Real-time martensitic transformation kinetics in maraging steel under high magnetic fields

We have monitored the isothermal transformation kinetics of the austenite phase into the martensite phase in a metastable austenitic maraging steel by time-dependent magnetization measurements for temperatures from 4 to 298 K and continuous applied magnetic fields up to 30 T. The transformation kinetics is shown to be accelerated by several orders of magnitude when high magnetic fields are applied. Analyzing the transformation rate as a function of magnetic field and temperature provides direct insight into the martensite nucleation process.