In this experiment, samples of a low carbon steel will be heat treated and their hardness measured using the Rockwell tester.

The initial condition of the sample prior to quenching should be a homogeneous Austenite phase. This can be established by heating the sample to a "cherry red" color and holding it at that temperature for about 5 mins. What effect will a non-uniform temperature distribution have?

After this initial heat treatment the sample should be dropped into a container of water, oil (quenched), or allowed to air cool to room temperature. After such a treatment the hardness of the sample, and its uniformity, should be determined.

Once the hardness of a sample has been determined, reheat it to some temperature below 700 C and hold it at that temperature for a measured time period. Quench to room temperature and remeasure the hardness distribution.