AHSS:Development of Nano-acicular Duplex Steels

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Advanced high strength steels (AHSS) with duplex microstructures of ferrite and austenite will be developed analogous to high strength and fracture resistant titanium alloys that have acicular microstructures. The project team will address issues of current scientific importance with regard to bainitic phase transformations, phase transformation toughening and direct calculations of the physical properties of iron solid solutions. Systematic calculations of the electronic structure and crystal lattice distortions will be performed using the highly precise first-principles full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FLAPW) method. Theoretical calculations will examine atomic clustering and the effect of alloying elements on the drift of light impurities (C, N, and B). Full understanding of the atomic level properties will allow us to design steels with acicular microstructures on a smaller scale with greater strength and toughness. The advanced high strength steels under investigation will facilitate the design of lighter weight vehicles that are more fuel efficient, but maintain passenger safety with improved crash worthiness. These new steels will keep steel competitive both in performance and cost with respect to aluminum and other lightweight materials. This program will help recruit and train individuals to work in the steel industry. The steel industry has always been an avenue of social change. Historically many ?new? Americans gained entrance into the middle class through this industry. We expect to continue this tradition and under-represented groups will be benefactors of this research either directly as student research assistants or indirectly through employment in the steel industry.