Abstract
Abstract:
The effect of microstructural evolution on mechanical properties of unalloyed medium carbon (EN8) steel with emphasis on the effects of grain size within solid phase mixtures and the mechanical response of the material is investigated and reported. Specimens with a range of microstructures (grain size and phase) were prepared by heat treatment. The microstructures were carefully characterized using both optical electronic microscope (OEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the mechanical properties were studied using tensile and hardness tests. The results indicated that structural parameter that directly controls the yield strength, the ultimate tensile strength and elongation at failure have some influence (direct or indirect) on the stress flow and formability of the material.