We study the shift in the critical temperature T(c) in binary mixtures in strong electric fields. In experiments we measure the nonlinear dielectric effect (NDE) in a mixture of nitrobenze and n-octane and calculate Piekara's factor. We find that the critical anomaly of Piekara's factor is a function of an electric field strength. We propose to explain this observation as a result of a downward shift of T(c), and this allows us to calculate (∂T(c)/∂E(2)) = (-22 ± 10) × 10(-16) (K m(2))/V(2). In the theoretical part we amend Landau and Lifshitz's formula and show that the downward shift of Tc can be estimated from a simple mean-field theory taking into account the linear and quadratic terms in an expansion of the constitutive relation ε(x) between the electric constant ε and mixture composition x.

Electric permittivity and density were measured in a nitrobenzene and octane mixture in the vicinity of the upper critical consolute point. Measurements were conducted in the one-phase region, at the critical concentration. The possibility of stirring in the course of measurements allowed us to check if the density and concentration gradients had any influence on the obtained results. No signs of the presence of the gradients mentioned above were found. Using the data obtained in the reported measurements, different methods of the fitting of the equation describing the permittivity anomaly were tested. The calculation of a reliable value of the critical amplitude, used to estimate the critical temperature shift under the influence of the electric field, was of particular interest. The derivative (∂T(c)/∂E(2)) was found to be (-3.9 ± 0.3) × 10(-16) K m(2) V(-2).

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The main objective of this paper is the development of a rheological model for automotive steels for the conditions of hot strip rolling and implementation of this model in a finite element program is. Three types of steels were investigated, IF, dual phase and TRIP steel. Plastometric tests were performed on a Gleeble 3800 simulator for the temperature range 850-1200 oC and strain rates 3-150 S·1. Inverse analysis was applied to eliminate the influence of disturbances occurring in the plastometric tests and to determine the real flow stress of the material. The coefficients in the flow stress equation were evaluated and this equation was implemented in the FEM code as the constitutive law. The model was validated by comparison of measured and calculated loads in the compression tests and by strip rolling experiments conducted in the laboratory mill. Validation confirmed a good predictive capability of the rheological model. ExperimentsThe axisymmetrical compression tests were conducted on the Gleeble 3800 simulator at the Institute for Ferrous Metallurgy in Gliwice, Poland. Three steels with the chemical composition given in Table 1 were investigated. The axisymmetrical samples measuring 10x12 mm were deformed at temperatures 950°C, 1050°C, 1150°C and 1200°C and at constant strain rates of 3 S·I, 12 s', 50 S-I and 150 S-I at each temperature. These are the conditions which cover the whole range of parameters in the hot strip rolling.

The aim of the study was to develop a technology for welding non-weldable 42CrMo4 and NANOS-BA® steel grades in the process of hot rolling and two-stage heat treatment. As a result of physical experiments carried out in a line for semi-industrial simulation of the production of metals and their alloys (LPS) and additional heat treatment, a durable combination of 42CrMo4 and NANOS-BA® steels with high mechanical properties was obtained, including: Rp0.2 = 1036 MPa, Rm = 1504 MPa and A = 10.9%, without microscopically visible cracks and other discontinuities in the joined surface. The quality of the 42CrMo4/NANOS-BA® clad plates produced in this way was assessed on the basis of microstructure examination as well as bending, shear and tensile strength tests.

The article contains results of research and analyses concerning application of nanostructured bainitic steel in the form of plates for manufacturing of armour components. The presented results of examination of microstructure and properties include a wide range of laboratory experiments and industrial tests, which resulted in the achievement of the assumed functional properties. In the period of 2017-2021, a scientific and industrial consortium consisting of Łukasiewicz – Institute of Ferrous Metallurgy (leader); WITPiS, Tarnów Mechanical Works, Alchemia and Heatmasters Poland carried out a project funded by the POIR 04.01.04 programme aimed to develop the design and to manufacture an observation and protective container with a specified resistance to penetration by armour-piercing projectiles and with a lower mass of steel armouring in relation to that currently produced. The aim of the project was achieved by using armour plates made of nanostructured bainitic steel (nanobainitic), which are characterised by high resistance to high-energy impact concentrated in a small area. The technological tests carried out in the project mainly concerned the development of a new container and industrial technology of armour plates production and their application in the armour of this container. Based on the results of investigation of the semi-industrial scale material, the optimum chemical composition for industrial scale melting and casting was determined. An industrial technology for the production of plates of nano-structured bainitic steel was developed, which includes the following processes: smelting and casting, preliminary heat treatment and ingot hot processing, as well as hot rolling, final heat treatment, and surface treatment. A test batch of the material in the form of 1500×2470 mm armoured plates was fabricated under industrial conditions. The final result of the project is a container armoured with bainitic nanostructured steel plates with implementation documentation and a technology for producing armoured plates from this steel under the technical and technological conditions of domestic steel manufacturers.

The paper contains the results of microstructure investigation and measurement of mechanical properties of five batches of 5.5 mm diameter wire rod made of 0.7%C-0.60/0.70%Mn (C70D2/C72D2) carbon-manganese pearlitic steel, manufactured by five producers. The paper presents the analysis aimed at determining the values of parameters characterising the microstructure and mechanical properties of the wire rod allowing drawing with total a cross section reduction above 90%. The required values of wire rod microstructural parameters were determined on the assumption that they are achievable in existing contemporary production lines for wire rod rolling and controlled cooling after rolling. Physical drawing simulations, a wide range of quantitative microstructure tests using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and measurement of mechanical properties were performed. Drawability verification trials with large cross section reduction were performed in an industrial wire drawing plant.

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