Flow Softening Index for Assessment of Dynamic Recrystallization in an Austenitic Stainless Steel

The present study proposes a novel technique to assess dynamic recrystallization (DRX) and related microstructural phenomena during hot deformation of austenite. A ‘Flow Softening Index (FSI)’ has been identified on the basis of investigations on elevated temperature deformation behaviour of austenitic stainless steel. This index corresponds to dominant microstructural phenomena at different deformation conditions. For this investigation, experimental results obtained from isothermal, constant true strain rate compression tests in a temperature range of 1173 (900)-1473 K (1200 °C) and strain rate range of 0.01-100 s⁻¹ have been used. Resultant microstructures have been quantified using average grain size and grain size distributions. The dominant microstructural phenomena have been identified at different conditions using electron backscatter diffraction. Low FSI values are associated with the grain growth, intermediate values with DRX, and high values with the work-hardening and flow localisation phenomena. FSI also quantitatively indexes the average grain size and grain size distributions at different temperature-strain rate combinations. Analysis of the specific deformation conditions, particularly where 3.4 < FSI < 3.5, indicates a common thermo-mechanical origin of flow localisation and DRX. The potential technological implications thereof are discussed and a semi-empirical model of microstructural evolution is developed for the studied material.