Masters
Optimization of Processing, Microstructure, and Performance of Q&P Steels
Abstract
Quenched and partitioned (Q&P) steels are martensite/austenite high strength, formable steels employed for manufacture of lighter vehicle structures. Optimization of heat treat process variables has involved efforts to maximize the amount of retained austenite and the carbon concentration of the austenite. Few studies have been reported that examine the influence of “upstream” processing steps on the heat treating response, microstructure and performance of Q&P steels. Thus, the influence of retained austenite characteristics on the properties of Q&P steels are investigated using a 0.17C-2.8Mn-1.5Si steel with systematic variations in key processing conditions (hot band coiling temperature, and hot band thickness and associated cold reduction). The influence of prior processing and microstructure on the heat treating response are investigated using Q&P processing conditions representative of continuous galvanizing.
Advisors: John Speer, Kip Findley
Affiliations: Advanced Steel Processing and Products Research Center (ASPPRC)
Conference Presentations
TMS 2020 - San Diego
“Influence of Prior Processing on the Response to Quenching & Partitioning”, C.M. Gilliams, J.G. Speer, K.O. Findley, R. Thiessen
IMAT 2022 - New Orleans
Fluxtrol Student Research Competition Semi-Finalist – “A New Methodology for Optimizing Quench Temperature in Q&P Steel”, C.M. Gilliams, J.G. Speer, K.O. Findley
Publications
Del Molino, E., Arribas Telleria, M., Gilliams, C., Arlazarov, A., González, J.J., De Moor, E. and Speer, J.G. Influence of Ni and Process Parameters in Medium Mn Steels Heat Treated by High Partitioning Temperature Q&P Cycles. Metall Mater Trans A (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11661-022-06796-x