"Suchasna Elektrometallurgiya" (Electrometallurgy Today), 2026, #3, 42-51 pages
Influence of statistical analysis methods on prediction of the microstructure and properties of high-strength low-alloy steels
V.A. Kostin
E.O. Paton Electric Welding Institute of the NAS of Ukraine
11 Kazymyr Malevych Str., 03150, Kyiv, Ukraine.
E-mail: valerykostinepwi@gmail.com
Abstract
The paper presents complex statistical analysis of the properties of high-strength low-alloy steels (HSLA, HSA, SSHA, ASSHA)
with application of a wide data base. The modern methods of data analysis, including correlation analysis, principal
component analysis (PCA), as well as machine learning (Random Forest, XGBoost) and SHAP values and interpreted matrices
were used to study the interrelation between the chemical composition, microstructure and mechanical properties of steels. Key
elements and parameters, having the maximal impact on strength, ductility and thermal resistance were determined for each
group of steels. Optimal ranges of C, Nb, V, Ni content, as well as heat treatment modes, including austenitization temperature
and cooling rate were substantiated. The results demonstrate that complex control of the composition and heat treatment allows
developing steels with an excellent balance of service characteristic. Practical recommendations section presents specific tips
as to metallurgical design of new steels, including the use of machine learning models for acceleration of development and
optimization of steels. The work also discusses the research gaps, such as the need to standardize the data, study complex interaction
of alloying elements, phase transformation dynamics, and prospects for implementation of AI methods. 12 Ref., 8 Fig.
Keywords: high-strength low-alloy steels, statistical, correlation, cluster analysis, machine learning, microstructure, prediction
of properties
Received: 02.10.2025
Received in revised form: 27.01.2026
Accepted: 14.07.2026
Posted online: 24.07.2026
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This article is licensed under a
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Suggested Citation
V.A. Kostin (2026) Influence of statistical analysis methods on prediction of the microstructure and properties of high-strength low-alloy steels.
Electrometallurgy Today, 03, 42-51.
https://doi.org/10.37434/sem2026.03.06
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