A theory is developed for the quantitative representation of the strain induced transformation of retained austenite in
low alloy, TRIP-assisted steels of the type developed for the automobile industry. It is possible, therefore, to
calculate the fraction of austenite as a function of the plastic strain, chemical composition, deformation temperature
and the starting amount of austenite. The effect of composition and temperature is expressed through the free energy
available for transformation. Good agreement has been obtained with published experimental data. The model can
be used to investigate the stability of the austenite during plastic deformation.
University of
Cambridge, and the Cambridge Overseas Trust
Peer reviewed