Microstructure evolution during tensile deformation of a nanostructured bainitic steel

In situ neutron diffraction was used during tensile testing at room temperature to examine the changes in the proportion and texture of both ferrite and austenite in a nanocrystalline bainitic steel transformed at two different temperatures, 200 and 300 °C, for different times to achieve the same phase percentages. Both samples showed an inability of austenite to transform to martensite under strain to take full advantage of the transformation-induced plasticity effect.