No abstract

Deformation-induced phase transformation in atype 304 austenitic stainless steel has been studied in tension at room temperature and -50°C. The evolution of transformation products was monitored using X-ray diffraction (XRD) line profile analysis of diffraction peaks from as ingle XRD scan employing the direct comparison method. Crystallographic texture transitions due to deformation strain havebeen evaluated using (111) g pole figures. The tensile stress-strain data have been analyzed to explain the influence of underlying deformation-induced microstructural changes and associated texturechangesinthe steel. It is found that the initial stage of rapidlydecreasing strain hardeningrate in type 304 steel is primarily influenced by hcp e -martensite formation, and the seconds tage of increasing strain hardening rate is associated with an increasei nt he a # -martensite formation. The formation of e -martensite is associated with ag radual strengthening of the copper-type texture componentsupto15pct strain and decreasing with further strain at -50°C. Texture changes during low-temperature deformation not only change the mechanism of e -martensite formation but also influence the strain rate sensitivity of the present steel.