Effect of cold plastic deformation on the structure and properties of stainless steels of the transition class

Abstract

1. Cold plastic deformation substantially increases the strength characteristics of austenitic-martensitic stainless steels. 2. With deformation after quenching the increase in hardness is due to the higher dislocation density resulting from distortion of the austenite lattice and the formation of martensite in the initial stages of deformation, and in later stages to the distortion of the martensite lattice. 3. For austenitic-martensitic stainless steels in the deformed condition there is no direct correlation between the amount of martensite and the strength characteristics. 4. Deformation after quenching with cold treatment leads to a substantial increase in the strength characteristics due to intensive fragmentation of the martensite lattice; later, the hypothetical formation of a cellular dislocation structure is accompanied by substantial reduction of the strengthening factor. 5. Deformation of austenitic-martensitic stainless steels at negative temperatures makes it possible to obtain high strength characteristics in the initial stages of deformation due to a change in the mechanism of deformation.