The effect of temperature on the plasticity of carbon steel
Carbon steel is a type of steel, which contains mainly of iron and carbon. Its physical and mechanical properties are largely determined by the concentrations of carbon contained in the steel and the microstructure of the steel. In general, the higher the concentration of carbon contained in the steel, the higher the strength of the steel, but the lower the plasticity or malleability of the steel. Temperature also has a significant influence on the plasticity of steel. Large temperature changes will cause changes in steel’s structure and properties. This paper will discuss the effect of temperature on the plasticity of carbon steel.
The plasticity of carbon steel is defined as its ability to withstand deformation without fracture. It is an important factor in the processing and use of steel. Steel with lower thermal plasticity is easier to work, but the ultimate strength of the steel is correspondingly reduced. The mechanical properties of carbon steel are mainly affected by the presence and amount of carbon. As the concentration of carbon increases, the strength of carbon steel also increases.
The plasticity of steel is controlled by both the thermal and chemical states of the material. In most cases, high temperature changes lead to decreases in plasticity. Heating a steel material causes changes in the atomic structure of the material. The number of vacant sites in the crystal lattice of the steel decreases, while the number ofions with strong forces between their lattices increases. The result is that the stiffness of the steel increases.
On the other hand, the plasticity of steel can also increase with increased temperatures Above the recrystallization temperature of the steel. This occurs when the temperature is sufficient to cause the crystal lattice of the steel to soften and produce new grains of steel. As these new grains form, they provide a better path for plastic deformation, resulting in a temporary increase in the plasticity of the material.
The recrystallization temperature of steel is different for various types of steel. It is usually between 400 and 600 degrees Celsius. Notable exceptions include maraging steels, which recrystallize at temperatures as high as 1,400 degrees Celsius, and the “super-plastic” steels, which are designed to recrystallize at much lower temperatures.
Once the steel reaches its recrystallization temperature, further increases in temperature will begin to reduce the plasticity of the material. This is due to the fact that further increases in temperature will cause the atoms of the steel to vibrate faster, resulting in a decrease in the strength of the steel. Moreover, the higher temperatures cause the steel to become more brittle, meaning that it is less able to tolerate being stress by forces.
It has been observed that the mechanical properties of low-alloy steels, such as carbon steels, are also affected by temperatures close to ambient. It appears that a drop in temperature of more than 20 degrees Celsius causes a decrease in plasticity of the steel. This phenomenon is attributed to slow changes in the structure of the steel when exposed to temperatures close to ambient.
In conclusion, the effect of temperature on the plasticity of carbon steel can vary significantly depending on the temperature range. At low temperatures, the plasticity of the steel will increase if the temperature is above the recrystallization temperature. However, at temperatures close to ambient, a drop in temperature of more than 20 degrees Celsius will cause a decrease in the plasticity of the steel. On the other hand, further increases in temperature above the recrystallization temperature will cause the plasticity of the steel to decrease.
