Influence of plastic strain on deformation-induced martensitic transformations

The effects of plastic strain on deformation-induced martensitic transformations have been investigated experimentally. Austenitic metastable stainless steel samples were heated to a temperature at which the transformation is suppressed and were plastically strained to different amounts. The resulting pre-strained material was cooled to room temperature and a tensile test was conducted during which transformation was monitored via a magnetic sensor. Results of these tests are discussed concerning the existing theories that describe the mechanically induced martensitic transformation phenomenon.