Deformation-induced phase transformation and strain hardening in type 304 austenitic stainless steel

Deformation-induced phase transformation in a type 304 austenitic stainless steel has been studied in tension at room temperature and -50 degrees C. The evolution of transformation products was monitored using X-ray diffraction (XRD) line profile analysis of diffraction peaks from a single XRD scan employing the direct comparison method. Crystallographic texture transitions due to deformation strain have been evaluated using (111)(gamma) pole figures. The tensile stress-strain data have been analyzed to explain the influence of underlying deformation-induced microstructural changes and associated texture changes in the steel. It is found that the initial stage of rapidly decreasing strain hardening rate in type 304 steel is primarily influenced by hcp epsilon-martensite formation, and the second stage of increasing strain hardening rate is associated with an increase in the alpha'-martensite formation. The formation of epsilon-martensite is associated with a gradual strengthening of the copper-type texture components up to 15 pct strain and decreasing with further strain at -50 degrees C. Texture changes during low-temperature deformation not only change the mechanism of epsilon-martensite formation but also influence the strain rate sensitivity of the present steel.