In situ characterization of Grade 92 steel during tensile deformation using concurrent high energy X-ray diffraction and small angle X-ray scattering

The tensile deformation in Grade 92 steel was studied in situ using simultaneous high energy X-ray diffraction (HE-XRD), radiography, and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) at room temperature (RT), 400, and 650 °C. Temperature-dependent elastic properties, i.e. Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio, were measured for α-Fe matrix, M23C6 and Nb(C,N) phases in various crystallographic orientation. Significant differences in the evolution of lattice strain, peak broadening/sharpening, and void development in the α-Fe matrix, M23C6 and Nb(C,N) precipitates revealed markedly different deformation and damage mechanisms at low and high temperature in the alloy. The strengthening effect of each type of precipitates measured by lattice strain agrees with the dislocation pile-up model at room temperature, while a different dislocation behavior was observed at 650 °C. Void volume fraction as a function of strain measured by SAXS can be described by a classic void nucleation and growth model at room temperature but not at 650 °C, implying a different damage process at high temperature.