EFFECT OF BETA-MN FORMATION ON THE IMPACT BEHAVIOR OF FE-29 MN-8 AL-1C-1.5 SI ALLOY

Charpy V-notched impact tests were conducted on Fe-29 Mn-8 Al-1.5 Si-1 C austenitic stainless steel over a range of temperatures (293 K to 7 7 K) on solution treated and aged specimens. The results of this study demonstrate that aging promotes multiple crack initiation, reduces th e energy absorbed by the material and lowers the peak load sustained b y the material. These observations may be rationalized by the formatio n of a brittle beta-Mn phase upon aging. The room temperature impact p roperties of the solution treated specimens are comparable with those of conventional Fe-Cr-Ni stainless steels.