Kinetic Plasticity during Quenching of Chromium Steel

Abstract

In this work we study the mechanical behavior of high chromium and medium chromium steels during quenching. The microstructure of such a steel contained different quantities of retained austenite, which transformed to martensite during subsequent straining resulting in both high strength and toughness of steel. During mechanical loading, the austenite undergoes a displacive phase change and transforms into martensite. This transformation is accommodated by plastic deformations in the surrounding matrix. Test results of kinetic plasticity of steel with different quantities of alloying elements, especially of chromium, are presented in this work. Behavior of steel during martensitic transformation depends on internal and external factors: on chemical composition of steel and heating temperature. Hardening at optimal temperature steels with chromium content from 0.99 % until 18.20 % show maximum rate of relative rate of transformation plasticity. This phenomenon can be used for renovation and restoration of the details and the components deformed during exploitation, and for production of steels with high formability.