


Valve Stem
This micrograph shows the simple structure of the hot end of the valve stem. This heat-resistant ferritic stainless steel operates in extreme conditions, sealing combustion gases under high pressure and temperature. The microstructure is simple and clean, no carbides or precipitates, consisting of iron alloyed with strengthening elements. Uniform atomic groupings form grains, punctuated with parallel lines called twins. Close examination will reveal the direction of the atomic planes of atoms.
Raymond Thompson Mag. 2000x
This micrograph shows the simple structure of the hot end of the valve stem. This heat-resistant ferritic stainless steel operates in extreme conditions, sealing combustion gases under high pressure and temperature. The microstructure is simple and clean, no carbides or precipitates, consisting of iron alloyed with strengthening elements. Uniform atomic groupings form grains, punctuated with parallel lines called twins. Close examination will reveal the direction of the atomic planes of atoms.
Raymond Thompson Mag. 2000x