AUSSENS
Phase transformation measurement for mechanical properties control and assessment (AUSSENS)
Objectives
For the modern high strength steels, it is very important to know the austenite level compared to ferrite at given positions in the line during the production. Indeed, the fraction of austenite determines the proportion of different phases in the final product. So, ensuring the constancy of the austenite fraction is mandatory for the constancy of the mechanical properties of the final product.
The final objective is the development of a low cost sensor to measure the austenite level on cold and hot product.
Description
The Aussens sensor was developed during the last years in the “AUSSENS” RFCS project (2020-2024).
The AUSSENS sensor is able to work in harsh environment like around the zinc bath with a lot of zinc dust, vibrations and hot temperature coming from the strip and the zinc bath.
The AUSSENS sensor is able to work in hot environment like in the furnace but only until 600°C. So, the sensor is not able to resist to the Curie temperature (~800°C).
The AUSSENS sensor is a “relative measurement” sensor but if the customer wants an absolute measurement, it is also possible. Indeed, to get an “absolute measurement”, calibration is mandatory. A calibration is done in laboratory with a sample of the target to analyze. The sample is monitored with the AUSSENS sensor and another absolute measurement method from high temperature (full austenite) to room temperature in order to get the conversion (volt to percentage of austenite). Currently, the best other solution is the XRD measurement.
Finally, the AUSSENS sensor is influenced by the magnetic interference coming from the environment of the sensor.
Partners
Funding Bodies
