A blacksmith strikes a piece of metal with a hammer repeatedly the metal slowly begins to grow as the temperature increases and the metal becomes more malleable which changes on a microscopic level led to visual changes in the properties in the changes of the metal
When a blacksmith strikes a piece of metal with a hammer repeatedly, several changes occur both on a microscopic and visual level. These changes can be explained as follows:
1. Plastic Deformation: The repeated hammering causes the metal's internal structure to change. The force applied by the hammer breaks the atomic bonds within the metal lattice and moves the atoms slightly out of their original positions. This is known as plastic deformation. As the metal deforms, it becomes more malleable and easier to shape.
2. Grain Refinement: During the repeated hammering, the metal grains or crystals present in the material are broken into smaller pieces. This leads to a phenomenon called grain refinement. Smaller grains improve the metal's strength, hardness, and resistance to cracking, making it more suitable for various applications.
3. Recrystallization: The continuous strain on the metal due to hammering promotes recrystallization. This process involves the formation of new, strain-free grains within the metal. Recrystallization helps relieve the accumulated strain and increases the metal's ductility and toughness.
4. Work Hardening: As the blacksmith repeatedly strikes the metal, it may also undergo work hardening, also known as cold working or strain hardening. This occurs when the metal is deformed beyond its elastic limit, causing dislocations and defects within the crystal lattice. Work hardening increases the metal's strength and hardness but decreases its ductility.
On a visual level, these changes in the metal's microstructure due to hammering become evident. The metal starts to elongate, change shape, and grow thinner. As it becomes more malleable and easier to shape, the blacksmith can manipulate it into various forms and sizes. The metal may also exhibit a brighter sheen, resulting from the deformation and grain refinement, indicating changes in its surface properties.