Morphology changes in bainite formed under stress

Transmission electron microscopy observations of isothermal bainite transformed under constant stress show a change in the bainite morphology: longer and coarser ferrite units of diverse appearance are formed. At 450 °C the bainite unit with a favorable crystal orientation in regard to the easily activated slip systems has grown to a very large size and shows a strong deflection of crystal orientation. Results are discussed with regard to transformation plasticity mechanisms and transformation kinetics.