Modelling of retained austenite in carburized layers

In this paper, modelling of the phase composition of the carburized case produced on steel alloys containing chromium, manganese and nickel will be discussed. In particular, the effect of steel composition on the amount of retained austenite and carbide structure will be discussed. These microstrucures were selected because they exhibit the greatest influence on the correlation between structure and properties of hardened carburized case. The thermal process largely influences the formation of carbides quantity of residual austenite in structure of hardened carburized elements. Properties evaluated include: hardness, micro-hardness, and impact resistance. The model can be applied to carburized 20H (20Cr4), 15HN (17CrNi6-6) and 16HG (16MNCr5) steel although data for 20H (20Cr4) steel is provided here