Enhancement of work‐hardening behavior of dual phase steel by heat treatment

The work‐hardening response and mechanical properties of dual phase steels originated from different initial microstructures under low and high martensite volume fractions were investigated using a typical carbon‐manganese steel. The modified Crussard‐Jaoul analysis was used for studying the work‐hardening stages and the deformation behavior of ferrite and martensite. It was revealed that the initial martensitic microstructure before intercritical annealing is much better than the full annealed banded ferritic‐pearlitic and spheroidized microstructures in terms of work‐hardening capacity and strength‐ductility trade off. By increasing the amount of martensite, via intercritical annealing at higher temperatures, the ductility decreased but the tensile toughness of dual phase steels increased toward reaching the domain of extra‐advanced high‐strength steels due to the enhancement of work‐hardening rate.     

Mechanical properties of directly air cooled copper added microalloyed steels

Abstract

An attempt has been made to develop dual phase like microstructures in directly air cooled 1·5 wt-%Cu added Ti–B microalloyed steels. The chosen compositions have allowed to avoid pearlite formation during air cooling and yielded continuous work hardening behaviour with attractive combination of strength and ductility. Aging treatment has effectively improved the ductility without deterioration of strength. Differential Jaoult–Crussard analysis of the tensile results has explained contributions of the constituent phases in work hardening behaviour of the investigated steels.     

The microstructures and tensile properties of aged Fe-xMn-8Al-0.8C low-density steels

ABSTRACT

The microstructural evolution and deformation behaviour of Fe-(13, 16, 18)Mn-8Al-0.8C (wt-%) low-density steels were investigated in the present work. During aging treatment, the increase in the volume fraction of κ’-carbides significantly improved the yield strength. The formation of κ/α lamellae increased the strain hardening rate. However, large fractions of intergranular κ-carbides deteriorated the ductility of the materials. Mn element stabilised austenite, restricted the precipitation of intergranular κ-carbides and delayed the formation of intragranular κ’-carbides, leading to the uniform distribution of the strain. Increasing Mn content also postponed the peak aging. A good balance of strength and ductility can be achieved by short-time aging treatment in the low-Mn steels or long-time aging treatment in the high-Mn steels.     

Texture evolution and dynamic mechanical behavior of cast AZ magnesium alloys under high strain rate compressive loading

In this study, texture and compressive mechanical behavior of three cast magnesium alloys, including AZ31, AZ61 and AZ91, were examined over a range of strain rates between 1000 and 1400 s⁻¹ using Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar. Texture measurements showed that after shock loading, initial weak texture of the cast samples transformed to a relatively strong (00.2) basal texture that can be ascribed to deformation by twinning. Furthermore, increasing the aluminum content in the alloys resulted in increase in the volume fraction of β-Mg₁₇Al₁₂ and Al₄Mn phases, strength and strain hardening but ductility decreased at all strain rates. Besides, it was found for each alloy that the tensile strength and total ductility increased with strain rate. By increasing the strain rate, the maximum value of strain hardening rate occurred at higher strains. Also, it is suggested that a combination of twinning and second phase formation would affect the hardening behavior of the cast AZ magnesium alloys studied in this research.     

Influence of deformation induced ferrite,grain boundary sliding,and dynamic recrystallisation on hot ductility of 0·1–0·75%C steels

Abstract

The influence of C on hot ductility in the temperature range 600–1000°C has been examined for three C contents (0·1, 0·4, and 0·75 wt-%). Using a strain rate of 3 × 10^?3 s^?1, tensile specimens were heated to 1330°C before cooling to the test temperature. For the 0·4%C steel, two further strain rates of 3 × 10^?2 and 3 × 10^?4 s^?1 were examined. At the strain rate of 3 × 10^?3 s^?1, increasing the C content shifted the low ductility trough to lower temperatures in accordance with the trough being controlled by the γ–α transformation. Thin films of the softer deformation induced ferrite formed around the γ grain boundaries and allowed strain concentration to occur. Recovery to higher ductility at high temperatures occurred when these films could no longer form (i.e. above Ae₃) and dynamic recrystallisation was possible. The thin films of deformation induced ferrite suppressed dynamic recrystallisation in these coarse grained steels when tested at low strain rates. Recovery of ductility at the low temperature side of the trough in the 0·1%C steel corresponded to the presence of a large volume fraction of ferrite, this being the more ductile phase. For the 0·4%C steel decreasing the strain rate to 3 × 10^?4 s^?1 resulted in a very wide trough – extended to both higher and lower temperatures compared with the other strain rates. The high temperature extension was due to grain boundary sliding in the γ. Recovery of the ductility only occurred when dynamic recrystallisation was possible and this occurred at high temperatures. At the low temperature end, thin films of deformation induced ferrite were present and recovery did not occur until the temperature was sufficiently low to prevent strain concentration from occurring at the boundaries. Of the two intergranular modes of failure grain boundary sliding produced superior ductility. At the higher strain rates there was less grain boundary sliding, which led to a lower temperature for dynamic recrystallisation. Higher strain rates also increased the rate of work hardening of deformation induced ferrite, reducing the strain concentration at the boundaries. Ductility started to recover immediately below Ae₃, resulting in very narrow troughs. Finally, it was shown that the 2% strain that occurs during the straightening operation in continuous casting is sufficient to form deformation induced ferrite in steel containing 0·1%C.

MST/1809     

Effect of strain rate on tensile deformation and fracture behaviour of 18%Ni 300 maraging steel sheet

Abstract

Deformation and fracture under uniaxial tensile loading at room temperature were investigated for 18%Ni 300 maraging steel sheet in the strain rate range 1·67×10^?5 to 1·67× 10^?1s^?1. The steel showed an increase in flow stress with strain rate and the increase in yield strength (YS) was more pronounced compared with the tensile strength (TS), resulting in a corresponding decrease of TS/YS ratio. Both the level of deformation and the deformation zone were also reduced by the increasing strain rate. Fractographic analysis indicated that the increasing strain rate induced, to some extent, plane strain constraint in the sheet resulting in increasing fracture angle, decreasing ductility/fracture strain, and increasing dimple size. With increasing strain rate the work hardening rate dσ/d? and strain hardening coefficient (n value) of the steel also decreased; hence, correlations were found between dσ/d?, TS/YS ratio, and n value. The decrease of these three parameters caused strain localisation as confirmed by the presence of intergranular dimples and intergranular shear. Also, the dimple density decreased as the strain rate was increased.

MST/729     

High-strength medium Mn quenching and partitioning steel with low yield ratio

ABSTRACT

A new microstructural design is proposed to develop a strong and ductile quenching and partitioning (Q&P) steel with low yield ratio. This steel has a heterogeneous dual phase microstructure which is developed by varying austenite thermal stability through Mn segregation. The heterogeneous microstructure contains large austenite grains which contribute to the low yield strength. The ultra-high tensile strength and good ductility are ascribed to the enhanced strain hardening behaviour resulted from the continuous transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) effect. The present microstructural design enables a conventional medium Mn steel with high tensile strength, good ductility and low yield ratio, which promises easy forming and potential applications in automotive industries.

This paper is part of a Thematic Issue on Medium Manganese Steels.     

Design of an effective heat treatment involving intercritical hardening for high-strength–high elongation of 0.2C–1.5Al–(6–8.5)Mn-Fe TRIP steels: microstructural evolution and deformation behaviour

ABSTRACT

We propose an effective heat treatment involving a combination of intercritical hardening and tempering to obtain high strength–high ductility in hot-rolled 0.2C–1.5Al–(6–8.5)Mn–Fe transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) steels. An excellent combination of high ultimate tensile strength of 1045–1380?MPa and total elongation of 34–39% was obtained when the steels were subjected to intercritical hardening at 630–650?°C and tempered at 200?°C. Intercritical hardening impacted the co-existence of austenite, ferrite and martensite, such that the deformation behaviour varied with the Mn content. The excellent properties of the steels were attributed to cumulative contribution of enhanced TRIP effect of austenite and ferrite and martensite constituents. The discontinuous TRIP e?ect during tensile deformation involves stress relaxation and led to consequent enhancement of ductility.     

Formation of ultrafine grained ferrite during thermomechanical treatment in microalloyed steel

Abstract

In the present work, the formation of ultrafine grained ferrite has been studied by applying suitable thermomechanical treatment. A high amount of deformation (～80%) at varying strain rates (0·01–10 s^?1) was applied in the temperature range of Ar₃ to Ac₃ followed by water quenching. This treatment resulted in a two-phase ferrite–martensite microstructure as compared to fully martensite structure after quenching without deformation. The formation of ultrafine ferrite (?3 μm) during deformation was favourable at a lower temperature and a slower strain rate. A maximum ～50% ferrite formed during deformation at 780°C with a strain rate of 0·01 s^?1. Experimental rolling with a high strain (～1·3) with finish rolling temperature just above Ar₃ (～750°C) resulted in fine ferrite–pearlite of ?3 μm, and the properties showed a high value of strength as compared to steels rolled in a conventional way. Dual phase microstructure (ferrite and martensite) was produced after partial austenisation to 780°C followed by quenching in water, and this resulted in an excellent combination of properties (high ultimate tensile strength, low yield strength/ultimate tensile strength, high elongation and high n values).     

Rate dependent deformation of carbon fibre reinforced Al–Li metal matrix composite

Abstract

The dynamic deformation characteristics and failure behaviour of laminated carbon fibre reinforced Al–Li metal matrix composite has been studied experimentally with the objective of investigating the dependence of mechanical properties on the applied strain rate and fibre volume fraction. A vacuum melting/casting process was used for manufacturing the tested composite. Impact testing was performed using a Saginomiya 100 metal forming machine and a compressive split Hopkinson bar over a strain rate range of 10^-1 s^-1 to 3×10³ s^-1. It is shown that the flow stress of the composite increases with strain rate and fibre volume fraction. The highest elongation to fracture values were found at low rate loading conditions, although a significant increase in ductility is obtained in the dynamic range. The composite appears to exhibit a lower rate of work hardening during dynamic deformation. Strain rate sensitivity and activation volume are strongly dependent on strain rate and fibre volume fraction. Fractographic analysis using scanning electron microscopy reveals that there is a distinct difference in the morphologies of the fractures, with corresponding different damage mechanisms, between specimens tested at low and high strain rates. Both strain rate and fibre volume fraction are important in controlling fibre fragment length and the density of the Al–Li debris. The relationships between mechanical response and fracture characteristics are also discussed.     

Tensile deformation of a duplex Fe-20Mn-9Al-0.6C steel having the reduced specific weight

The room temperature deformation characteristics of a duplex Fe-20Mn-9Al-0.6C steel with the reduced specific weight of 6.84 g/cm³ in the fully solutionized state were described in conjunction with the deformation mechanisms of its constituent phases. The phase fraction was insensitive to annealing temperature in the range of 800-1100 °C. The ferrite grain size was also nearly unaltered but the austenite grain size slightly increased with increasing annealing temperature. This revealed that there is little window to control the microstructure of the steel by annealing. The steel exhibited a good combination of strength over 800 MPa and ductility over 45% in the present annealing conditions. Ferrite was harder than austenite in this steel. Strain hardening of both phases was monotonic during tensile deformation, but the strain hardening exponent of austenite was higher than that of ferrite, indicating the better strain hardenability of austenite. In addition, the strain hardening exponent of austenite increased but that of ferrite remained unchanged with increasing annealing temperature. The overall strain hardening of the steel followed that of austenite. Considering element partitioning by annealing, the stacking fault energy of austenite of the steel was estimated as ∼70 mJ/m². Even with the relatively high stacking fault energy, planar glide dominantly occurred in austenite. Neither strain induced martensite nor mechanical twins formed in austenite during tensile deformation. Ferrite exhibited the deformed microstructures typically observed in the wavy glide materials, i.e. dislocation cells. The mechanical properties of the present duplex steel were compared to those of advance high strength automotive steels recently developed.     

Microscopic deformation behaviour of martensitic–ferritic dual-phase steels

Abstract

The deformation behaviour of the two phases of three plain carbon dual–phase steels after various treatments has been studied using a scanning electron microscope equipped with a tensile straining stage. The distribution of strains between the ferrite and martensite phases, as well as among the different grains of each phase, was observed to be inhomogeneous. The martensite/ferrite strain ratio, which defines the degree of uniformity of straining between the phases, depends on the microstructural parameters of the steels: it increases with increasing volume fraction of martensite, but decreases as the carbon content of the martensite increases. Tempering at various temperatures causes a decrease in the martensite/ferrite microhardness ratio and hence causes an increase in the strain ratio. The macroscopic strain of the specimen at which the martensite begins to deform was also found to be dependent on the microstructural parameters. Regions of applicability of the existing theories of the strength of dual–phase steels can be estimated according to the deformation condition of the martensite.

MST/235     

High strength low carbon hot rolled δ-ferritic steel: microstructure and mechanical properties

Abstract

The present study concerns the development of high strength low carbon hot rolled bainitic and martensitic δ transformation induced plasticity steels. Equilibrium and para-equilibrium phase evolution have been examined by carrying out thermodynamic calculation using MT-DATA software. Microanalysis demonstrates that both manganese and aluminium partition between liquid and solid phases. Isothermal treatment and tempering at 350°C for bainitic and martensitic microstructures respectively have yielded the best combination of strength and ductility. All the steels have exhibited the continuous yielding behaviour and favourable ratio of yield and tensile strength, which are desirable for formability. The annealed steel has yielded a high level of tensile strength with the static toughness value in between the conventional transformation induced plasticity assisted and dual phase steels.     

Importance of deformation induced ferrite and factors which control its formation

Abstract

The influence of strain, strain rate, temperature, and grain size on the formation of deformation induced ferrite has been examined. Deformation induced ferrite forms very readily in both fine and coarse grained steels and much more rapidly than the ferrite from strain free austenite. Very small strains are sufficient to induce the production of such ferrite and the temperature range over which it appears spans from just below the Ae₃ temperature down to the undeformed Ar₃ temperature. Although it forms readily in both coarse and fine grained steels, the volume fraction produced is sensitive to the austenite grain size. In coarse grained steels, deformation at low strain rates is concentrated along the grain faces; extensive dynamic recovery occurs, which is why the ferrite remains soft, so that only thin ferrite films are able to form. At higher strain rates, work hardening takes place so that the strength of the ferrite at high strains approaches that of the austenite. Under these conditions, the deformation is propagated towards the centres of the austenite grains and larger volume fractions of deformation induced ferrite are able to form. In fine grained steels, the flow stress in the austenite grain boundary region is increased, so that when ferrite first forms, a considerable amount of work hardening takes place, which strengthens the ferrite. When combined with the increased number of triple points present in the material, the increased work hardening promotes spreading of the deformation, with the result that larger volume fractions of ferrite are produced, even at low strains and strain rates.     

Application of model for work hardening behaviour of SiC reinforced magnesium based metal matrix composites

Abstract

An understanding of the work hardening behaviour of particulate reinforced metal matrix composites is crucial in optimising the parameters for deformation processing of these materials. In the present study, SiC reinforced magnesium metal matrix composites were produced using a liquid phase process. The microstructure of the composite was characterised and the mechanical properties were determined. The results of the ambient temperature tensile testing on the extruded Mg and Mg/SiC specimens revealed that an increase in the weight percentage of SiC particulates in pure magnesium increases the elastic modulus, does not affect the 0·2% yield strength, and reduces the ultimate tensile strength and ductility. A modified continuum model was applied to relate the work hardening behaviour of the composites to microstructural parameters and to predict the fracture strain of the composites. The model is shown to predict the fracture strain of the composites quite accurately for all the three weight fractions of reinforcements evaluated in the present study.     

Effect of dynamic strain aging on mechanical properties of vanadium microalloyed steel

Abstract

In the present work, the dynamic strain aging behaviour in microalloyed steels has been examined using a C-Mn-Al-V-N steel, which occasionally exhibits low toughness in the subcritical heat affected zone (HAZ). This may be attributed to dynamic strain aging, whereby materials show lower ductility and higher yield strength owing to the interaction between mobile dislocations and diffusing solute atoms. The research has shown that the high temperature tensile behaviour of C-Mn-Al-V-N steel depends on the presence of clusters believed to be of vanadium and carbon atoms. The interaction between dislocations and clusters of vanadium and carbon atoms at 200-450°C changes the work hardening rate and contributes to dynamic strain aging as confirmed in the present work. These interactions may also decrease toughness in the subcritical HAZ and lead to the subcritical embrittlement observed in the C-Mn-Al-V-N microalloyed steel.     

Surface carburised AISI 8620 steel with dual phase core microstructure

Abstract

In this study, the production of dual phase steel structure in the core of surface carburised AISI 8620 cementation steel and the effect of martensite volume fraction on tensile properties have been investigated. For these purposes, surface carburised (~0·8 wt-%C) specimens were oil quenched from 900°C to obtain a fully martensitic starting microstructure. Then specimens were oil quenched from intercritical annealing temperatures of 731 or 746°C to produce dual phase steel structure in the core of specimens with martensite fractions of ~25 or ~50 vol.-% and nearly wholly martensitic microstructure at the surface. Generally, specimens with dual phase microstructure in the core exhibited slightly lower tensile and yield strengths but superior ductility without sacrificing surface hardness than those specimens with fully martensitic microstructure in the core produced by using conventional heat treatment involving quenching from 850 to 950°C. Also tensile strength increased and ductility decreased with increasing martensite volume fraction.     

Overall stress–strain relationship of cold rolled transformation induced plasticity multiphase steels

Abstract

As a result of transformation induced plasticity, TRIP assisted steels possess favourable mechanical properties such as high strength, ductility and toughness. In the present work, the flow stress of a cold rolled TRIP multiphase steel has been calculated from the stress of individual constituent phases on the basis of a continuum model whereby the internal stress produced by the inhomogeneous distribution of plastic strain is considered. For the first time, account is taken of how the volume fraction of constituent phases changes with strain. A comparison of stress–strain curves determined from the model and experimentally derived stress–strain curves for an Si–Mn type TRIP800 steel gives satisfactory agreement. Variation of the strain hardening exponent of the TRIP steel with strain is also discussed.     

Dynamic strain-rate effect on uniaxial tension deformation of Ti5Al2.5Sn α-titanium alloy at various temperatures

The uniaxial tensile experiments for Ti5Al2.5Sn alloy were performed at strain rates ranging from 10^?3–10⁺³ s^?1 and test temperatures of 153–873 K. Experimentally measured stress-strain responses indicate the yield strength exhibits positive strain-rate dependency, while the yield strength increases as the test temperature is decreased. To understand the thermomechanical coupling of dynamic plastic deformation, a specially developed single-tensile-pulse loading technique was used, and the isothermal stress-strain curves for the rates of 180 and 450 s^?1 were obtained at temperatures of 203, 298 and 573 K. The plastic strain hardening measurements obtained here are essentially athermal and largely independent of strain rate, consistent with titanium and its alloys being bcc-structure-like in mechanical behaviour. Based on the experimentally obtained plastic deformation features of the alloy, the physically based Voyiadjis-Abed constitutive relationship was modified to model the dynamic tensile deformation of the Ti5Al2.5Sn alloy at low and high temperatures.     

Mechanical properties of electrodeposited nanocrystalline copper using tensile and shear punch tests

Characterization of the mechanical properties of electrodeposited nanocrystalline Cu with an average grain size of 74 nm was carried out using two different testing techniques, shear punch tests and tensile tests. The grain size distribution was broad and the volume fraction of larger grains was appreciable. The electrodeposited Cu had a high yield strength combined with moderate ductility and strain hardening. Scatter in the ductility values was attributed to residual porosity and inhomogeneity in the microstructure. Measurements of the strain rate sensitivity showed a significant increase in the rate sensitivity and a decrease in the activation volume for the deformation of nanocrystalline Cu compared with similar tests on coarse-grained cold worked Cu.