Abstract

Paxton, Harry (Carnegie Mellon University). Steel is the generic name for a group of ferrous metals composed principally of iron, but containing some carbon and generally other elements as well. These iron–carbon alloys are the most plentiful and useful of the metallic materials, whether for infrastructure construction, consumer goods from automobiles to cutlery, or spacecraft. Durability and versatility are evidenced by the wide range of physical and mechanical properties. The manufacture of the two allotropes of steels is presented, including the electric furnace and the oxygen steelmaking process. Raw materials and addition agents, casting, plastic working, and metallography and heat treatment are described. The iron–iron–carbide phase diagram is discussed, as are the various types of alloy steels, including stainless steels. Property-composition relationships are summarized briefly.