Influence parameters of martensitic transformation during low cycle fatigue for steel AISI 321

The volume fraction of martensite continuously increases with the fatigue cycle number. Consequently, the martensite amount can be used for indication of the low cycle fatigue state. Following an exponential decay function, the martensite volume fraction decreases with increasing temperature. No influence of the load frequency was found. The initial material state plays an important role for the martensite formation rate. The amount of martensite formed is much higher after cold-rolling than after solution annealing as final manufacturing process. The martensite shows a fibre texture in the annealed material. The (I 10) planes are preferentially oriented parallel and perpendicular to the loading direction. In the cold-rolled material no significant preferred orientation of this phase was found. The martensite is concentrated in the centre of the specimens. The shape of the distribution seems to be independent on the martensite amount.