Strain hardening of austenite in Fe–Cr–C–V alloys under repeated impact

Structural changes were analyzed in Fe–Cr–C–V alloy balls with high chromium and different vanadium content, after repeated impact load testing. The results indicate that plastic deformation and strain hardening occur in Fe–Cr–C–V alloys under repeated impact loading. At the balls’ surfaces exposed to impact loading, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed a deformation substructure in the retained austenite, consisting of very fine twinning lamellae and planar dislocation configuration, rather typical for low-stacking-fault energy austenite.

Research highlights
► Fe–Cr–C–V alloy balls with high chromium and different vanadium content.
► Structural changes after repeated impact load testing.
► Plastic deformation and strain hardening occur under repeated impact loading.
► Deformation substructure in the retained austenite.
► Austenite consists of fine twinning lamellae and planar dislocation configuration.