Electronic irradiation modification in parent Fe–Ni–C austenite and Snoek-like effects in induced alpha-martensite

Considerable changes in atomic distribution, Ni atomic ordering and elimination of inhomogeneity in distribution of carbon atoms in the α-martensite occurred after high-dose electronic irradiation and subsequent deep cooling of parent Fe–22.4 at.%Ni–5.13 at.%C austenite in liquid nitrogen. These atomistic changes resulted from the electronic irradiation caused a huge increase of the 160 °C peak of internal friction in the α-martensite. Discussion regarding this phenomenon brings to a conclusion on the behavior of the 160 °C peak, fitting in the best way for a certain Snoek-like relaxation in Fe–Ni–C martensite.