Strain Rate Dependent Mechanical Stability of Retained Austenite in Hot-Rolled Medium-Mn Sheet Steels

Abstract

The paper presents microstructural and mechanical results of medium manganese steel deformed under high strain rates. The rotary hammer tests at strain rates of 250, 500 and 1000 s-1 were applied. Mechanical properties under dynamic tensile loads were determined. According to the obtained results, when strain rate increased the yield point of the steel increased. An opposite trend was present regarding total elongation. In case of tensile strength, its level is similar for all analyzed deformation rates. The microstructure of the steel after the dynamic tensile test is composed of bainite, martensite and martensitic-austenitic islands. The strain-induced martensitic transformation was identified in microscopic investigations.