The dynamic recrystallization (DRX) of AISI 304 stainless steel was studied
with torsion test in the temperature range of 900-1100 degreesC and the st
rain rate range of 5.0 x 10(-2)-5.0 x 10 degrees s(-1). The initiation and
evolution of DRX were investigated with microstructural analysis and then t
he critical strain for DRX initiation could be confirmed by analysis of flo
w stress. The volume fraction of DRX (X-DRX) as a function of processing va
riables, such as strain rate ((epsilon) over dot), temperature (T). and str
ain (epsilon) were established. For the exact prediction of X-DRX, the vari
ation of flow stress with strain was analyzed in detail. The calculation of
grain size was based on X-DRX and the investigated microstructure at a few
points. It was found that the calculated results agreed with the microstru
cture of the alloy at any deformation conditions. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science
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