Mechanical properties, variation of phase composition, and microplastic deformation characteristics in Fe-Cr-Ni and Fe-Cr-Mn alloys tested at low temperature

Variations of phase composition and microplastic deformation characteristics in chromium-nickel and chromium-manganese steels were investigated for tensions at 20, −196, and −253°C. The γ → α'transformation taking place at low-temperatures essentially controls the mechanical properties of these alloys. Measurements of microplastic characteristics do not lead to any variations of phase constitution; they allow the evaluation of mechanical properties in the initial state, after various deformation, as well as after fracture