Step 1: What is the Bain Distortion Model?
The Bain distortion model describes the mechanism of atomic movement during the transformation of austenite (FCC) to martensite (BCT) in steel.
Step 2: Nature of Martensitic Transformation
- It is a diffusionless transformation,
- Occurs by a coordinated shear-like movement of atoms,
- Results in a rapid, hard, and brittle microstructure.
Step 3: Bain's Proposal
Bain proposed that:
- The FCC lattice of austenite contracts in one direction and expands in the other two directions,
- This distortion transforms the structure into a body-centered tetragonal (BCT) lattice, representing martensite.
Step 4: Elimination of Incorrect Options
- Bainite, Pearlite, and Ledeburite all form through diffusional transformations, not via the coordinated distortion model.
Conclusion: The Bain distortion model explains the atomic mechanism of martensitic transformation.