Strain Distribution Analysis Using Precise Markers in Cold-Rolled Ultra-Low Carbon Steel

In this study, the strain distribution in grains with a preferred orientation in a cold-rolled steel plate was investigated. This was done by measuring the amount of strain in a region of the material using nanoscale fine markers applied by a focused ion beam (FIB). We obtained the crystal orientations and strain distributions in the same region using scanning electron microscopy-electron backscatter diffraction and the markers made by the FIB during rolling to a 60% to 70% thickness reduction. The method revealed the strain distributions in the grains with the major preferred orientations (cube:{100}< 001 >; alpha-fiber:{100}< 011 >, {211}< 011 >; gamma-fiber:{111}< 011 >, {111}< 211 >). The average strains that accumulated in the grains with different major preferred orientations during cold-rolling were almost the same at thickness reduction in the range of 60%-70%. However, the strain distribution width of the gamma-fiber grains was approximately twice that of grains with other orientations. These results suggest that the deformation inhomogeneity during rolling is more pronounced for gamma-fiber-oriented grains than for grains with other preferred orientations.

Automated summary

This study investigates the strain distribution in grains with a preferred orientation in a cold-rolled steel plate. The results show that the average strains in grains with different preferred orientations are almost the same, but the strain distribution width of gamma-fiber grains is approximately twice that of grains with other orientations, indicating a more pronounced deformation inhomogeneity for gamma-fiber-oriented grains during cold-rolling.