Dynamic Behaviors and Microstructure Evolution of Iron–Nickel Based Ultra-High Strength Steel by SHPB Testing

Abstract

Iron–nickel based ultra-high strength steel (wt. 18~20% Ni) is characterized by its high strength and low thermal conductivity, and is normally used to make key components by forming and machining processes. The optimization of these processes is based on a deep understanding of the mechanical and dynamic behaviors under high strain, high strain rate, and high temperature. In this paper, the relationship of stress to strain, strain rate, and temperature is systematically investigated by the dynamic compression tests combined with quasi-static compression tests, and the hardening and softening is associated with the transformation in microstructures. According to the analysis, dynamic recrystallization around 600 °C is assumed to be one important influencing factor, hence hot deformation equations are established and the critical strain for dynamic recrystallization and the volume fraction of the dynamic recrystallized grains are defined.