Influence of plastic strain on deformation-induced martensitic transformations

The effects of plastic strain on deformation-induced martensitic transformations have been investigated experimentally. Austenitic metastable stainless steel samples were heated to a temperature at which the transformation is suppressed and were plastically strained to different amounts. The resulting pre-strained material was cooled to room temperature and a tensile test was conducted during which transformation was monitored via a magnetic sensor. Results of these tests are discussed concerning the existing theories that describe the mechanically induced martensitic transformation phenomenon. (c) 2008 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.