The newly established

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The feasibility of two mechanical testing methods, double compression and stress relaxation, for measuring the static recrystallisation rate in hot deformed austenite was studied. The results were verified by metallographic observations. The effect of recovery on the softening data in an interrupted compression test is eliminated when the reloading flow stresses are analysed at a total strain of 5% instead of the 0·2% offset strain used conventionally. A stress relaxation test provides consistent data on the recrystallisation event. In most instances, the stress present in the course of softening has no effect at all or only slightly enhances the recrystallisation rate. The accelerating effect is most pronounced, about 50-70%, at small strains and fine grain sizes.MST/3911The authors are in the

The legendary Damascus blades of ancient Orient are forged from high carbon (ca. 1.5% C) crucible steel, i.e., wootz. The famous damascene surface pattern is formed from carbide particles arranged into parallel layers. The cutting quality and impact toughness of these blades were respectively studied with leather knives and Charpy specimens made from reproduced steel. The advantageous effect of carbides on edge-holding quality may be less than is often believed. It was difficult or even impossible to detect when leather was cut. The steel with a uniform distribution of carbides was somewhat tougher than the steel with carbide-rich layers.Oriental ore often contained a high amount of phosphorus, which presumably made the majority of the blades somewhat brittle, but in the cases when carbon and phosphorus contents are not excessive, wootz Damascus steel can be ductile.