The mass fractions of total ferrite and total cementite in an iron-carbon alloy are \(0.88\) and \(0.12\), respectively. Is this a hypoeutectoid or hypereutectoid alloy? Why?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Explain your reasoning. Answer: The alloy is a hypereutectoid alloy because it has a carbon content of 0.804%, which is greater than the 0.77% threshold that separates hypoeutectoid and hypereutectoid alloys.

Step by step solution

01

Define hypoeutectoid and hypereutectoid alloys

Hypoeutectoid alloys are iron-carbon alloys that contain less than 0.77% (by weight) of carbon. In these alloys, the primary phase, i.e., the first solid phase that forms upon cooling, is ferrite. Hypereutectoid alloys are iron-carbon alloys that contain more than 0.77% (by weight) of carbon. In these alloys, the primary phase is cementite.
02

Calculate the total carbon content in the given alloy

We are given the mass fractions of ferrite and cementite in the alloy as 0.88 and 0.12, respectively. To find the total carbon content, we can use the mass fractions and the corresponding carbon contents in each phase. The carbon content in ferrite is negligible (almost 0%) and the carbon content in cementite is 6.70% (by weight). Using these values, we can calculate the total carbon content in the alloy: \((0.88 \times 0) + (0.12 \times 6.70) = 0.12 \times 6.70 = 0.804\)%.
03

Determine if the alloy is hypoeutectoid or hypereutectoid

Based on the carbon content calculated in the previous step, which is 0.804%, we can classify the given alloy. Since 0.804% is greater than 0.77%, the alloy is considered a hypereutectoid alloy. Therefore, the alloy is hypereutectoid because it has more than 0.77% carbon content.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free