The effect of plastic deformation of austenite on the kinetics of subsequent ferrite formation

A modeling approach to account for the effect of deformation on the austeni te to ferrite transformation is described. In this approach the stored ener gy of deformation resulting from the formation of a dislocation substructur e is considered to result in an elevation of the driving force for transfor mation. A scheme which accounts for the competition between softening and t ransformation processes is also described. Model data illustrating the effe cts of discrete dislocations and cell structures, with and without concurre nt recovery are presented. Comparison of modeled and experimental transform ation curves indicates that deformation affects the transformation principa lly via a reduction in the undercooling required for nucleation rather than via an acceleration of the growth kinetics.