Microstructure Aspects of the Deformation Mechanisms in Metastable Austenitic Steels
David Rafaja, C. Ullrich, Mykhaylo Motylenko, Stefan Martin
Abstract
This chapter presents microstructure features, which are responsible for transformation-induced and twinning-induced plasticityTransformation-induced and twinning-induced plasticity in austenitic steelsAustenitic steels, gives an overview of relevant microstructure defects and shows how the microstructure defectsMicrostructure defects and their interactions affect the deformation behaviour of these steels. Numerous examples illustrate the capability of scanning and transmission electron microscopyScanning and transmission electron microscopy and X-ray and electron diffractionX-ray and electron diffraction to detect, to identify and to quantify dislocations, stacking faults, twinsDislocations, stacking faults, twins and their clusters. In this context, the benefits of the in situ techniquesIn situ techniques of microstructure analysisMicrostructure analysis are emphasized. As the presence and arrangement of stacking faults in austenite play a central role in the plasticity of the austenitic steels, a large part of this chapter is devoted to the characterization and description of their formation, widening and ordering. A novel method for determination of the stacking fault energy is presented that utilizes in situ X-ray or synchrotron diffraction under deformation. Finally, the dependence of the stacking fault energy on the chemical composition of the steel and on the deformation temperature is addressed, and considered as an effective tool for design of steels with desirable mechanical properties.