Effect of γ − α′ phase transformation on plastic adaptation to cyclic loads at cryogenic temperatures

Metastable, type FCC metals and alloys are often applied at extremely low temperatures because of their excellent ductility over the whole temperature range practically down to the absolute zero. These materials (like stainless steels) are frequently characterised by the low stacking fault energy and undergo at low temperatures the plastic strain induced transformation from the parent phase “γ” to the secondary phase “α′”. The phase transformation process consists in creation of two-phase continuum, where the parent phase coexists with the inclusions of secondary phase in thermodynamic equilibrium. The evolution of material micro-structure induces strain hardening related to interaction of dislocations with the inclusions and to increase of equivalent tangent stiffness as a result of evolving proportions of both phases, each characterised by different stiffness. The corresponding hardening model is based on micromechanics and on the Hill concept (1965) supplemented by Mori and Tanaka (1973) homogenisation scheme. Identification of parameters of the constitutive model has been carried out for 304L and 316L stainless steels, based on the available experimental data. The model has been used to describe phase transformation in rectangular beams, circular rods and thin-walled shells subjected to cyclic loads at cryogenic temperatures. Moreover, non-proportional loading paths were studied. A new feature of structures made of metastable materials has been observed. As soon as the γ − α′ phase transformation begins, the evolution of material micro-structure accelerates the process of adaptation of structural member to cyclic loads and enhances therefore its fatigue life when compared to classical elastic–plastic structures.