Effect of epsilon martensite on the damping of high strength Fe–Cr–Mn alloys

The damping property of Fe–12 wt.% Cr–(6–30) wt.% Mn alloys has been investigated intending to develop high damping and high strength alloys. Particularly, the effects of the phases of alpha, gamma and epsilon martensite, which constitute the structure of the alloys Fe–12 wt.% Cr–(6–30) wt.% Mn alloys, on the damping capacity at room temperature has been investigated. Various fraction of these phases were formed depending on the Mn content and cold work degree. The combination of 22 wt.% Mn and 50% cold rolling formed the largest volume fraction of epsilon martensite phase and showed the highest damping capacity. The other phases of alpha and gamma had actually no effect on the damping capacity. Fifty percent cold worked Fe–12 wt.% Cr–22 wt.% Mn alloy indicated the largest tensile strength of more than 1000 MPa.