Effects of Small Pre-Strain and Austenitizing Condition on the γ→α Martensitic Transformation of Iron Alloys

Abstract

Grain refimng and plasticity induced by martensitic transformation are thought to be important for developing high strength steels with ductility. The phenomena are connected with the nucleation process of martensite, although the nucleation mechanism of martensite has been still obscure.
In order to get some infbrmations of the nucleation effects of small pre-strain and austenitizing conditions on γ→α martensitic transformation of iron alloys have been investigated by measuring electric resistivity and hardness, and by optical-and electron-microscopy. A part of experimental results have been analyzed numerically by reaction rate equation. Merits and demerits of hitherto suggested models of martensitic nucleation are discussed comparing with the results of thiswork and adirection of future investigation is proposed.