Damage evolution in TWIP and standard austenitic steel by means of 3D X ray tomography

The evolution of ductile damage of Fe-22Mn-0.6C austenitic TWIP steel by means of 3D X ray tomography in-situ tensile tests is reported for the first time. The comparison with another fully austenitic steel (316 stainless steel) is also carried out. The damage process of TWIP steel involves intense nucleation of small voids combined with the significant growth of the biggest cavities whereas macroscopical triaxiality remains constant. Due to this high nucleation rate, the average cavity diameter remains constant unlike the 316 stainless steel.