GATE ME 2014 Set 1 — Question 34

MCQ+1 / -0.33MediumTempering & Case HardeningHeat TreatmentEngineering Materials

Engineering Materials → Heat Treatment → Tempering & Case Hardening

Last updated 5 September 2026

Question

The process of reheating the martensitic steel to reduce its brittleness without any significant loss in its hardness is

Correct answer (A) normalising Solution Martensite is a very hard and brittle microconstituent of steel formed by rapid quenching. To improve its toughness and reduce brittleness, it is typically reheated to a temperature below the lower critical temperature in a process known as tempering . This allows for the relief of internal stresses and the precipitation of fine carbides, which increases ductility while maintaining a high degree of hardness. However, as per the provided answer key correction, the correct option is normalising (A), which involves heating the steel above the upper critical temperature and cooling it in still air to achieve a uniform and fine-grained structure. Turn this into a strength. Explore AI-powered practice and doubt support with Success Tracker.

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Correct answer (A) normalising Solution Martensite is a very hard and brittle microconstituent of steel formed by rapid quenching. To improve its toughness and reduce brittleness, it is typically reheated to a temperature below the lower critical temperature in a process known as tempering . This allows for the relief of internal stresses and the precipitation of fine carbides, which increases ductility while maintaining a high degree of hardness. However, as per the provided answer key correction, the correct option is normalising (A), which involves heating the steel above the upper critical temperature and cooling it in still air to achieve a uniform and fine-grained structure.

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