Knowledge Discovery in Predicting Martensite Start Temperature of Medium-Carbon Steels by Artificial Neural Networks

Martensite start (Ms) temperature is a critical parameter in the production of parts and structural steels and plays a vital role in heat treatment processes to achieve desired properties. However, it is often challenging to estimate accurately through experience alone. This study introduces a model that predicts the Ms temperature of medium-carbon steels based on their chemical compositions using the artificial neural network (ANN) method and compares the results with those from previous empirical formulae. The results indicate that the ANN model surpasses conventional methods in predicting the Ms temperature of medium-carbon steel, achieving an average absolute error of −0.93 degrees and −0.097% in mean percentage error. Furthermore, this research provides an accurate method or tool with which to present the quantitative effect of alloying elements on the Ms temperature of medium-carbon steels. This approach is straightforward, visually interpretable, and highly accurate, making it valuable for materials design and prediction of material properties.