Many essential properties of iron alloys depend on the atomic mechanism of phase change. Following a description of the mechanisms established for solid state transformations in steels, a unique measure of the mechanism is proposed, one which can easily be accessed experimentally. The application of the mechanism to the design of novel steels is illustrated in the context of martensite and bainite. This is followed by an introduction to a new and quite general kinetic theory based on the Avrami approach. The application of the theory to creep resistant and structural steels is illustrated with example calculations.
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