Compositional Sensitivity of High Mn, High Al Lightweight Steels

The family of lightweight high Mn, high Al steels (FeMnAl) exhibit lower density (6.5-7.2 g/cm³) than traditional military steels (7.9 g/cm³). These alloys are precipitation hardened, with κ-carbide dominating hardening performance. This carbide has an E₂₁ perovskite structure with a nominal composition of (Fe,Mn)₃AlC. In the literature, a number of studies have examined the sensitivity of mechanical properties to changing a single element in the composition. However, the covariance of the major elements has not been systematically explored. In this study, a series of small ingots were prepared according to a two-factor design of experiments, in addition to analysis of previously generated compositions. Methods of measuring alloy composition will be discussed, along with aging kinetics and key mechanical properties.

Citation: K. Sebeck, I. Toppler, K. Limmer, D. Field, D. Wagner, A. Gafner, “Compositional Sensitivity of High Mn, High Al Steels”, In Proceedings of the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering and Technology Symposium (GVSETS), NDIA, Novi, MI, Aug. 13-15, 2019.