Retained austenite content
Retained austenite content is the amount of untransformed face-centered cubic structure in a material after complete cooling. It plays a key role in strength and formability.
Physikalisch-chemischer Wirkmechanismus
After welding or after the hardening process, a portion of the steel remains in the austenitic structure, which is face-centered cubic. This portion is called the retained austenite content.
Metallurgical Relevance & Welding Risks
A too high retained austenite content can reduce the strength of the material and cause it to deform or flatten under stress. This can cause problems especially under high loads and temperatures.
Werkstattpraxis & Handlungsanweisungen
To control the retained austenite content, careful cooling is required. For steels with high carbon content, the weld must be cooled slowly (e.g., in a furnace) to achieve a low retained austenite content. For low carbon content, rapid cooling via air cooling or water quenching may be appropriate.