TEST2

SEMM2613

Nader Mohammed Ahmed Alkhulaifi

A20EM9124

Question 01

We are taking 0.70 to 0.75 % carbon for our steel required to make the connecting rod for piston. This
steel comes in the hypo eutectoid region where the a little proportion of ferrite phase (grains) will give
the bending and buckling properties in addition to majority of the pearlite phase in for tensile and
compression strength.

Red region is of interest for PCS

Part A)

I am considering 0.72% Carbon for the given application in hypo eutectoid region.

At RT: Applying the lever rule at 0.72%C.

Alpha-Phase: 0.77-0.72/0.77-0.02 = 6.67% Pro-eutectoid Alpha phase

Composition: 0% C – 100% Fe
Pearlite-Phase: 93.3% Pearlite Phase

Fe3C-Phase Composition: 6.69%C – 93.31% Fe

Figure 1: Microstructure at three different temperatures upon cooling

Part B)

This steel gives high tensile strength due to high ultimate tensile strength of the steel and high
compressive strength is given by high yield strength. The presence of pro-eutectoid alpha phase will give
ductility and enhance the bending and buckling properties of the component

Part C)

We will do hardening/quenching of the final component made by PCS of 0.72% C and the will be given
tempering treatment in order to enhance the strength only while reducing the stresses in the structure.
The quenching will increase the strength and compression of the component by forming fine pearlite
structure, whereas the post tempering treatment will reduce the internal stresses and enhancing the
ductility, toughness, bending and buckling properties.

Figure 2: Microstructure after heat treatment

Part D)

Figure 3: Purple line shows the given heat treatment for only ferrite and martensitic phase transformation

As the microstructure differs in part (c) and Figure 3, the properties obtained will be different. Figure
three has martensitic that enhances the brittleness of the material and does not contribute for buckling
and high tensile load. Whereas the fine pearlite phase in part (c) microstructure will enhance the
toughness and gives high tensile load bearing properties. Sob even the composition varies and the
properties will change but the heat treatment given is also very concerning in defining the properties of
a material.