Effect of thermal cycling on martensitic transformation and mechanical strengthening of stainless steels - A phase-field study

A 3D elastoplastic phase-field model is used to study the effect of thermal cycling on martensitic transformation as well as on mechanical strengthening of both austenite and martensite in stainless steel. The results show that with an increasing number of thermal cycles, martensite becomes more stable. Increase in strain, plastic strain and strain hardening lead to strengthening of austenite.