MECHANICAL STABILIZATION FOR BAINITIC REACTION IN A FE-MN-SI-C BAINITIC STEEL

In this work, the effects of different amounts (5, 10, 20, 40%) of com pressive deformation of austenite on the isothermal transformation of bainite in a Fe-Mn-Si-C alloy steel have been investigated. It is foun d that the prior deformation of austenite retards significantly the ba initic transformation. At the same isothermal transformation temperatu re, as the amount of prior deformation is higher, the quantity of bain ite (which can be obtained after the isothermal transformation is comp leted) becomes less and it is also more difficult to develop the class ical sheaf-like structure. The evidence implies that severe deformatio n causes mechanical stabilisation of austenite for bainitic transforma tion.