Which outcome occurs when martensitic transformation is incomplete in steel during quenching?

💡 Explanation

When martensitic transformation is incomplete, retained austenite remains because the rapid cooling does not allow full carbon diffusion, increasing stress concentrations and decreasing toughness . Therefore brittle fracture susceptibility increases, as the material does not fully achieve martensite's intended hardness and strength; wear resistance, fatigue, and thermal properties would require a complete transformation.

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