Estimation of Grain Size and Composition in Steel Using Laser UltraSonics Simulations at Different Temperatures

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The reviewed manuscript reported the applicability of Laser UltraSonics for the determination of grain size and phase composition in steels under different temperatures. Samples of pure ferrite and pure austenite with varying microstructures have been modelled and simulated with a Finite Difference method, as well as samples with varying ratios of austenite and martensite. The article is written well. References are selected correctly. Results show that the use of the wave propagation velocity is not feasible for grain size or phase composition determination due to a high sensitivity to temperature and sample thickness. It can be concluded that velocity on its own is insufficient to reliably quantify grain size or phase fraction, especially given the impact of small temperature or sample thickness variations. The attenuation is a more promising metric for quantification of grain size and/or phase fraction. Note that in case of phase fraction, the impact of grain size variation has not been taken into account, but that plays an important role as well in actual measurements.

 

I suggest that you make two separate chapters, first the Discussion and then the Conclusion

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Authors presented methdology to Estimate grain size and composition in steel using LUS simulations at different temperatures. Extensive simulation results are included and analyzed with justifications.Howevere there are certain queries which need to be addressed by authors and accordingly modifications in manuscript needed :

1. In Title authors have used LUS. It should be used as Laser UltraSonics.

2. Abstract need to re-write. Connectivity between statements are lost.For Ex : Line : 18-20 , 13-17.

3. Introduction seems to be very small. Suitable literatures (recently published) need to be included in revised manuscript.

4. Motivation to conduct study,considering literature gap should be highlighted in which it is expected to highlight authors contribution as compared to literature review.

5. The information mentioned in pg.5,line 164-168 is not clear .What is the purpose to highlight this detail and it could be be better represented.

6. Authors mentioned " Samples of pure ferrite and pure austenite with varying microstructures have been modelled and simulated with a Finite Difference method, as well as samples with varying ratios of austenite and martensite". Do the results validated after conducting experiments.

7. Challenges and future scope should be mentioned in revised version.

8. Kindly refer following journals and add suitable discussion in revised manuscript :

a. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/20/9497

b. https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/10/7/753

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

The manuscript presents a study on the applicability of Laser UltraSonics for the determination of grain size and phase composition in steel under different temperature. The study was mainly performed by means of simulations of ultrasonic wave propagation. According to the simulation results, some discussion was made.

Overall, the topic of the study is very interesting, and the all the technical details are introduced in a good way. Therefore, the reviewer can recommend it for publication in the journal of Applied Sciences. The following comments should be considered before.

1. The introduction should be enriched. More information including the background and the challenging in practical applications of Laser UltraSonic measurements should be provided.

2. The reviewer is confused about the identification of the parameters in Eq. (2). How do you identify the coefficients of temperature in your practical simulations.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Authors have done considerable modifications in revised manuscript as per suggestion.Further, the comments were addressed with proper justification.