An assessment of the contributing factors to the superior properties of a nanostructured steel using in situ high-energy X-ray diffraction

In contrast to most nanostructured materials, outstanding mechanical property has been demonstrated in a nanostructured metastable austenitic steel, owing to the new characteristics of deformation-induced martensitic transformation. In this paper, by employing an in situ high-energy X-ray diffraction technique, we explore these characteristics by examining factors from the load partitioning, Lüders banding, to texture development. It was found that the martensitic transformation was mainly driven through Lüders band propagation. Marked load transfer takes place from austenite to martensite as Lüders band propagates, and continues into the homogeneous deformation regime. The texture development is mostly contributed by martensitic transformation, but dislocation-based plasticity also plays a role. The effective load partitioning along with the deformability of martensite promotes sample ductility. © 2010 Acta Materialia Inc.