Time-Temperature-Transformation Diagram within the Bainitic Temperature Range in a Medium Carbon Steel

The time-temperature-transformation (TTT) diagram within the medium temperature range of medium carbon steel has been determined. A single type of C-curve is found within the bainite temperature range for the studied steel. Distinct reaction C-curves were not observed for both types of microstructure, upper bainite and lower bainite in the TTT diagram. Experimental results on the kinetics of the isothermal formation of bainite at different temperature have demonstrated that both type of microstructure, upper and lower bainite, possesses similar overall transformation kinetics. Some applications of phase transformation theory towards the formation of bainitic microstructures are discussed, with particular emphasis on the bainite start temperature, transition temperature from upper to lower bainite, martensite start temperature and the thickness of bainitic plates.