Effect of ultrasonic forging strain processing on the surface layer microstructure and temperature-dependent mechanical properties of high nitrogen austenitic steel

Abstract

The paper presents the research results on the effect of ultrasonic forging strain (UFS) processing of the high-nitrogen Cr–Mn–N austenitic stainless steel on the surface layer microstructure and tensile properties in the temperature range from −80 up to 20 °C. The high dispersion microstructure, strain aging with the formation of both CrN and Fe2N nitrides, as well as twinning were revealed in the surface layer 2–3 μm thick using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). In addition, ε-martensite with the hcp lattice was observed at a depth of more than 80 μm from the surface after UFS processing. Tensile tests showed that UFS processing had increased the yield strength. Elongation level of about 40% did not differ over the entire test temperature range. A ductile type of the fracture surfaces was observed for all test temperatures down to −80 °C.