Investigation and modelling of theplasticity-induced martensite formation in metastable austenites

Mechanical stress–strain hysteresis, temperature and magnetic measurements were performed for the detailed characterisation of the cyclic deformation behaviour of metastable austenitic steels with particular attention to plasticity-induced martensite formation. Specimens of AISI 304, AISI 321 and AISI 348 stainless steels were investigated under plastic strain control at ambient temperature. On the basis of comprehensive experimental data, a model was developed for the description of the plasticity-induced martensite formation in metastable austenites under cyclic loading. The process of martensite formation was described as a function of the cumulative plastic strain and the cumulative strain energy density.