WORK
PACKAGE 1
Development of technology for the production and hot-working of medium Mn steels and design of heat treatment conditions based on thermodynamic calculations.
Development of technology for the production and hot-working of medium Mn steels and design of heat treatment conditions based on thermodynamic calculations.
The objective of WP1 is to develop of preliminary variants of heat treatment and optimization of their time-temperature parameters. Based on obtained results, two medium-Mn steels will be produced.
Two model steels in the form of flat bars with different manganese content (different hardenability and critical phase transformation temperatures), with a micro-addition of Nb.
The performed thermodynamic analyses of phase transformations will allow to design optimal time-temperature parameters of heat treatment.
Material characteristics with a model base of thermodynamic systems and phase transformations for unique material solutions for the automotive industry.
Two model steels in the form of flat bars with different manganese content (different hardenability and critical phase transformation temperatures), with a micro-addition of Nb.
The performed thermodynamic analyses of phase transformations will allow to design optimal time-temperature parameters of heat treatment.
Material characteristics with a model base of thermodynamic systems and phase transformations for unique material solutions for the automotive industry.
Due to the small amount of alloying elements (compared to typical medium-Mn steels containing 6-12 wt.% Mn) it will be possible to reduce the production costs. Manganese is a cheap alloying element that increases the strength and hardenability of steel (it replaces the expensive chromium typically used to improve the hardenability of steel). The Nb microaddition allows to obtain an ultra-fine-grained microstructure that allows obtaining high strength steel while maintaining good plasticity and fracture resistance. Low carbon content will improve the weldability of steels. Partial replacement of silicon with aluminum will have a positive effect on increasing the susceptibility of steels to galvanization.
Obtaining two model steels in the form of flat bars with different manganese content. Obtained samples will be prepared for analyses provided for in the next stages of the project.
Obtaining preliminary variants of heat treatment and optimization of their time-temperature parameters, which will be the basis for dilatometric analysis planned in the work package 2.
Principal investigator, WP1 and WP3 leader