Structure and Properties of Thermomechanically-processedHSLA Steels for Naval Applications

Abstract

Four high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels with varying chemical compositions were forgedin two different temperature ranges followed by cooling in various media. Microstructures andmechanical properties of the steels were evaluated. The microstructures obtained in water–quenchedlow-carbon HSLA steels were lath martensite packet within the pancaked grains. On air or sandcooling predominantly bainitic ferrite or granular bainite structure forms. The strength propertiesof these steels decreased with decrease in cooling rate and is accompanied by an increase inelongation and impact toughness values. The ductile-to-brittle transition temperature of HSLA-100grade steel was found to be – 40 oC. The impact fracture surface of air cooled HSLA-100 steel showedductile failure with formation of dimples at 20 oC and at – 20 oC. The fracture mode changed to brittlefailure with formation of cleavage and river pattern at – 40 oC and at – 60 oC. The microstructuresof the ultra-low carbon HSLA steel show lath ferrite or granular ferrite in water-quenched condition.With slower cooling rate, the volume fraction of lath ferrite decreased with an increase in formationof polygonal ferrite. The maximum strength value obtained in air-cooled condition is achieved dueto precipitation of fine microalloying carbides and carbonitrides. Slower cooling rate increases thevolume fraction of polygonal ferrite which increases the toughness value.