austenite
/ˈɔːstənaɪt/
noun
- A solid solution of carbon in iron that forms at high temperatures, which is non-magnetic and has a face-centered cubic crystal structure.
- When steel is heated above a certain temperature, its structure changes to austenite.
- The formation of austenite is a key step in the heat treatment of many steels.
- Engineers study the properties of austenite to improve the strength of metal alloys.