Microstructure – deformation relationships in fine grained high manganese TWIP steel – the role of local texture

Abstract

Abstract The local deformation behavior of fine grained high manganese steel featuring the twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP) effect was investigated at different temperatures. A thorough set of mechanical, optical and electron optical experiments was conducted employing a miniature in-situ load frame, confocal laser scanning microscopy, digital image correlation and electron backscatter diffraction. The combination of the techniques used allowed for establishing a solid relationship between local texture, deformation and surface evolution. The results obtained show that on the microscopic scale the deformation is inhomogeneous even in the fine grained TWIP steel featuring the highest strains and the most significant surface evolution observed in regions with a local {111}-texture. Since grain orientation has an effect on both slip and twinning, the degree of heterogeneity of deformation is very similar in the temperature range studied, irrespective of the rate of twin evolution.