The thermal-mechanical treatment refers to the processes like heat treatment, work hardening, or annealing applied to an alloy to achieve the desired microstructure. These treatments can alter the phase distribution and grain boundaries, and may also induce the formation of new phases or refinement of the existing microstructure. By controlling these processes, it is possible to tailor the microstructure to attain specific mechanical properties, such as strength and ductility, in the alloy.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

(a) Briefly describe the phenomenon of coring and why it occurs. (b) Cite one undesirable consequence of coring.

Compute the maximum mass fraction of proeutectoid cementite possible for a hypereutectoid iron-carbon alloy.

A steel alloy is known to contain \(93.8\) wt \(\%\) \(\mathrm{Fe}, 6.0 \mathrm{wt} \% \mathrm{Ni}\), and \(0.2 \mathrm{wt} \% \mathrm{C}\). (a) What is the approximate eutectoid temperature of this alloy? (b) What is the proeutectoid phase when this alloy is cooled to a temperature just below the eutectoid? (c) Compute the relative amounts of the proeutectoid phase and pearlite. Assume that there are no alterations in the positions of other phase boundaries with the addition of Ni.

For alloys of two hypothetical metals \(\mathrm{A}\) and B, there exist an \(\alpha\), A-rich phase and a \(\beta\), Brich phase. From the mass fractions of both phases for two different alloys provided in the following table (which are at the same temperature), determine the composition of the phase boundary (or solubility limit) for both \(\alpha\) and \(\beta\) phases at this temperature. $$ \begin{array}{lcc} \hline \text { Alloy Composition } & \text { Fraction } & \text { Fraction } \\\ & \alpha \text { Phase } & \beta \text { Phase } \\ \hline 60 \mathrm{wt} \% \mathrm{~A}-40 \mathrm{wt} \% \text { B } & 0.57 & 0.43 \\ 30 \mathrm{wt} \% \text { A-70 wt \% B } & 0.14 & 0.86 \\ \hline \end{array} $$

Briefly explain why, upon solidification, an alloy of eutectic composition forms a microstructure consisting of alternating layers of the two solid phases.
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