Characterization of phase properties and deformation in ferritic-austenitic duplex stainless steels by nanoindentation and finite element method

The phase properties and deformation behavior of the δ-ferrite and γ-austenite phases of CF-3 and CF-8 cast duplex stainless steels were characterized by nanoindentation and microstructure-based finite element method (FEM) models. The elastic modulus of each phase was evaluated and the results indicate that the mean elastic modulus of the δ-ferrite phase is greater than that of the γ-austenite phase, and the mean nanoindentation hardness values of each phase are approximately the same. The elastic FEM model results illustrate that greater von Mises stresses are located within the δ-ferrite phase, while greater von Mises strains are located in the γ-austenite phase in response to elastic deformation. The elastic moduli calculated by FEM agree closely with those measured by tensile testing. The plastically deformed specimens exhibit an increase in misorientation, deformed grains, and subgrain structure formation as measured by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD).