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A simplified section of the iron-carbon equilibrium diagram is shown: (i) Identify the regions labelled A, B, C and D - Leaving Cert Engineering - Question b - 2010
Question b
A simplified section of the iron-carbon equilibrium diagram is shown: (i) Identify the regions labelled A, B, C and D. (ii) Describe, with the aid of a diagram, th... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A simplified section of the iron-carbon equilibrium diagram is shown: (i) Identify the regions labelled A, B, C and D - Leaving Cert Engineering - Question b - 2010
Step 1
Step 2
Describe, with the aid of a diagram, the crystal structure of martensite.
Answer
Martensite has a distinctive crystal structure characterized by a hard, needle-like formation. This structure is formed through rapid quenching during the hardening process, which prevents carbon from diffusing out of the iron matrix.
Key Features:
- Needle-like Structure: The martensitic structure consists of elongated, needle-shaped crystals.
- Strength and Brittleness: The rapid formation of this structure increases hardness but makes it brittle.
- Distortion: The rapid cooling creates distortions in the crystal lattice due to the inability of excess carbon to come out of solution.