Dynamic and Postdeformation Recrystallization of Nuclear-Grade 316LN Stainless Steel

Nuclear-grade 316LN stainless steel was subjected to single and double compressions at 1173–1473 K and strain rates of 0.01–10 s⁻¹. The dynamic and postdeformation recrystallization was investigated through analysis of the stress–strain curves and microstructure evolution. The thermal deformation equation and the quantitative relationships between the critical stress for the initiation of dynamic recrystallization and the Zener–Hollomon parameter, Z, and between the dynamic recrystallization grain size D and Z were derived. Dynamic recrystallization developed through an ordinary mechanism at low Z values and through a necklace mechanism at high Z values, with a critical Z value of about 3.6·10¹⁶. At 1273–1473 K, softening of 316LN stainless steel after deformation was characterized by an Avrami-type equation, where the Avrami parameter, n, has no appreciable temperature dependence, and an average value of n and the activation energy, Q_rex, were 0.68 and 129 kJ/mol, respectively.