Papers by Author: Balázs Verő

Abstract: Corrosion degradation was observed in a nuclear power plant spent fuel cooling system. A systematic and comprehensive investigation program was developed which was negatively influenced by the limit of sampling (contaminated material). Corrosion tests, mechanical and microstructural investigations were carried out and also microbiological effect was examined. Major contributors to the degradation were identified.

Abstract: Case hardened, double-walled train wheel, produced in the foundry of Abraham Ganz in 1867 and used for long time on the railroad tracks, was studied and evaluated by modern methods of materials sciences. The investigations indicated the presence of 0.059m% antimony (Sb), distributed uniformly in the material of the wheel. This quantity is several times higher than the average Sb amounts (<0.01m%) of the other components get into the castings. Sb was detected even in the several mm thick crust; except in the outermost surface layer with < 1 µm thickness. Based on the 20th century comprehensive studies, the antimony content, detected in the wheel, was found to be ideal. In grey iron it is a powerful pearlite stabilizer which has favourable effects on its mechanical properties and serviceability.The investigation of the surface structure proved that the excellent hardness (~600 HV) at the crust surface was due to the “nano-composite” structure formed from the pearlite as a consequence of severe plastic deformation during service. This was also promoted by the high amount (4.09m%) of carbon present in the casting. The microstructure refinement during operation most probably contributes to the long service lifetime of the wheels.The secret of the Abraham Ganz’s train wheels is inherently present – besides the novel construction and production technology (case hardening) – in the above mentioned composition and the structure of the material.

Abstract: A complex mathematical model characterizing the centerline segregation level in the mid region of continuously cast slabs was developed. The basic heat transfer and solidification model connected to the semi-empirical liquid feeding model (LMI - Liquid Motion Intensity model) gives the possibility to estimate the centerline segregation parameters of slab cast under industrial circumstances. Solid shell deformation changes the volume of the space available for the liquid inside the slab and hereby also changes the conditions of liquid supply.

Abstract: Mathematical model was developed to estimate the flow rate and direction and of the expected porosity level in the centre part of a slab. Calculations show that centreline segregation is basically affected, at a given composition and cooling technology by the setting, deformation and eccentricity of the supporting rolls. Bulging of the strand between the supporting rolls can also play role.

Abstract: The paper deals with the stability of centerline inhomogenity of continuously cast slabs and hot rolled products. The centerline segregation is a disadvantageous failure of slabs which can affect the quality properties of the final products. During hot rolling of the slabs the centerline segregation pattern will become thin and stretched and it can also be detected in the middle part of heavy plates and coils. It is a common experience that the centerline segregation of heavy plates can not be easily decreased by post heat treatment. The pattern of the centerline segregation was modeled physically by preparing a sandwich structure of steel plates with different levels of carbon and alloying elements. Homogenization experiments were performed and the samples were examined metallographically. Diffusional calculations proved the governing role of carbon activity which is influenced by the distribution of alloying elements.

Abstract: Along the metallurgical length at continuous casting, the temperature within the strand ranges from above melt temperature (>1500) to about 900 oC. In this range, mechanical properties drastically drop at above the zero deformation temperature (ZDT) and the zero strength temperature (ZST), therefore crack susceptibility increases. These temperatures depend on (local) chemical and microstructural properties. We investigated the change in ZDT and ZST for ST52-3 steel grade by taking samples from the as-cast strand from positions of the columnar grains and from the centreline segregated zone. We found more than 100 oC drop in ZDT due to segregations in the centreline compared to the columnar zone within the strand.

Abstract: Industrial data set with 400 CC (continuous casting) steel slabs were analysed by a statistical method for revealing the real connections between the technological parameters, heat transfer model results and the precisely determined centerline segregation index. Because of the poor correlations a new model was developed in which the shrinkage and deformations of the shells of the slabs can also be taken into account. It has been proved that the stopping of liquid movement below about 30 % liquid ratio plays an important role in the centerline segregation formation. The conclusions of the calculations are in good accordance with the results of the metallographical analysis.

Abstract: The paper deals with the stability of centerline inhomogenity of continuously cast slabs and hot rolled products. The centerline segregation is a disadvantageous failure of slabs which can affect the quality properties of the final products. During hot rolling of slabs the centerline segregation pattern will become thin and stretch and it can also be detected in the middle part of heavy plates and coils. It is a common experience that the centerline segregation of heavy plates can not be easily decreased by post heat treatment. The pattern of the centerline segregation was modeled physically by preparing a sandwich structure of steel plates with different levels of carbon and alloying elements. Homogenization experiments were performed and the samples were examined metallographically. Diffusional calculations proved the governing role of carbon activity which is influenced by the distribution of alloying elements.

Abstract: Industrial data set with 400 CC steel slabs were analysed by a statistical method for revealing the real connections between the technological parameters, heat transfer model results and the precisely determined centerline segregation index. Because of the poor correlations a new model was developed in which the shrinkage and deformations of the shells of the slabs can also be taken into account. It has been proved that the stopping of liquid movement below about 30 % liquid ratio plays an important role in the centerline segregation formation. The conclusions of the calculations are in good accordance with the results of the metallographical analysis.

Abstract: In spite of speedy development of technical tools for examination, the importance of macro structural investigation has not decreased; on the contrary, these methods are in the state of their revival. One of evident reasons for it is the fact, that the results of macro structural examinations and the conclusions drawn from them are in the closest relation with the parameters of technology, reflect their changes, and the deviations from the specified values. It is expedient from time to time to check the methods proved earlier suitable for macro structural investigation, possibly to develop and implement new methods. We have to take in account that the methods now widely applied were developed when the technology, composition, type and quantity of pollutants were still basically different from those of the present. We mention as an example that in the fundamental work of George F. Vander Voort published in 1984 the examinations of macrostructure of continuously cast semi products occupied hardly one to two pages, while nowadays they produce about 90% of the annual 1.1 billion tonne steel quantity in continuous casting plants, thus the decisive proportion of continuously cast semi products examination can hardly be questioned. Taking in consideration the above points of view, in the frame of a consortium work we examined the macrostructure of samples taken from bloom slabs cast on vertical continuous casting machine from nine consciously chosen charges, with methods known from the literature or personal information.