An analysis of the transition between strain dependent and independent softening in austenite

Abstract

The post-deformation softening behaviour of austenite has been studied for various compositions and deformation conditions. The strain at which the transition from strain dependent to strain independent postdeformation softening behaviour occurs (ε*) has been found to coincide closely with the strain to the peak stress (εp) under certain conditions but not under others. It has been proposed that the relationship between ε* and εp may be described geometrically using the initial grain size and the dynamically recrystallised grain size. © 2005 ISIJ.