Influence of strain reversal on dynamic transformation in microalloyed steels deformed above the Ae3 temperature

In the present work, the effect of strain path reversals on dynamic transformation (DT) above Ae3 temperature was studied using an API grade X-70 microalloyed steel deformed by torsion with single and multiple strain path reversals. The results revealed the important role played by strain path reversals on influencing the evolution of austenite grain boundaries through inhomogeneous deformation, therefore, affecting DT behaviours. In addition to flow stress–strain analysis and microstructure investigation, finite element method combined with 3D digital materials representation approach was used to gain insights into the effects of deformation with strain path reversals on the development of microstructural features in the prior-austenite grains.