Dual-Phase Steel Sheet With Uniform Martensite for Formability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steel sheets with high tensile strength face challenges in achieving both formability and good appearance after forming, particularly due to uneven deformation and surface defects like ghost lines, which are exacerbated by Mn segregation and non-uniform distribution of hard structures.

Innovation Solution

A steel sheet with a specific chemical composition and microstructure, including controlled martensite distribution, where martensite is uniformly dispersed with an average grain interval of 2.5 μm or less and standard deviation of 1.5% or less, combined with a balanced ratio of ferrite and optional bainite/pearlite/austenite, to enhance strength and formability while reducing surface defects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the strength of steel sheet is increased, then tensile strength is improved, but formability and appearance after forming deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensile strengthVSAvoidformability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different phases (ferrite and martensite) with distinct properties within the steel sheet. The soft ferrite phase provides formability in specific regions while the hard martensite phase provides strength in other regions, allowing both properties to coexist at different locations within the material structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining multiple phases (ferrite and martensite) within a single steel sheet. This dual-phase structure allows the material to exhibit both the formability of soft ferrite and the strength of hard martensite, resolving the contradiction between formability and strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If the strength of steel sheet is increased, then tensile strength is improved, but appearance after forming deteriorates due to fine asperities and ghost lines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensile strengthVSAvoidsurface defects
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls the local distribution of martensite to prevent concentration in specific areas. By ensuring uniform dispersion of martensite throughout the steel sheet, the patent prevents localized deformation that would cause surface defects like fine asperities and ghost lines, while maintaining high strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of martensite distribution uniformity by controlling the area ratio and spatial arrangement of martensite phases. This parameter control ensures that the hard martensite phase is evenly distributed rather than clustered, preventing uneven deformation and surface defects during forming while maintaining high tensile strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If the area ratio of martensite is increased to improve strength, then tensile strength is improved, but uniform deformation deteriorates due to uneven distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensile strengthVSAvoiduniform deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the parameter of martensite area ratio to a specific range (5-20%) and controls its spatial distribution to achieve uniform deformation. This parameter optimization ensures that enough martensite is present for high strength while its uniform distribution prevents localized deformation during forming processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures uniform local quality by distributing martensite phases evenly throughout the steel sheet rather than concentrating them in specific regions. This uniform local distribution of hard martensite within the soft ferrite matrix enables consistent deformation behavior across the entire material, achieving both high strength and uniform formability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20260049382A1Steel sheet
Publication Date: 2026.02.19 NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION

AI summary

Provided is a steel sheet having a predetermined chemical composition and a microstructure comprising, by area ratio, ferrite: 80 to 95%, martensite: 5 to 20%, and at least one of bainite, pearlite, and retained austenite: 0 to 10% in total, wherein an average grain interval of martensite is 2.5 μm or less, and a standard deviation in area ratio of martensite in a direction vertical to a rolling direction and a sheet thickness direction is 1.5% or less.