X-ray diffraction Rietveld analysis of cold worked austenitic stainless steel

In the present study, the dislocation density of cold worked austenitic stainless steel samples in the range 2–40% was calculated on the basis of Williamson–Smallman approach using modified Rietveld method. Dislocation density has been found to increase significantly with increasing percentage of cold work up to 20%. The dislocation density is found to be 1.8 × 1011/m2 for the annealed sample and are 3.6 × 1015/m2 and 5.4 × 1015/m2 for 20% and 40% cold worked sample, respectively. The effect of cold work on dislocation density, hardness and Fourier electron density of the cold worked samples is discussed in comparison with the annealed sample.

► Dislocation density in cold worked stainless steel using Williamson–Smallman approach.
► Variation in dislocation density as a function of cold work 2–40% cold work.
► Crystallite shape/size and electron density mapping using Rietveld method.