A given steel test specimen is studied under metallurgical microscope....
Fe3C Phase in Steel Test Specimen
Introduction:
When studying a steel test specimen under a metallurgical microscope, different phases can be observed. One of these phases is Fe3C, also known as cementite.
Explanation:
- Cementite (Fe3C) is a compound that is formed in steel during the process of solidification and cooling. It is a combination of iron (Fe) and carbon (C) atoms.
- Fe3C is a hard and brittle phase that is commonly found in steels with a high carbon content, such as cast iron.
- Under the metallurgical microscope, Fe3C appears as a distinct phase with a characteristic appearance. It has a dark contrast compared to the surrounding phases, making it easily identifiable.
Identification of Fe3C:
When observing a steel test specimen under a metallurgical microscope, the following steps can be followed to identify the Fe3C phase:
1. Set the magnification to 100X.
2. Scan the specimen for distinct phases.
3. Look for a phase with a dark contrast compared to the surrounding phases.
4. Verify the presence of Fe3C by comparing its appearance with reference images or known standards.
Other Phases:
While Fe3C is one of the phases observed in the steel test specimen, it is important to note that there are other phases that can also be present, such as:
- Ferrite (α-Fe): This is a solid solution of carbon in iron with a body-centered cubic (BCC) crystal structure. It is relatively soft and ductile.
- Austenite (γ-Fe): This is a solid solution of carbon in iron with a face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure. It is relatively soft and ductile.
- Martensite: This is a metastable phase that forms during rapid cooling of austenite. It has a body-centered tetragonal (BCT) crystal structure and is characterized by high hardness.
Conclusion:
In summary, when studying a steel test specimen under a metallurgical microscope, the Fe3C phase, also known as cementite, can be observed. Fe3C appears as a distinct phase with a dark contrast compared to the surrounding phases. Other phases that may be present include ferrite, austenite, and martensite.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Mechanical Engineering study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Mechanical Engineering.