In situ neutron diffraction study of α–γ Fe–Cr–Ni alloys under tensile deformation Original Research Article

Neutron diffraction experiments were performed in situ upon tensile loading for five Fe–Cr–Ni alloys with different ferrite volume fractions ranging from 0 to 100%. The diffraction profiles were recorded along with the tensile deformation curves during temporary stops in a deformation machine (5 ks each) with the crosshead fixed. One reflection of each phase, (111) of austenite (γ) and (110) of ferrite (α), respectively, were measured simultaneously by using a position sensitive detector. Evolution of elastic lattice strains and dislocation densities in both constituent phases was evaluated from measured diffraction profiles as a function of external loading. Based on these experimental results, heterogeneous deformation behavior in the α–γ dual-phase alloys is discussed.