Effect of heat treatment on stability of impact-induced adiabatic shear bands in 4340 steel

► It is possible to eliminate ASBs from impacted heat treatable steels. ► Crystallite sizes in shear bands affect its formation and elimination. ► Careful selection of annealing conditions is required during shear band elimination. ► Shear bands can be eliminated without impairing the initial strength of steel. ► Post impact annealing of impacted steel is effective above 650 °C for 30 min.