In-situ SEM characterization and numerical modelling of bainite formation and impingement of a medium- carbon, low-alloy steel

A novel in-situ scanning electron microscope (SEM) characterization technique for observing phase transformation is developed and its results studied and compared to well-founded experimental ex-situ methods as well as numerical modelling of bainite formation. Phase transformation kinetics are compared between the in-situ SEM, dilatometry test as well as mean field and Cellular Automata (CA) models. Microstructural evolution during phase transformation is compared between in-situ SEM, ex-situ EBSD and CA model results. The in-situ method allows for direct observation of bainite sheaf growth and impingement. The in-situ results in combination with EBSD data can be used to parameterize the CA model sheaf nucleation and growth equations.