Effect of Austenite Grain Size on Martensitic Transformation of a Low Alloy Steel

There are many empirical equations for predicting martensite start temperature (Ms) and the kinetics models of martensitic transformation of plain carbon and low alloy steels. The Ms temperature equations are only dependent upon the chemistry, while the martensite transformation kinetics models are based on the degree of undercooling below Ms temperature. However, the prior austenite grain size (AGS) is also expected to influence both Ms temperature and martensite transformation kinetics as it does in diffusive transformations. In this study, herefore, both Ms temperature and martensite transformation kinetics of a low alloy steel with different austenite grain sizes were investigated using a dilatometer. The new Ms equation and martensite transformation kinetics model including the AGS effect are proposed.