Onset of recrystallization during the tensile deformation of austenitic iron at intermediate strain rates

Abstract

The onset of recrystallization during the tensile deformation of austenitic iron has been fully documented for the temperature range 950 to 1350°C and strain-rate range 2.8 × 10-5 to 2.3 × 10-2 s-1. Representative materials are zone-refined iron, electrolytic iron, Fe−0.05 C and Fe−5.2 Mn. In general, the strain at the onset of recrystallization decreases with increasing temperature of deformation and decreasing strain rate. The postponement of recrystallization is favored by prior annealing at temperatures above 1200°C and is greatest for the Fe−5.2 Mn alloy; however, for the range of strain rates used, it is difficult to completely eliminate recrystallization. The effects of test conditions on the onset of recrystallization are discussed in terms of a nucleation process that requires a critical amount of stored energy.