Abstract
IN this paper the author sets himself to prove the following four propositions concerning steel: (1) the carbon of steel is (primarily) in a state of simple absorption in the iron; (2) the hardening of steel is due to a metamorphic change in the condition of the carbon, which then assumes a crystalline form closely analogous to the diameter; (3) the varying temper of steel results from the dissociation of this crystalline carbon, at varying but low temperatures; (4) the real strength of steel does not vary to any material degree with a varying content of carbon—that is, ceteris paribus, steel is not increased in tensile strength by an increased percentage of carbon.
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On the Mutual Relations of Carbon and Iron in Steel 1 . Nature 26, 105–106 (1882). https://doi.org/10.1038/026105e0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/026105e0