THERMO MECHANICAL CONTROLLED PROCESSING

OF HIGH STRENGTH STRUCTURALS

SUBMITTED BY
CH S S DHARMA KOWSHIK

GUIDED BY
SHRI DEBASHIS KARMAKAR, DGM, AEC, RDCIS

CONTENTS

ABSTRACT

01

1.

INTRODUCTION

02

2.

LITERATURE REVIEW

03

2.1. Historical aspects

03

2.2. TMCP process

04

2.3. Metallurgical characteristics of TMCP

06

2.4. Advantages

09

3.

HIGH STRENGTH STRUCTURAL: APPLICATIONS AND DEMAND

10

4.

CURRENT TECHNOLOGIES OF TMCP

13

4.1. TMCP in World

13

4.1.1. Accelerated cooling of beams

15

4.1.2. TMCP for Bars

17

4.1.3. TMCP for Rails

19

4.1.4. Super OLAC and HOP

22

4.1.5. Mathematical Modelling of TMCP

25

4.2. TMCP in SAIL

30

PROSPECT OF ADOPTING TMCP IN SAIL

32

5.1. Process Route

33

5.2. Features of Universal Section Mill

34

6.

KEY LEARNING POINTS

34

7.

FUTURE PLAN OF ACTION

35

8.

CONCLUSION

36

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

38

REFERENCES

39

5.

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure

Title

Page
No.

Fig. 1

Schematic diagrams of (a) Normalizing and (b) TMCP

Fig. 2

Schematic diagrams of (a) RQ-T and (b) DQ-T

Fig. 3

Concept of microstructure control and Nb precipitation and its

effects

Fig. 4

I Beam

Fig. 5

Angles

10

Fig. 6

Plate

10

Fig. 7

Sheet Pile

11

Fig. 8

TMT Bars

12

Fig. 9

QST process applied on beams in the rolling heat

15

Fig. 10

Control of a QST process to produce a beam in an aimed

grade

15

Fig. 11

Influence of selective cooling during rolling on the temperature

profile of the flange width

16

Fig. 12

THERMEX reinforcing bar

17

Fig. 13

Process route of TMT bars at ISP

17

Fig. 14

Microstructure (500X ) of SAIL TMT

18

Fig. 15

Spray configuration in rail cooling system

19

Fig. 16

Wear rates vs. hardness for pearlitic rail steels (open square)
and bainitic steels

20

Fig. 17

Initiation time for RCF damage as a function of hardness

20

Fig. 18

Fracture toughness/tensile strength plot of rails

21

Fig. 19

Schematic diagrams of (a) DQ-T and (b) DQ-HOP

21

Fig. 20

Changes
in
Vickers
hardness
(HV10) and the
transition temperatures by Charpy impact tests (vTrs) with the
tempering parameter in the TS780 Mpa grade steel

22

Fig. 21

Cementite distributions in the TS610 MPa grade Steels

produced by DQ-T process; (a) Tempered With an atmospheric
furnace, and (b) Tempered with HOP

23

Fig. 22

Comparison between Measured & Predicted Yield Strengths

29

Fig. 23

Plate Mill Technological Layout of RSP

30

Fig. 24

Variation of Strength by Normalising and TMCP

31

Fig. 25

Process Route of ISP

33

Fig. 26

QST process applied on beams in the rolling heat

35

ABBREVIATIONS

ACC: Accelerated cooling

BSP: Bhilai steel plant
Ceq: Carbon equivalent
CHHR: Continuous head hardening rails
CLC: Continuous on-line controlled Rolling
DQ-T: Direct quenching and tempering
DRX: Dynamic Recrystallization
DSP: Durgapur steel plant
HOP: Heat treatment on-line process
ISP: IISCO steel plant
ISPS: Indian standard pile section
LHF: Ladle heating furnace
MRX: Meta dynamic Recrystallization
NPB: Narrow flange parallel beams
NSC: Nippon Steel Corporation
OLAC: On-line accelerated cooling
PVR: Plan view rolling
QST: Quenching and self-tempering

QST: Quenching and self-tempering

RCF: Rolling contact fatigue
REX: Recrystallization
RH: Ruhrstahl-heraeus
RQ-T: Reheat quenching and tempering
RSP: Rourkela steel plant
SRX: Static Recrystallization
TMCP: Thermo Mechanical controlled processing
TMT: Thermo mechanical treatment
VAD: Vacuum arc degassing
VOD: Vacuum oxygen decarburisation
WPB: Wide flange parallel beams

ABSTRACT
Thermo-mechanical control process (TMCP) is a microstructural control
technique combining controlled rolling and cooling. In the last decades,
improvement of structural steel properties were mainly obtained by restriction of
the carbon content, improvement of the internal cleanliness and use of microalloyed grades combined with normalising and later thermomechanical
rolling.This last development allowed to refine the microstructure and to produce
stronger and tougher steels. Thermo mechanical rolling was introduced to
improve the properties over conventional rolling. The thermomechanical rolling is
defined as a rolling process leading to a finer microstructure, which cannot be
obtained by a heat treatment alone.To overcome the limitations of
thermomechanical rolling, accelerated cooling process of beams after rolling has
been developed.Thermo-mechanical control process is used to obtain excellent
properties for steel plates, such as high strength, excellent toughness, and
excellent weldability. These techniques have already been applied to various
advanced products. The applications of high strength structural, their demand
and the process techniques are discussed. The current technologies of TMCP in
the world and the mathematical modelling of TMCP are discussed. In this report,
the fundamentals of microstructural control by TMCP, the recent development of
TMCP, available technologies in SAIL plants and the scope of improvement of
existing facilities in SAIL plants are described.

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1. INTRODUCTION
Infrastructural development is one of the main criteria for growth of any nation.
India is in the phase of developing its infrastructure with many projects going on
like construction of reservoirs, dams, metro rails, fly overs, roads etc.Steel plays
a vital role in all these projects. India is the third largest producer of crude steel in
the world. But Indias per capita steel consumption is around 60 kg as against the
world average of 217kg and 510 kg for China [1]. Because of our low per capita
consumption, there is a lot of scope for improvement in consumption of steel
mainly in construction industry. Hot rolled steel is extensively used in modern
structural applications. This success is justified by the intrinsic qualities of steel,
combining strength and ductility. These properties are recognized since time
immemorial. But if steel remained so popular, it is also because steel makers
developed newer grades to the benefit of their customers in terms of cost and
optimized properties. In the field of long products, the use of thermo mechanical
control processes (TMCP) was for a large part responsible for these
improvements.
Thermo mechanical controlled processing (TMCP) is a technique designed to
improve the mechanical properties of materials by controlling the hot-deformation
process in a rolling mill. This was originally designed to produce the required
external shape of the product. Controlled rolling, controlled-cooling and directquenching are typical examples of thermo mechanical controlled processing.
Such processing saves energy in the manufacture of steel by minimizing or even
eliminating the heat treatment after hot-deformation, thus increasing the
productivity for high grade steels. It normally requires a change in alloy design
and often reduces the productivity of the hot deformation process itself, but at the
same time, makes it possible to reduce the total amount of alloying additions and
to improve weldability, whilst sometimes producing new and beneficial
characteristics in the steel.
Adapting latest technologies in the world is the key to the success of any
industry. So far SAIL is successful in this aspect with its huge modernization
projects at ISP & RSP. To add some more advantage to the structurals which
arethe most consumed type of steel in construction sector; SAIL should focus on
processes which increase profitability. This report presents the technology of
TMCP and prospect of adopting it in SAIL Plants.

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2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1. Historical aspects:
The first introduction of thermo mechanical processing into commercial
production was adopted in controlled rolling of carbon (C)-manganese (Mn) steel
plates of 40 kgf/sq mm grade for shipbuilding industry in the 1950s. After 1945,
the concept of toughness as distinct from the concept of ductility, and impact
toughness became a requirement for shipbuilding and other structural steel
plates. In the 1950s, an increase in the Mn/C ratio, deoxidization by the addition
of aluminum (Al) and the normalizing of Al killed steels were all adopted to
improve impact toughness properties. At that time, the concept that ductile to
brittle transition temperature can be reduced by refinement of ferrite (alpha) grain
size was also established [2].
In the early 1960s, an extensive research was conducted to examine the effects
of rolling temperature on mechanical properties. From these research works, a
rolling procedure at a controlled temperature was developed to refine the grain
size. Controlled rolling made a major contribution to the reduction in alloy
addition and the improvement of weldability. This development led to the
production of substantial amounts of strong and tough steels which were mainly
used for pipelines.
Although controlled rolling resulted into relatively low productivity, it could be
performed at a comparatively low temperature to obtain enhanced levels of
strength and toughness. As the controlled rolling process is based on grain
refinement, it can improve yield strength and toughness, but cannot improve
tensile strength without alloying. Hence, there has been limited improvement of
weldability with this process.
Since the late 1970s, efforts were made to combine micro alloying with TMCP,
which improved strength, toughness andweldability. When TMCP is used
incombination with controlled rolling, the accelerated cooling allows the austenite
(gamma) to ferrite (alpha) transformation to be controlled. TMCP is now widely
used for the production of stronger and tougher steels with excellent weldability.
The present approach of using water-cooled TMCP, which gives accelerated
cooling after low- temperature rolling and direct quenching, has been greatly
improved in the 1980s. The continuous online control process covers a wide
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range of cooling parameters (i.e. heat transfer coefficient) and austenite

conditions (i.e. unworked, recrystallized or non-recrystallized) and yields a variety
of steel properties.
Several concepts are employed in the cooling equipment. In one of the most
sophisticated present configurations, the plate is flattened by a leveler before
water cooling. This procedure is effective across a wide range of cooling rates for
achieving uniform cooling throughout the plate plane and for realizing
homogeneous mechanical properties.

2.2.

TMCP process:

There are several processes for TMCP. These processes broadly fall into the
following three main categories.
Controlled rolling down from the normalizing temperature which is still fully
austenitic (above the Ar3 temperature) followed by a rapid cool of
approximately 10 deg C/sec. The aim of this process is to refine the grain size
by controlled rolling and to increase the strength by suppressing the formation
of ferrite and pearlite in favour of a strong tough bainite [2].
Controlled rolling both above the Ar3 and below that temperature, in the
austenite ferrite mixed region, in addition to austenite grain refinement, the
recrystallized grains are flattened and nucleation of fine ferrite is encouraged
by the deformation. At a temperature above the Ar1, the controlled rolling is
interrupted, and followed by rapid cooling to room temperature or an
intermediate temperature.
Controlled rolling is performed as part of a preliminary processing,
followed by cooling and reheating to just above the Ar3 temperature and then
rapid cooling to well below the Ar1 temperature. The purpose of this technique
is to develop the finest equiaxed austenite grain size before the controlled
cooling begins.
By appropriate choice of deformation temperature and strain rate, the strength of
steel can be increased. The strength of TMCP steel is higher than normalized
steel of the same composition. Thus TMCP steel has a leaner composition (lower
alloy content) than conventional normalized steel of the same strength [2].
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The following figure (Fig. 1) shows schematic diagrams of various rolling andheat
treatment processes to improve the toughness of steel plates withtensile
strengths typically under 600 MPa. The toughness of the steels is improved by a
off-line heat treatmentat about 900C, followed by cooling to the
ambienttemperature (Normalizing, Fig. 1.a). The refined transformedstructure
from refined austenite contributes towardsthe improved toughening effect.

Fig.1:Schematic diagrams of (a) Normalizing and (b) TMCP

In TMCP, the transformed structure is refined bya suitable combination of

controlled rolling (CR) andaccelerated cooling (Fig. 1.b). To increase the
nucleationsites of ferrite during cooling, CR is used to refinethe grains and strain
the austenite. Next, the transformedstructure is further refined by accelerated
cooling afterCR that is, cooling to a reduced transformation temperatureat which
the diffusion of the atoms is limited whilethe large driving force of the
transformation is applied.The fine microstructure thus obtained helps
realizeexcellent mechanical properties, such as high strengthand toughness [3],
[4].
In conventional TMCP, accelerated cooling is usuallyinterrupted at the
intermediate temperature range, forexample, at around 500C, due to relief of
internal residualstress or other factors. In producing high-strengthsteel plates,
plates with tensile strengths typically inexcess of 600 MPa, steelmakers
occasionally applydirect quenching from the austenite region after hot rolling
5|Page

down to around the ambient temperature, followedby tempering (DQ-T process,

Fig. 2b). The DQ-T processis classified as a thermal refining process in
somecases [5], because the process can be regarded as a
rationalizedcombination of reheat quenching and tempering(RQ-T, Fig. 2a).

Fig. 2: Schematic diagrams of (a) RQ-T and (b) DQ-T

However, since mechanical propertiesof the plates are usually improved by

ausforming,the DQ-T process is also classified as TMCP [5], [6].In high-strength
steels produced by the DQ-T process,microstructural control of transformed
structuresat lower temperatures, such as bainite and martensite, isvery important
to obtain an excellent balance of strengthand toughness. Grain refinement and
straining of austeniteby controlled rolling, followed by quenching toaround the
ambient temperature (ausforming), bringabout fine sub-structures in bainite or
martensite, andthus help to improve both the strength and toughness [7].

2.3.

Metallurgical characteristics of TMCP:

The concept of microstructural control by TMCP is schematically presented in Fig

3. Whereas TMCP achieves high strength by utilizing the transformation to ferrite
and bainite in addition to enhanced toughness, controlled rolling technology
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enhances toughness mainly by refinement of the ferrite microstructure.

Accelerated cooling gives higher productivity compared with inter critical
(austenite + ferrite region) rolling and minimizes any decrease in absorbed
energy through the separation phenomena. TMCP consists of two stages in
series namely (i) controlled rolling and (ii) a subsequent accelerated cooling
process. During the rolling stage, the austenite grains are elongated into a
pancake shape, which introduces crystallographic discontinuities such as ledges
and deformation bands. These ledges and deformation bands remain until
accelerated cooling starts when the rolling temperature is sufficiently low (less
than 800 deg C).

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Fig. 3: Concept of microstructure control and Nb precipitation and its effects

Recrystallization takes place when the temperature is sufficiently high (more than
900 deg C) and most of the ledges and deformation bands induced by
deformation disappear. The retaining deformation ledges and bands can act as
potential heterogeneous nucleation sites for the austenite to ferrite
transformations and contribute to grain refinement. Also the heterogeneous
deformation of austenite increases the grain surface area and the length of grain
edges per unit volume, while there is no change in the number of grain corners
per unit volume.
The additional feature of TMCP is its cooling process. During the accelerated
cooling the growth of transformed products is effectively suppressed and grain
refinement is achieved by transformations where the above mentioned nucleation
sites are introduced. The decrease in the transformation temperature caused by
accelerated cooling induces strong changes in the intra-granular structure. The
transformation driving forces also contribute to refinement of the grain size
through low temperature rolling followed by quenching with water. The tensile
strength can be widely controlled (from 50 kg/sq mm to above 80 kg/sq mm).

8|Page

The micro alloying elements in the steel control the microstructure. A little
amount of elements such as niobium (Nb) and titanium (Ti) allow the
microstructure to be refined from the reheating of steel to controlled rolling and
accelerated cooling processes and enhance the strength of the finished rolled
product. The effects of Nb (Fig 3) as an example of a micro alloying element
show that the sizes of the Nb precipitates formed during each process are
roughly 300 nm at the slab reheating temperature before rolling (more than 1000
deg C), 50 nm during controlled rolling (around 800 deg C) and 10 nm at the
transformation temperature (around 600 deg C) during cooling. In short, the size
of precipitates decreases with decrease in the temperature as the process
progresses. This is useful for microstructural control. It is therefore necessary to
maintain Nb in a solid solution so that it can be precipitated in sufficient amounts
in the subsequent processes [2].
Nb precipitates during the reheating of steel and prevents austenite grain growth
via the pinning effect. During the subsequent rolling process, at below the
recrystallization temperature (around 900 deg C), the driving force generated by
the strain energy introduced by such rolling, facilitates the precipitation of fine Nb
carbides and/or nitrides. These fine precipitates prevent austenite grain
recrystallization and therefore coarsening of grains.
During thermo mechanical rolling, the strain induced precipitation of micro
alloying elements such as Nb plays an important role in controlling the
microstructure. Nb delays the onset of austenite recrystallization.
Because of the non-recrystallized nature of austenite, there is a plentiful supply
of heterogeneous ferrite nucleation sites (ledges and deformation bands) for the
subsequent cooling process. Nb also induces other effects such as during the
austenite to ferrite transformation upon cooling, it precipitates in the ferrite matrix
and enhances its strength via the precipitation strengthening mechanism. The
crystal structure of the precipitates does not fit well in the ferrite lattice and this
incoherency between the ferrite and precipitates results in increased strength.
The TMCP parameters affect the microstructure and properties of Nb-Ti micro
alloyed steel. For example, the yield and tensile strength increase with a
decrease in the finishing-cooling or non-recrystallization rolling temperature.

9|Page

The most notable effect of TMCP is that steel with the same strength as
conventional steels can be manufactured with a lower carbon equivalent (i.e. with
lower alloy addition) through microstructural control. It has been demonstrated
that the value of Ceq [2] required for TMCP steel to attain the same strength is
0.04 % to 0.08 % lower than that required for normalized steel. As a result,
weldability (i.e. the preheating temperature required to prevent cold cracking at
HAZ) has been significantly improved in TMCP steels. TMCP thus increases
productivity during the fabrication of steel structures while enhancing safety and
reliability.
2.4.

Advantages:

TMCP process has several advantages that can help to overcome issues related
to the addition of major alloying elements and conventional heat treatments.
TMCP steels with added micro alloys have been developed to manage the
conflicting requirements of strength and toughness through grain refinement and
because of decrease in micro alloying weldability is improved. TMCP effectively
enables reduction of the preheating temperature, thus lowering the rolling cost.
As TMCP steels afford good weldability, they are highly valued in industries such
as shipbuilding, offshore structures, pipelines and building construction.
TMCP is the sophisticated combination of well-defined deformation operations
and well-defined heat treatment in a single production stage to control the
microstructure of the steel being rolled. TMCP produces steels with the desired
external qualities (dimensions, shape and surface quality) and acceptable
mechanical properties. TMCP is normally considered as the final stage in the
production of steels.

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3. HIGH STRENGTH STRUCTURAL: APPLICATIONS AND DEMAND

I Beam:

Fig. 4: I Beam

An I-beam, also known as H-beam, W-beam (for "wide flange"), Universal

Beam (UB), Rolled Steel Joist (RSJ), or double-T, is a beam with an I- or Hshaped cross-section. The horizontal elements of the "I" are known as flanges,
while the vertical element is termed the "web". I-beams are usually made
of structural steel and are used in construction and civil engineering [8].
The web resists shear forces, while the flanges resist most of the bending
moment experienced by the beam. Beam theory shows that the I-shaped section
is a very efficient form for carrying both bending and shear loads in the plane of
the web. On the other hand, the cross-section has a reduced capacity in the
transverse direction, and is also inefficient in carrying torsion, for which hollow
structural sections are often preferred.
Angles:
Steel angles can be used as braces to help reinforce structures. The structures
can be as large and wide as ceilings in a skyscraper, or as small as the corners
of a desk or table. Bolting steel angles to the corners of any construct will hold
pieces in place and increase the structure's stress-bearing capability and
longevity.

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Fig. 5: Angles

Plate:

Fig. 6: Plate
Aplateis astructural elementwhich is characterized by two key properties. Firstly,
its geometric configuration is a three-dimensional solid whose thickness is very
small when compared with other dimensions. Secondly, the effects of the loads
that are expected to be applied on it only generate stresses
whose resultants are, in practical terms, exclusively normal to the element's
thickness [8].

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Plates caters the requirements of ship building, line pipe, yellow goods, boilers
and pressure vessels, defence, construction and wind engineering sectors.

Sheet Pile:

Fig. 7: Sheet Pile

Larssen sheet piling is a kind of sheet piling retaining wall. Segments with
indented profiles (troughs) interlock to form a wall with alternating indents and
outdents. The troughs increase resistance to bending. The segments are
typically made of steel or another metal [8].
Larssen sheet piling was developed in 1912 for use in the construction
of piers, oil terminals, waste storage facilities, bridges, houses, buildings, other
construction sites and for the strengthening of pond banks, preventing slumping
into a pit and flooding.

TMT Bars:
Thermomechanical
processing,
also
known
treatment (TMT),
is
a metallurgical process
hardening and heat-treatment into a single process.

13 | P a g e

as thermo-mechanical
that
integrates work

The quenching process produces a high strength bar from inexpensive low
carbon steel. The process quenches the surface layer of the bar, which
pressurizes and deforms the crystal structure of intermediate layers, and
simultaneously begins to temper the quenched layers using the heat from the
bar's core.

Fig. 8: TMT Bars

TMT bars find wide applications in different areas:

General purpose concrete re-enforcement structures

Bridges
Flyovers
Dams
High rise buildings
Industrial structures
Concrete roads
Underground structures

4. CURRENT TECHNOLOGIES OF TMCP

4.1. TMCP in World:
For TMCP, several types of accelerated cooling equipment have been suggested
and put to practical use since 1980. The necessary issues in this development
have been the uniformity and controllability of the cooling temperature and the
14 | P a g e

plate flatness after cooling, as well as the productivity of the process. Frequently
used accelerated cooling equipment has been thoroughly reviewed for this
purpose. Each steel plant adds specific features related to the cooling method,
installation location and the motion of the strip/plate.
Presently, accelerated cooling equipment is commonly of the continuous type, in
which the cooling zone is divided in the traveling direction of the strip/plate. In
this setup, water cooling of the top and bottom faces of the strip/plate can be
independently controlled in each zone.
In addition to homogeneous water cooling, progress has been made in reduceddistortion cooling technology, which requires even more sophisticated cooling
control. This is needed to ensure both the uniformity of the cooling temperature
and the required strip/plate flatness after cooling. The issues related to strip/plate
distortion (deflections) are classified into three major types depending on the
direction in which uneven cooling occurred, i.e., along the thickness, longitudinal
and transverse directions. On the basis of thermal stress and elastic instability
theory, the expressions for the critical buckling along these three directions
resulting from uneven cooling are found. One of the causes of plate distortion is
the inevitable overcooling on the four narrow faces of the plate. To avoid this
temperature decrease, several mechanistic measures are generally taken such
as a water crown profile can be applied in the transverse direction, edge
screening, which reduces the water flow along the edges, can be applied in the
width direction, and head and tail screening can be applied to prevent
overcooling at the respective narrow faces. To minimize the temperature
difference, optimization of the nozzle arrangement at the bottom face has also
been examined, since another mechanism that causes distortion is the different
thermal histories of the top and bottom faces of the strip/plate. At some steel
plants, learning functions are employed so that the ratio of water volume applied
to the top and bottom faces can be automatically controlled on the basis of the
accumulated data on temperature and flatness. The flatness of the strip/plate
before cooling is essential for ensuring a uniform cooling temperature. This is
consistent with the recent trend of optimizing the sequential equipment
configuration by installing a hot leveler before the accelerated cooling stage.
Additional technologies have been required to meet the increasing demand for
TMCP since the 1990s. A key issue in such technologies has been to achieve
highly uniform cooling to minimize steel strain, which occasionally occurred with
15 | P a g e

conventional TMCP methods and had to be rectified to reduce the amount of

releveling. Product quality requirements have also become more severe and
steels are required to have less variation in their strength. This is achieved
through improved accuracy of the cooling finishing temperature during
accelerated cooling. To respond to these requirements, some novel TMCP
technologies, such as CLC and Super OLAC, have been developed and are now
in used in production.
One of the improved cooling equipment systems, Continuous on-line controlled
Rolling (CLC), has been developed and introduced for commercial use by Nippon
Steel Corporation (NSC) [2]. This system is a technical breakthrough for TMCP.
Owing to its unique cooling technology, as well as the facility layout, a wide range
of cooling rates and patterns and uniform cooling characteristics are realized
over the entire strip/plate. Nippon Steel Corporation (NSC) conducted
experiments and numerical analyses on thermal conductivity engineering and
fluid dynamics and overcame the heterogeneity of the cooling behaviour, which
was not unavoidable using conventional cooling equipment. They developed a
new water-cooling system with a wide range of cooling abilities, which reduced
the temperature variation to approximately half that of conventional equipment.
This new generation of controlled cooling technology is now widely applied to
actual products, enabling the resolution of conflicting property requirements such
as strength and toughness.
The above-described measures have improved the uniformity of cooling
temperature and plate flatness after cooling compared with past TMCP
applications. However, the increasingly strict requirements for steel flatness
necessitate further modifications of the accelerated cooling equipment and
control measures to ensure flatness after cooling. To achieve this, some steel
plants have recently taken measures such as installing heavy cold levelers.
4.1.1. Accelerated cooling of beams:
In the QST (Quenching and self-tempering) applied by ProfilARBED, an intense
watercooling is applied to the whole surface of the beam directly after the last
rolling pass. Cooling is interrupted before the core is affected by quenching and
the outer layers are tempered by the flow of heat from the core to the surface [9].
Fig. 9 illustrates schematically this treatment. At the exit of the finishing stand
directly at the entry of the cooling bank, temperatures are typically at 850C. After
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cooling over the whole surface of the section a self-tempering temperature

greateror equal to 600C is aimed for.

Fig. 9: QST process applied on beams in the rolling heat

The basic principles for the control of this device are sketched at the Fig. 10

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Fig. 10: Control of a QST process to produce a beam in an aimed grade

A prerequisite for a uniform QST treatment is a homogeneous temperature
profile of the beam section before entering the cooling bank. The condition is
fulfilled by applying a selective cooling during rolling to the hottest part of the
beam, namely the flange web intersection [10]. Fig.11 gives a view of this
process. By applying this selective cooling in the region of the flange web
junction, existing temperature difference can be eliminated as the comparison
between typical temperature profiles over the flange width illustrates.

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Fig. 11: Influence of selective cooling during rolling on the temperature profile of
the flange width
4.1.2. TMCP for bars:
The first major application of TMCP in long products was the implementation of
the THERMEXprocess.THERMEX has found a world-wide expansion for the
production of high quality reinforcing bars (Fig. 13).The Thermex Cooling
Technology involves subjecting the bar to predetermined quantity of highpressure water after the last rolling mill stand. This treatment converts the bar
surface to a hardened structure. The subsequent phase involves cooling at
ambient temperature to allow the hot core to temper the surface through thermal
exchange. This results in a unique structure of tempered martensite in the
peripheral zone and a fine grain ferrite-pearlite at the central zone. Such a
structure is the guarantee of a THERMEX TMT Bar.

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Fig. 12: THERMEX reinforcing bar

Process route:
TMT bars at ISP, SAIL are produced through a state-of-the-art technology
provided by Danieli Italy. This technology imparts high strength without
compromising ductility. Steel billets are produced following stringent quality
control through continuous casting in Steel Melting Shop. These billets are
reheated hot or cold at required temperature and soaked properly in state of art
walking beam furnace before commencing rolling operation. Rolling operations
are conducted through a series of alternate vertical-horizontal rolling stands with
FFB (First finishing Block).

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Fig. 13:Process route of TMT bars at ISP

After finish rolling, the hot rolled bar passes through quenching device (QTB R)
where optimized cooling parameters are closely maintained through Level-2
automation. The intense cooling for a short duration transforms the surface
austenite into martensite whereas the core still remains as austenite when the
bar leaves the QTB. Subsequently, the heat from core flows towards surface and
tempers the hard martensite. The tempered martensite thus produced is
responsible for high strength. Finally, the austenite in the core transforms into
low temperature product generally ferrite-pearlite or acicular ferrite/bainite
providing high ductility and toughness by Thermo Mechanical Treatment (TMT).
SAIL TMT rebars of different grades are produced by designed alloy chemistry
and optimized rolling parameters which has been developed through exhaustive
research work over the years.

Product Characterisation:

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Ferrite Pearlite
Fe 500

Tempered Martensite
(rim)

Acicular Ferrite
/Bainite Fe 600

Fig. 14: Microstructure (500X ) of SAIL TMT

4.1.3. TMCP for rails:

Since the advent of railways, rail materials have been challenged by the rising
speed and weight of traffic, resulting in a higher rate of rail deterioration. The
response of the steel metallurgist has been to produce rails with greater
hardness and ultimate tensile strength. The microstructures of the rails used
presently, are still generally a pearlite based on a carbon/manganese
composition. Strength and related wear resistance may be improved by
decreasing the interlamellar spacing of the pearlite. An alternative bainitic
microstructure has been also proposed recently.
These microstructures can be obtained by increasing the alloying contents (i.e.
chromium addition). Another approach has been found with the introduction of
TMCP, namely accelerated cooling.
The cooling
parts or the
accelerated
accelerated
22 | P a g e

process can be off-line or inline. In the off-line process, rails (some

entire rail) are reheated into the austenite region and subsequently
cooled. In the in-line process, the rail is treated directly with an
cooling after rolling. In-line systems are preferred by rail

manufacturers because the cooling process can be designed to match the rolling
mill capacity; hence they achieve a high productivity rate. In contrast, the off-line
systems are relatively slow and energy intensive.
Different technologies have been used aiming at the in-line hardening treatment
of pearlitic rails (forced air-cooling, cold water cooling, dipping in synthetic
quenching medium, etc.). Among them, the in-line water spray cooling
technology called CHHR [12] (Continuous Head Hardening Rails) has been
applied for the production of rails at ARES, in Corus UK and Pennsylvania Steel
Technology. The cooling technology is based on water sprays (Fig. 16).

Fig. 15: Spray configuration in rail cooling system

The development of these new pearlitic and bainitic rails allows to decrease the
wear rates [13](Fig. 17)

23 | P a g e

Fig. 16: Wear rates vs. hardness for pearlitic rail steels (open square) and
bainitic steels
Another important character of rails is the resistance to rolling contact fatigue
(RCF). Repeated high stresses combined with creepages (predominant in
curves) are the main cause of rolling contact fatigue. Hence, new rail steels
offering longer life need better resistance to RCF in addition to improved wear
resistance.

Fig. 17: Initiation time for RCF damage as a function of hardness

24 | P a g e

In this field also, TMCP allows to elaborate suitable microstructure with superior
initiation time for fatigue cracks due to RCF [14] (Fig. 18) or superior toughness
and resistance to the propagation of the cracks (Fig. 19).

Fig. 18: Fracture toughness/tensile strength plot of rails

4.1.4. Super-OLAC (Online Accelerated cooling) and HOP (Heat Treatment
Online Process):
High-strength steels with tensile strengths of over 600 MPa produced by the DQT process can be further toughened by rapid tempering with HOP.

25 | P a g e

Fig. 19: Schematic diagrams of (a) DQ-T and (b) DQ-HOP

The heating rates in tempering with a conventional furnace typically range from
0.1 to 0.3C/s (Fig. 20a). In the Super-OLAC - HOP process, the plates are
immediately tempered after the direct quenching, at very rapid heating rates of 2
to 20C/s (Fig. 20b). The heating rates in tempering by HOP are one to two
orders of magnitude higher than those by conventional furnaces. To clarify how
heating rates in tempering affect thestrength and toughness of steel plates
produced by the DQ-T process, the assessment of the hardness and Charpy
impact properties of lab scale DQ-T plates containing 0.15% of carbon, tempered
at various heating rates and temperatures are to be done. The mechanical
properties of DQ-T plates, such as hardness and toughness, are usually
analyzed by the tempering parameter (T.P.), based on the following equation:
T.P.= T X (log t + C)
where T is the tempering temperature (K), t is
the tempering time (h), and C is a constant. The
relationships between hardness, the
ductilebrittle transition temperature in Charpy
impact tests, and T.P. are shown in Fig. 21.

The hardness of the DQ-T plates was

determined by the T.P. without showing
26 | P a g e

apparent dependency on the heating rate in tempering. It is interesting to note

that the fracture appearance transition temperature (vTrs) was lowered by about
10C at the same T.P., in the samples tempered with high heating rates of 5 to
100C/s.

Fig. 20:Changes
in
Vickers
hardness
(HV10)
and
the
transition
temperatures
by
Charpy
impact
tests (vTrs) with the tempering
parameter in the
TS780 MPa grade steel

Fig. 21compares the distributions of cementite in DQ-T samples tempered by a

conventional atmospheric furnace and HOP, at the same T.P. value of about
16.5 103. Fine cementite particles are distributed homogeneously in the sample
tempered by HOP (Fig. 22b). Coarse cementite particles,most of them
precipitated on lath boundaries of the bainite, are observed in the sample
tempered by the conventional furnace (Fig. 22a).

27 | P a g e

Fig. 21: Cementite distributions in the TS610 MPa grade

Steels produced by DQ-T process; (a) Temperedwith an atmospheric furnace,
and (b) Tempered with HOP

The smaller number of coarse cementite particles is thought to contribute to the

excellent toughness in plates tempered by HOP. Since strength will not be
affected by this size of cementite particles, strength is independent of the heating
rate in tempering. The morphology and dispersion control technology with HOP is
widely applied to JFE Steels high-strength steels with tensile strengths of over
600MPa, such as JFE-HITEN 610U2 and JFE-HITEN 780LE. JFE HYD960LE
and JFE HYD1100LE are ultra-high-strength steel plates with yield strengths of
960 and 1100MPa, respectively. The combination of ausforming with the
technology for the morphological control of cementite with HOP achieves not only
high strength, but also excellent low-temperature toughness and resistance to
delayed fracture [15].

28 | P a g e

4.1.5. Mathematical Modeling of TMCP:

Attributes:

The accumulated knowledge of physical metallurgy of high strength steels

processed by TMCP has been integrated into various mathematical models.
Relationships among chemistry, TMCP conditions, microstructure &
mechanical properties are described. They are used for simulation of
processing by computer.
Models predict quantitatively the transformed microstructures and then
these results are used to predict mechanical properties.
Models can be used for on line control of operating conditions in achieving
specified properties &laboratory simulation of rolling in the development of
new products.

Mathematical Formulation:
Control of final properties depends on accurate quantitative knowledge of
microstructural and local constitutional changes that occur during processing.

Precipitation coarsening /dissolution during reheating.

Dynamic recrystallization during deformation.
Metadynamic and static recrystallization during inter-pass intervals.
Growth of austenite grains.
Normal and strain induced precipitation of carbo-nitrides.

Inhibition of recrystallization due to strain induced precipitation below

Tnr(Non Recrystallization Temperature).
Retention of strain due to partial recrystallization and rolling below T nr(Non
Recrystallization Temperature).
Pancaking of austenite grains and creation of deformation bands.
Transformation to ferrite and control of ferrite grain size.
Structure-property correlationship.

Reheating Module:

29 | P a g e

Relatively high soaking temperature is traditionally applied in order to

decrease resistance to deformation. Austenitic grain growth is
exponentially related to soaking temperature.
Time and temperature of soaking are selected to ensure single phase
structure and dissolution of microalloying elements.
Empirical relation connecting reheated grain size with time and
temperature:
DO = A tm exp (-Q/RT).
Where, A = 2.93x105 and m = 0.194 respectively.

Deformation Module [18]:

Microstructural changes during deformation are due to recrystallization

(REX), growth and precipitation kinetics.
REX leads to refinement of grains and aids in relieving strain by
dislocation annihilation and rearrangement.
Grains coarsen after completion of recrystallization.
Onset of precipitation affects REX kinetics and grain growth.
Strain is accumulated from pass to pass, if REX is not complete during the
inter-pass time.
Accumulated strain added to the imposed strain in the next pass affects
REX and precipitation behavior.
Kinetics of REX, pptn. and phase transformations are described by Avrami
type relation: Xt = 1- exp(-Atk).

Recrystallization Module [19]:

REX is typically divided into three categories namely dynamic (DRX),

metadynamic (MRX) and static (SRX).
SRX has been thought to occur during interpass time.
Critical strain has been defined as the strain necessary to initiate dynamic
recrystallization, wherein deformation and recrystallization occur
concurrently.

30 | P a g e

Once the DRX sets in, post dynamic recrystallization will continue even in
the absence of strain, this is termed MRX.

The Kolmogorov-Johnson-Mehl-Avrami expression account for the fraction

recrystallized [16]:
XMRX=1-exp[-0.693 (t/t0.5)n]
where X is fraction recrystallized in time t and n is a constant.
n assumes the value 1 in MRX and 2 in SRX processes.

The static recrystallization kinetics expressed as the time to reach a certain level
of recrystallization depends on chemical composition, applied strain (), strain
rate (), initial grain size (d0) and temperature (T) [1, 5]. Sellars [5] derived an
equation for describing the time for 50% static recrystallization including strain,
strain rate, composition, grain size and temperature
t0.5= B sd0pZqexp(

where B, p, q and s are constants dependent on the chemical composition of the

steel, Z is Zener-Hollomon parameter and Q is the activation energy of
recrystallization.
Metadynamic recrystallization kinetics is independent on the strain and initial
grain size and according to Sellars [5], the time to reach 50% recrystallization is
given by
t0.5=BZrexp(

where B and r are constants dependent on the chemical composition of the steel
and Z is Zener-Hollomon parameter.
Empirical relations are available in the literature to determine the grain size of
austenite in the metadynamicrecrystallized condition [19].

In case where applied strain is less than the critical strain, static
restoration occurs during inter-pass time.

31 | P a g e

No Recrystallization Temp:
This temperature marks the cessation of recrystallization. The grains assume a
pancake shape below this temperature, thus increasing the effective grain
boundary area. Additionally deformation bands and other defects are
endangered during deformation in the no recrystallization regime.

Recrystallization and precipitation are interrelated and the latter have

definite influence on the former by delaying the process.
Tnr has been found to depend on strain, strain rate, inter-pass time and
steel composition.
The transition from full recrystallization to a complete absence of
recrystallization does not take place at a single temperature but over a
range of temperatures.
It is a possibility that recrystallization will occur in static mode, as specific
grain boundary available increases tremendously. Consequently even if
the temperature is less than Tnr, the static recrystallization based on grain
boundary area, dislocation density and grain size must be considered.

Strain Accumulation:

In the absence of restoration processes as by recovery and

recrystallization, a certain fraction of strain is retained, thereby increasing
resistance to deformation in subsequent passes.
Accumulated strain is a critical parameter in determining transformation
kinetics & final grain size.
Effective strain for ith stand can be evaluated from the sum of the strain
applied in the ithstand and the residual strain accumulated from the
previous stand
i

= i + Kacc (1-Xi-1)

i-1

Kacc is a constant can be taken as 0.5 for short inter-pass time, and 1.0 for
long inter-pass time

32 | P a g e

In case of partial REX the grain size is averaged over the recrystallized
and unrecrystallized fraction using a law of mixture type relation.

Grain Growth:

Consequent upon completion of recrystallization, the equiaxed austenite

grains coarsen by a growth mechanism, which is diffusion controlled.
The grains might grow at the expense of another and can be normal and
abnormal depending upon grain curvature. The models have been
considered to predict the growth kinetics which is function of the inter-pass
time, activation energy for grain growth and chemical composition.

Precipitation Kinetics[20]:

Carbonitrides are engendered in steels microalloyed with Nb, V and Ti.

The precipitation is formed primarily by strain induced precipitation and
lead to strengthening of steel. Precipitation kinetics affect the rate of REX.
The precipitation start time depends on process variables such as the
strain, strain rate and temperature. It also includes super saturation ratio
which determines the driving force for precipitation.
It has been assumed that for t0.05x<t0.05p<t0.95x, recrystallization is affected
by precipitation, where t0.05x is time for 5% recrystallization, t0.05pis time for
5% precipitation and t0.95x is 95% recrystallization.
Ift0.05x>t0.05p, recrystallization does not take place at all. This establishes
procedure of the one process over the other.

Dislocation Density:

The dislocation density after deformation was ascertained by adopting the

calculation procedure as given by equations:
=

(1-X)+

Here X is the fraction recrystallized, and p n and psare dislocation densities

in the dynamically recovered and recrystallized regions respectively
Transformation Model [17]:
33 | P a g e

The phase transformation model describes the manner in which the

austenite gets transformed to ferrite, pearlite, bainite or martensite.
This is usually determined for a given alloy by the cooling rate and a
known isothermal TTT diagram.
For new grades of steels, generation of TTT diagrams are very time
consuming exercise.
Following factors affect the ferrite grain size:

Final austenite grain size

Retained strain
Post deformation cooling rate
Steel composition

The average ferrite grain size is computed taking into account predictions
from different transformation models

Yield Strength Prediction:

The final mechanical properties are related to the microstructure through the
appropriate structure - property relationship
YS=

ss+ dis + p +

Where,

ssis

Ky D

-1/2

due to solid solution strengthening given as:

ss

= 15.4 (3.5+2.1Mn+5.4Si)

dis

is due to dislocation as given by:

dis

=1.44 10-3

0.5

; where

is dislocation density

is due to precipitation strengthening and is given by:

=8.9 f0.5ln(1630 x)/ x; where f is volume fraction of precipitate and x is mean

diameter of precipitate
p

COMPARISON BETWEEN MEASURED & PREDICTED YIELD STRENGTHS:

34 | P a g e

Fig. 22: Comparison between Measured & Predicted Yield Strengths

4.2.

TMCP in SAIL:

RSPNew Plate mill:

The new plate mill of 1.0 MTPA capacity in Phase I (to be increased to 1.8 MTPA
in Phase II of modernization) has been commissioned at RSP. Steel slabs are
produced following stringent quality control through continuous casting with
secondary refining facilities RH, LHF, VAD, etc. in Steel Melting Shop. These
slabs are charged in walking beam furnace. New Plate Mill in Rourkela is
equipped with latest technology from Tennova, Italy
Plates are flat, hot rolled, finished products that fall within the thickness range of
6 to 100 mm. The major processes followed for plate rolling:

Walking beam type reheating furnace of capacity 225 t / hr.

Primary descaling at 220 kg/cm water pressure.
HAGC, PVR, roll bending & shifting,profile thickness gauge.
Quick roll change facility.
Thermo mechanical controlled rolling.
Accelerated controlled cooling.
Hot leveller with HAGC.
Hot and cold marking machines.

35 | P a g e

Online UST machine.

Level-II automation.
Double side trimming shear upto 50mm.
Cold leveller.
Magnetic piler.
Storing & traceability facility.

Fig. 23: Plate Mill Technological Layout of RSP

Product Attributes:

36 | P a g e

Metallurgically sound plates because of high shape factor rolling ( 90000

kN roll separating force)
Plates with a wide range of properties can be achieved through TMCR
(Thermo mechanical controlled rolling)
High degree of rectangularity ensured by Plan View Rolling (PVR)
ensured close dimensional tolerances by Roll Bending and Shifting
technologies
Excellent surface finish

Fig. 24: Variation of Strength by Normalising and TMCP

A wide range of products catering to the requirements of ship building, line pipe,
yellow goods, boilers and pressure vessels, defence, construction and wind
engineering sectors can be made within close tolerances and excellent surface
finish.

37 | P a g e

5. PROSPECT OF ADOPTING TMCP IN SAIL

ISP (IISCO Steel Plant) provides the cutting edge to SAILs Structural Sections
with its new, state of the art Universal Section Mill, backed by high quality steel
production facilities. With this SAIL is now in a position to supply a wide range of
Heavy and Medium Structural Sections, including Parallel Flange Beams that
meet international standards of quality and stringent requirements of the
infrastructure and construction industries.

5.1.

Process Route:

The steel is produced at fully integrated ISP using iron ore from SAILs own iron
ore mines and processed through stringent quality control measures through
BOF and continuous casting route. Special grades are produced with secondary
refining facilities like Desulphurising, LF, VAD, VOD etc. in Steel Melting Shop.
These blooms/beam blanks produced with clean steel are charged into Walking
Beam Furnace for reheating and soaking at required temperature before
commencing rolling operation through Universal Section Mill. The steel
blooms/beam blanks are converted into Parallel Flange Structural Sections
(Wide/Narrow flange), passing through the state of the art Universal Section Mill
supplied by SMS MEER.

38 | P a g e

Fig. 25: Process Route of ISP

Reheated beam blanks/blooms are descaled using high pressure descaler and
passed through roughing stand and universal stands. While rolling through
universal stand with Hydraulic Gauge Controller, precise shapes are produced by
roughing, edging and finishing rolls.
Online Measuring Gauge ensures perfect profile and online straightening of the
product with Level 2 Automation. Subsequently, products are cropped by Hot
Saw and allowed to cool in the Cooling Bed. Final desired lengths are cut after
straightening operation at horizontal Roller Straightener.
Products are neatly piled and packaged with Automatic Strapping and Labeling
Machine before shipment.

5.2.

Features of Universal Section Mill:

39 | P a g e

Universal Mill can produce Parallel Flange Beams (Conventional I beams

as well), other structural like Channel, Angle, Special sections like U/Z
sheet piles, Bulb bars etc.
Close dimensional control and better surface finish achievable.
Ability to compensate the varying lateral spread and shrinkage behavior of
different steel grades easily.
Beams of wider flange and thinner webs can be rolled.

With all the above features the USM can produce quality products. By adding
TMCP facility to this route will further enhance the quality of the products with
added advantages of TMCP like leaner chemistry, strength, thereby reducing
cost and increasing overall profitability.

6. KEY LEARNING POINTS

Thermo mechanical controlled processing (TMCP) is a technique
designed to improve the mechanical properties of materials by controlling
the hot-deformation process in a rolling mill.
The first introduction of thermo mechanical processing into commercial
production was controlled rolling of carbon (C)-manganese (Mn) steel
plates of 40 kgf/sq mm grade for shipbuilding in the 1950s.
The strength of TMCP steel is higher than normalized steel of the same
composition. Thus TMCP steel has the same strength but with leaner
composition (lower alloy content) than conventional normalized steel.
In TMCP, the transformed structure is refined by a suitable combination of
controlled rolling (CR) and accelerated cooling
TMCP steels with added micro alloys have been developed to manage the
conflicting requirements of strength and toughness through grain
refinement and weldability is improved because of decrease in micro
alloying.
High strength structuralfinds many applications such as,
o As I Beams and angles in construction and civil engineering.
o Plates in line pipe, yellow goods, defence, boiler, pressure vessels,
construction and fabrication.
40 | P a g e

o Sheet piles in construction of piers, oil terminals, waste storage

facilities, bridges, houses, buildings, other construction sites and for
the strengthening of pond banks, preventing slumping into a pit and
flooding.
o TMT Bars for concrete reinforcement structures.
Advancement of world in TMCP with latest technologies using different
cooling systems like Continuous on-line controlled Rolling (CLC), Super
OLAC (On-Line Accelerated Cooling) and HOP (Heat-treatment On-line
Process) and different cooling modes for different sections.
Mathematical modeling of TMCP has different modules like reheating
module, deformation module, recrystallization module and transformation
module.
The TMCP technologies SAIL has adopted at RSP.

7. FUTURE PLAN OF ACTION

Universal Section Mill in ISP with state of art technology is ready to produce wide
range of sections like NPB (Narrow flange parallel beams), WPB (Wide flange
parallel beams), UPN (Parallel flange channel as per DIN, ISPS (Indian standard
pile section) with annual capacity of 600000 Tons.
If we consider accelerated cooling technique like QST (Quenching and selftempering) to be adopted, we may need to keep in mind the following:
This accelerated cooling arrangement should be incorporated after the
finishing stand
This shall have the selective cooling which is very important for these
sections with non-uniform hot zones with temperature difference existing
between different junctions.
The entire process is to be automated having a feedback control with
correction facility.

41 | P a g e

Fig. 26: QST process applied on beams in the rolling heat

Considering the layout of USM of ISP the available space between the finishing
stand and the hot saw is approximately 135 meters which may be utilised to
incorporate accelerated cooling arrangement. The temperature of the product
coming out of the finishing stand will be around 850 0 C. The number and size of
water box required shall be designed as per the requirement of quenching for all
the sections being produced at ISP. The entire process should be automated in
such a way that based on the type of section, the discharge, pressure and the
operation of the nozzles should be optimized. One more aspect to be considered
is to synchronize the cutting speed of the hot saw as per the product length to be
supplied.
The load bearing capacities of the motor is also a concern as because of the
controlled rolling the temperature of the bloom/beam blank is to be controlled
which increases the load. By considering all the above factors TMCP can be
incorporated into USM of ISP and MSM of DSP.

8. CONCLUSION
This report has given the history of TMCP, different processes of TMCP, latest
technologies in TMCP in the world, TMCP in SAIL, advantages, and the
prospects of adopting TMCP in SAIL.

42 | P a g e

TMCP has allowed to increase the productivity and to decrease the cost of the
alloying for the steel producer.
Products with an improved combination of properties such as tensile
strength,toughness, ductility, wear resistance,weldabilityis obtainable through
TMCP for a wider range of thickness.
TMCP has been successfully applied for the production of structural. In terms of
quality or economy, the performance of this production route compares
advantageously over the alternative routes like increased alloying or off line
processing.

43 | P a g e

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First and foremost, Im very thankful to SAIL, RDCIS for giving me great
opportunities to learn. I am extremely grateful to Sri S. S. Mohanty, Director
Technical, Steel Authority of India Limited, for providing me an opportunity to
prepare a technical memorandum on Thermo Mechanical Controlled Processing
of High Strength Structurals. I owe my deepest sense of gratitude to the
respected Dr. B. K. Jha, ED I/c, RDCIS, for providing me an opportunity to
explore into the real world of steel and realize the interrelation of various
disciplines. Im grateful to Sri A. K. Paul, GM &HoPC, Burnpur Plant Centre for
his constant motivation, support and encouragement. Im thankful to Sri
AtulSaxena, GM &HoA, Products and Dr. A. K. Bhakat, DGM &HoG, AEC for
their constant support and encouragement. Im highly indebted to my advisor,
project guide Sri D. Karmakar, DGM, AEC, for his constant advice, support and
encouragement.
Finally, I thank all my colleagues and family members for their support without
whom this project work would not have been a possibility.

44 | P a g e

REFERENCES:
[1] WWW. Steel.gov.in
[2] ispatguru.com/thermo-mechanical-control-processing-in-rolling-mills/
[3]Sekine, H. The 86th and 87th Nishiyama Memorial Technical
Seminar.Development inmanufacturing technology and properties of steel
plates.ISIJ.1982, p. 123.
[4]Kozasu, I. Accelerated Cooling of Steel. Southwich, P. D., ed. TMSAIME, PA, U.S.A., 1986, p. 15.
[5]Kozasu, I. Controlled Rolling and Accelerated Cooling. Tokyo. ChijinShokan. 1997. (Japanese).
[6] ASTM Standards. A841/A841M.ASTM International. PA. U.S.A.
[7] Okamoto, K.; Yoshie, A.; Nakao, H. Physical Metallurgy of Direct
Quenched Steels. Taylor,K. A., ed. TMS-AIME, PA, U.S.A., 1993, p. 339.
[8] Wikipedia.com
[9] NKK News, vol. 21 (3), 1981
[10] T. Yonei, Y. Hida, S. Suzuki, K, Sugita, M. Oda, S. Mizoguchi,
Nippon Steel technical report, N16, December 1980, p120
[11] Simon P., Economopoulos M., Nilles P., Iron and steel engineer,
march 1984, p53
[12]U.S.Patent 4,668,308, Method and Apparatus for Manufacturing
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[13]N.Jin and P. Clayton; Wear, Vol. 202, 1997, pp.202
[14]Y.Tomita ; Metall. Trans., Vol.19A, 1988, pp.2513

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[15] Nagao, A.; Ito, T.; Obinata, T. JFE Giho. 2007, no. 18, p. 29 34.
[16] Y.Satio, M.saeki, M.Nishida, Y.Ito, T.Tanaka and S.Takizawa: Proc.
Int. Conf. Steel Rolling, ISIJ, Tokyo, 1980, 130
[17] K.Esaka, J.Wakita, M.Takahashi, O.Kawano and S.Harada: SeitetsuKenkyu, 1986, 321, 92
[18] Predictionofmicrostructureevolutionduring multistandshaperollingofnickel-base super alloys Kannan Subramanian
andHarishPCherukuri
[19] Modeling the Microstructural Evolution during Hot Working of C-Mn
and of Nbmicroalloyed Steels using a Physically Based Model, Linda
Lissel
[20] Effect ofcomposition andprocessvariables onNb(C, N)precipitation
inniobiumMicroalloyedaustenite, B.Dutta, C. M. Sellars.

46 | P a g e