In-situ Observation of Austenite Grain Growth in Plain Carbon Steels by Means of High-Temperature Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy

Austenite grain growth and austenite grain size play an important role for casting, rolling, and annealing processes. High-temperature laser scanning confocal microscopy (HT-LSCM) is an effective method to directly observe austenite grain growth. The present paper describes the experimental setup and the grain size analysis. Finally, results for the isothermal annealing of three different plain carbon steels at 950, 1050, 1150, and 1250 °C are briefly discussed.