Modelling and characterisation of carbide formation in steels for gearboxes

This project is aimed at understanding how networks of hard and brittle carbides form during the carburisation of steels used for gearboxes. These carbide networks lead to undesirable mechanical properties, quench cracking and intergranular fracture. Therefore processing routes which avoid forming carbide networks are desired. By identifying the role that carbon and other alloying elements play in the formation of carbide networks, models can be developed to quantify the mechanism of carbide network formation. It is also important to understand how the initial microstructure and heat treatments affect carbide formation and the mechanical properties of the steel.