Thesis Abstract

Thesis Overview

<p> </p><p><strong>INTRODUCTION</strong></p><p><strong>1.1 &nbsp; BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY</strong></p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The modification of microstructures to achieve desired properties is a fundamental approach in metallic materials development. Heat-treatment which is one of the primary routes of developing microstructures requires the use of furnaces to be able to attain desired temperatures, heating and cooling rates; and holding environments required to induce phase transformations (Dossee and Boyer, 1997). Heat treatment furnaces with effective temperature sensing, heat retaining capacity and controlled environment are necessary for heat-treatment operations to be successfully performed. Some of the processes require heating cycles for durations spanning a few minutes to several hours depending of the material and the properties desired (George, 2002; Netsushori, 1998).</p> <br><p></p>