Depth-specific analysis of metastable austenitic steel

Practical Metallography

The paper presents the characterization of the microstructure evolution during flow forming of austenitic stainless steel AISI 304L. Due to plastic deformation of metastable austenitic steel, phase transformation from γ-austenite into α’-martensite occurs. This is initiated by the formation of shear bands as product of the external stresses. By means of coupled microscopic and micromagnetic investigations, a characterization of the microstructure was carried out. The research contributes to the development of micromagnetic sensors to monitor the evolution of properties during flow forming. This makes them more suitable for closed-loop property control, which offers possibilities for an application-oriented and more efficient production.

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