Massive transformation from δ phase to γ phase in Fe–C alloys and strain induced in solidifying shell

Time-resolved in situ observations using synchrotron radiation X-rays showed that γ nucleation difficulties resulted in a massive transformation from the δ phase to the γ phase. The massive transformation occurred even in high-carbon steel (0.45 mass% C) at a cooling rate of 0.33 K/s or more. A crystallographic relationship in which the close-packed (111) plane of the γ phase tended to coincide with the close-packed (110) plane of the δ phase suggested that the γ phase nucleated in a favorable plane in the δ phase. Observations of the sequence in the initial stage of solidification showed that the induced strain and strain rate in the massive transformation were larger than those expected in peritectic solidification. These observations will help us to understand deformation of solidifying shells and to build a physical model.