Strain-induced martensitic transformation in textured austenitic stainless steels

The metastable austenitic steels have a tendency to transform to ɛ (hexagonal) and α′ (tetragonal) martensites during thermomechanical treatment (e.g. under tensile stress). The formation of these martensitic phases affects the strength, toughness, formability and corrosion resistance of the steel. The martensitic transformation of an austenitic steel at various temperatures and strain rates was studied in this work. The effects of loading parameters and temperature on the texture and volume fraction of the martensite were investigated. Also, the effect of various martensitic structures on the stress–strain curve and work hardening was investigated. We have observed a very stable deformation texture feature of austenite (γ) and α′ martensite which was observed even if a small amount of deformation takes place. Finally we will show the texture evolution during transformations.