Testing performed in accordance with ASTM A 255.
The influence of composition on the ability of steel alloy to transform to martensite for a particular quenching treatment is related to a parameter called hardenability. For every different steel alloy, there is a specific relationship between the mechanical properties and the cooling rate. Hardenability is used to describe the ability of an alloy to be hardened by the formation of martensite as a result of a given heat treatment. One standard procedure that is widely utilized to determine hardenability is the Jominy end quench test. The heating and cooling treatment of the steel specimens has a great effect on the phase of the microstructure of the steel specimen.
