Magnetic-field-induced grain elongation in a medium carbon steel during its austenitic decomposition

Abstract

A 12-T magnetic field was applied during the austenitic decomposition in a medium plain carbon steel at a slow cooling rate. The magnetic field applied promotes proeutectoid ferrite grains to grow along the field direction and results in an elongated grain microstructure. The grain elongation is the result of the opposing contributions from the atomic dipolar interaction energy of Fe atoms and the interfacial energy.