Correlation between Microstructures and Yield Strength of a High Strength Enameling Steel

Numerical estimates of the components of yield strength of a high strength Fe–C–Mn–P–N–Si enameling steel were determined using empirical relationships between microstructure and yield strength. Results are reported for both the hot rolled (HR) and cold rolled (CR) forms before and after simulating an enamel-fire anneal (EFA). To determine the solubilities of alloying elements, thermodynamic calculations were performed in combination with the considerations of process conditions and the element diffusivities. The results show that the main solid solution strengtheners were the elements Mn, Si, and P, while the elements C and N were nearly completely tied up as precipitates. The yield strength reduction, due to the EFA, resulted primarily from an increase in grain size and a decrease in dislocation density, and the EFA appeared to have a negligible effect on the element solubilities.