Tensile Deformation and Work Hardening Behaviour of AISI 431 Martensitic Stainless Steel at Elevated Temperatures

Abstract

Abstract Tensile deformation and fracture behaviour of AISI 431 martensitic stainless steel, over the temperature range of 300-823 K, has been examined. Yield and ultimate tensile strength values decreased gradually from room temperature to intermediate temperatures, followed by a rapid decrease at high temperatures. At the intermediate temperatures (523-673 K), the steel exhibited jerky/serrated flow and anomalous variations in terms of a plateau in flow stress/strength and work hardening parameters and minima in ductility. These manifestations were identified to be the signatures of dynamic strain ageing, operating at these temperatures. At high temperatures, a rapid decrease in flow stress/strength values and increase in ductility with increasing temperature indicated the dominance of dynamic recovery. The fracture remained transgranular ductile at all temperatures. Work hardening relations that best described the flow behaviour of AISI 431 steel were identified. Variations of the work hardening parameters with temperature were consistent with the variations exhibited by strength and ductility values.