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Hardenability – Definition

by

Sibert et al.

Hardenability is the capacity of a steel to transform partially or completely from austenite to some percentage of martensite at a given depth when cooled under some given conditions. 1

Grossmann and Bain

Susceptibility to hardening by rapid cooling. 2

ASM Metals Handbook

The property, in ferrous alloys, that determines the depth and distribution of hardness produced by quenching. 3

Krauss

The term hardenability relates to the suppression of diffusion-controlled transformations and, therefore, to the propensity of a steel to harden under various cooling conditions. 4

Example

Hardernability comparison: TTT curves of UNS G41400 vs. UNS G43400
Hardenability example: effect of nickel on phase transformation kinetics of low alloy steels.

References

  1. C.A. Siebert, D.V. Doane, and D.H. Breen, “The Hardenability of Steels – Concepts, Metallurgical Influences, and Industrial Applications“, ASM International, 1977.
  2. M.A. Grossmann and E.C. Bain, “Principles of Heat Treatment“, 5th ed.,  ASM International, 1964.
  3. Definition Relating to Metals and Metalworking, Vol 1, 8th ed., “Metals Handbook“,  ASM International, 1961, p. 20.
  4. G. Krauss, “Steels: Processing, Structure, and Performance“, 1st ed., ASM International, 2005, p.297-326.