A B C DE F G H I J K L M N O P Q R Sa-Sq St-Sy T U V W X Y Z
Permission ASM International Copyright © 2001 ASM International®. All Rights Reserved.
quality
(1) The totality of features and characteristics of a product or service that bear on its ability to satisfy a given need (fitness-for-use concept of quality). (2) Degree of excellence of a product or service (comparative concept). Often determined subjectively by comparison against an ideal standard or against similar products or services available from other sources. (3) A quantitative evaluation of the features and characteristics of a product or service (quantitative concept).
quantitative metallography
Determination of specific characteristics of a microstructure by quantitative measurements on micrographs or metallographic images. Quantities so measured include volume concentration of phases, grain size, particle size, mean free path between like particles or secondary phases, and surface-area-to-volume ratio of microconstituents, particles, or grains.
quarter hard
A temper of nonferrous alloys and some ferrous alloys characterized by tensile strength about midway between that of dead soft and half hard tempers.
quasi-binary system
In a ternary or higher-order system, a linear composition series between two substances each of which exhibits congruent melting, wherein all equilibria, at all temperatures or pressures, involve only phases having compositions occurring in the linear series, so that the series may be represented as a binary on a phase diagram.
quasi-cleavage fracture
A fracture mode that combines the characteristics of cleavage fracture and dimple fracture. An intermediate type of fracture found in certain high-strength metals.
quench-age embrittlement
Embrittlement of low-carbon steels resulting from precipitation of solute carbon at existing dislocations and from precipitation hardening of the steel caused by differences in the solid solubility of carbon in ferrite at different temperatures. Quench-age embrittlement usually is caused by rapid cooling of the steel from temperatures slightly below Ac1 (the temperature at which austenite begins to form), and can be minimized by quenching from lower temperatures.
quench aging
Aging induced by rapid cooling after solution heat treatment.
quench annealing
Annealing an austenitic ferrous alloy by solution heat treatment followed by rapid quenching.
quench cracking
Fracture of a metal during quenching from elevated temperature. Most frequently observed in hardened carbon steel, alloy steel, or tool steel parts of high hardness and low toughness. Cracks often emanate from fillets, holes, corners, or other stress raisers and result from high stresses due to the volume changes accompanying transformation to martensite.
quench hardening
(1) Hardening suitable – alloys (most often certain copper to titanium alloys) by solution treating and quenching to develop a martensitic-like structure. (2) In ferrous alloys, hardening by austenitizing and then cooling at a rate such that a substantial amount of austenite transforms to martensite.
quenching
Rapid cooling of metals (often steels) from a suitable elevated temperature. This generally is accomplished by immersion in water, oil, polymer solution, or salt, although forced air is sometimes used. See also brine quenching , caustic quenching , direct quenching , fog quenching , forced-air quenching , hot quenching , intense quenching , interrupted quenching , oil quenching , press quenching , selective quenching , spray quenching , time quenching , and water quenching.
quenching crack
A crack formed in a metal as a result of thermal stresses produced by rapid cooling from a high temperature.
quenching oil
Oil used for quenching metals during a heat treating operation.