Deformation-induced martensitic transformation in metastable austenitic steels

The deformation-induced martensite formation in metastable austenitic steels is investigated under monotonic and cyclic loading at ambient temperature. Mechanical stress–strain, temperature and magnetic measurements were performed to characterize the cyclic deformation behavior of AISI 304, AISI 321 and AISI 348 stainless steels with particular attention to the deformation-induced martensite formation. On the basis of comprehensive experimental data from plastic-strain-controlled fatigue tests a new model was developed to describe and predict the martensite formation. The process of martensite formation can be modeled as function of the cumulative plastic strain and the cumulative strain-energy density.