The shape memory effect in high-strength precipitation–hardening austenitic steels

The structure, values of the shape memory effect (SME) and mechanical properties of austenitic manganese steels, which are strengthened by precipitation of nanosized vanadium carbides under different aging conditions at 600–720 °C, have been analyzed. The formation of VC carbides having different degrees of dispersion can stabilize or destabilize the austenite relative to the formation of the strain-induced ɛ-martensite. Therefore, it is possible to control both SME and the degree of hardening. Large SME (2–2.5%) and high-strength characteristics (σ0.2 ∼ 1000 MPa) were obtained for the steels studied.