Characterization of strain-induced martensitic transformation in a metastable austenitic stainless steel

Kinetics of deformation-induced martensitic transformation in metastable austenitic steel AISI 301 was characterized by several techniques including classical light metallography, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction and electron back scattered diffraction. In situ monitoring of magnetic properties, acoustic emission and temperature increase during tensile tests at different strain rates was also performed. Results obtained by different methods are compared and discussed.