The Heat Treatment and Mechanical Properties of Heavy Gauge Steel Forgings and Plates

Abstract

Development of larger quality steel plates, castings and forgings is one of the key points in the recent spectacular growth of technical advancement in a vast range of industries such as heavy electric machinery, nuclear power generation, shipbuilding, steel making and chemicals.
This report discusses important problems related to heat treatment for heavy gauge products, such as (1) hydrogen-induced cracking, (2) grain size, (3) residual stress and (4) temper embrittlement. Then, metallurgical factors in heat treatment influencing on the mechanical properties and investigation results of actual products are described concerning heavy section plates and forgings for nuclear use.