An IT diagram is a plot of temperature versus the logarithm of time for a steel alloy of definite composition¹[1]²[4]. It is used to determine when transformations begin and end for an isothermal (constant temperature) heat treatment of a previously austenitized alloy¹[1]²[4].
2. **Components of an IT Diagram:**
- **Austenite (A')**: This is the region to the left of the transformation begin curve¹[1].
- **Ferrite and Cementite (F+C)**: This is the region to the right of the transformation end curve¹[1].
- **Partial Decomposition of Austenite (A'+F+C)**: The interval between these two curves indicates partial decomposition of austenite into ferrite and cementite¹[1].
3. **Transformations in an IT Diagram:**
- **Pearlitic Transformation**: At temperatures just below the eutectoid temperature, austenite decomposes into pearlite¹[1].
- **Sorbite Formation**: At lower temperatures (around 600°C), sorbite is formed¹[1].
- **Troostite Formation**: At around 500-550°C, troostite is formed¹[1].
4. **Applications of IT Diagrams:**
IT diagrams are extensively used in the assessment of the decomposition of austenite in heat-treatable steels¹[1]. They help understand the effects of different cooling rates on the structures of steels, which are not revealed in the iron-carbon phase diagram¹[1].
Remember, an IT diagram is only valid for one specific composition of material, and only if the temperature is held constant during the transformation³[2]. It's also important to note that each steel composition has a different IT diagram¹[1].
(4) TTT Diagrams: Introduction and Limitations | Material Engineering. https://www.engineeringenotes.com/engineering/phase-diagram/ttt-diagrams-introduction-and-limitations-material-engineering/34522.