Physical Metallurgy of Steels From Low- to High-Alloy Steels

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the main families of steels, ranging from commercial and non-alloy steels to low-, medium-, and highly alloyed steels designed for specialized applications. Beginning with pure iron, it explains how carbon content, alloying elements, solid-state phase transformations, forming processes, and heat treatments determine the composition, microstructure, properties, and performance of steels. Particular attention is given to widely used ferritic, ferritic-pearlitic, pearlitic, microalloyed, high-strength, dual-phase, TRIP, and rail steels, as well as quenched and tempered steels for applications requiring mechanical strength, elasticity, and wear resistance. The book also examines conventional and advanced stainless steels, highly nickel-alloyed steels, including maraging steels, and tool steels. Throughout, emphasis is placed on establishing clear relationships between processing, microstructure, properties, and service requirements, enabling readers both to select suitable steels for particular applications and to understand the principles underlying their design. Combining theoretical explanations with solved problems and case studies, the book is intended for students as well as engineers, manufacturers, and other professionals working with iron and steel.