On the connections between plasticity parameters and electrical conductivities for austenitic, ferritic, and semi-austenitic stainless steels

This paper focuses on cross-property connections between plasticity parameters (yield limit and hardening coefficient) and electrical conductivity of stainless steels. Comparative analysis of such connections is done for four materials that differ by their microstructure and chemical content. The possibility of cross-property connection is provided by the fact that both plasticity parameters and electrical conductivity are governed by the same microstructural parameter, which is the dislocations density. The cross-property connections are obtained in explicit analytical form. Experimental observations are in good agreement with theoretical results for three of the considered materials (ferritic and austenitic steels). Behavior of semi-austenitic low carbon steel 17-7 PH, however, is completely different, that can be explained by the specific character of its microstructure. The results can be used for development of a new methodology to estimate mechanical performance of austenitic and ferritic stainless steels with high carbon content.