Stability of retained austenite in martensitic high carbon steels. Part II: Mechanical stability

The mechanical stability of retained austenite is explored in martensitic bearing steels under cyclic compressive stresses up to ∼106 cycles at 3 GPa, combining X-ray diffraction and repetitive push testing. Finite element analysis and hardness testing were adopted to interpret the stress distribution across the specimen, and the stress-strain response was revealed. Austenite decomposition was observed for all samples regardless of the difference in their chemical composition and volume percentage. The decomposition is partial and a significant amount of austenite could be retained even after ∼106 stress cycles. A scenario revealing different stages of retained austenite behaviour under compressive stresses has been established. It is observed that retained austenite first decomposes during the first tens of cycles and at 103 cycles, whilst it remains stable at cycles ranging 102-103 and after 104. More importantly, results show the potential TRIP effect of retained austenite decomposition on dynamic hardening of bearing steels.