Kinetics simulation and experimental observation of fine microstructure of 9%Ni cryogenic steel processed by QLT heat treatment

Thermo-Calc and Dictra commercial calculation software programs have been used to simulate the formation of fine microstructure of 9%Ni cryogenic steel processed by quench–lamellarize–temper(QLT)heat treatment.The calculations show many compositional fluctuations in each single-martensite lath after QLT treatment;the peak concentrations of carbon and nickel reach about 0.40%and 18%,respectively.The width of the C or Ni element-enriched zone increases when the critical lamellarizing temperature decreases or the temper temperature increases.Extending the temper time has a similar effect on the element profiles.The simulation results are in accordance with the observed fine microstructures.