Effect of strain rate and temperature on the tensile properties of MANET II steel

MANET II, a modified 12% Cr steel with the German designation DIN 1.4914, is a candidate structural material for the first wall and blanket in fusion reactors. In the present study, the tensile properties of this steel were investigated in the temperature range of 25 to 350 °C at strain rates of 5 x 10^-5 ,1.2 x 10^-4, and 1.2 x 10^-3s-1, Both microstructure and fracture surfaces were examined using optical and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) techniques. The results showed that the steel suffers dynamic strain aging, although no serrated flow was observed. Yield strength, ultimate strength, and elongation showed negative strain rate sensitivity. Dynamic strain aging also affected the strain hardening rate. Results are discussed with regard to the chemical composition and fracture surface morphology.