Quantum-mechanical analysis of effect of alloying elements on ε-martensite start temperature of steels

Tensile Properties and Damping Capacity of Cold-Rolled Fe-20Mn-12Cr-3Ni-3Si Damping Alloy

The tensile properties and damping capacity of cold-rolled Fe–20Mn–12Cr–3Ni–3Si alloys were investigated. The martensitic transformation was identified, including surface relief with a specific orientation and partial intersection. Besides, as the cold rolling degree increased, the volume fraction of ε-martensite increased, whereas α’-martensite started to form at the cold rolling degree of 15% and slightly increased to 6% at the maximum cold rolling degree. This difference may be caused by high austenite stability by adding alloying elements (Mn and Ni). As the cold rolling degree increased, the tensile strength linearly increased, and the elongation decreased due to the fractional increment in the volume of martensite. However, the damping capacity increased until a 30% cold rolling degree was approached, and then decreased. The irregular tendency of the damping capacity was confirmed, depicting that it increased to a specific degree and then decreased as the tensile strength and elongation increased. Concerning the relationship between the tensile properties and the damping capacity, the damping capacity increased and culminated, and then decreased as the tensile properties and elongation increased. The damping capacity in the high-strength area tended to decrease because it is difficult to dissipate vibration energy into thermal energy in alloys with high strength. In the low-strength area, on the other hand, the damping capacity increased as the strength increased since the increased volume fraction of ε-martensite is attributed to the increase in the damping source.

Future Trends on Displacive Stress and Strain Induced Transformations in Steels

Displacive stress and strain induced transformations are those transformations that occur when the formation of martensite or bainitic ferrite is promoted by the application of stress or strain. These transformations have been shown to be one of the mechanisms by which the mechanical properties of a microstructure can be improved, as they lead to a better ductility and strength by the transformation induced plasticity effect. This review aims to summarize the fundamental knowledge about them, both in fully austenitic or in multiphase structures, pointing out the issues that—according to the authors’ opinion—need further research. Knowing the mechanisms that govern the stress and strain induced transformation could enable to optimize the thermomechanical treatments and improve the final microstructure properties.