The effect of strain upon the deformation mechanisms in an austenitic Mn-based twinning-induced plasticity steel was investigated using magnetic measurements, X-ray diffraction, positron beam Doppler spectroscopy and finite-element simulations. The experimental observations revealed the formation of martensite at specific degrees of deformation, despite the high (52mJ/m2) stacking-fault energy of the material. The observed fraction of martensite was consistent with the estimated fraction of intersected shear bands which acted as preferred nucleation sites for martensite formation as a function of accumulated equivalent strain.

Investigation of Deformation Mechanisms in Deep-Drawn and Tensile-Strained Austenitic Mn-Based Twinning Induced Plasticity (TWIP) Steel. R.T.Van Tol, L.Zhao, H.Schut, J.Sietsma: Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A, 2012, 43[9], 3070-7