The production of fine-scale microstructures by rapid annealing

It is well established that both strength and ductility can be improved by the use of fine-scale microstructures. Rapid thermal cycles permit a variety of fine-scale structures to be produced. The development of these fine-scale structures can be considered in terms of the influence of a given input of energy to a well-defined pre-existing structure. Examples are shown for the control of recrystallization events and phase transitions during annealing of pure iron and a variety of steels.