Characterization of the Solidification Path, the Solid State Transformations and the Mechanical Behavior of a High Chromium Cast Steel

The mechanical behavior of the fully austenitic matrix of a High Chromium Cast Steel (HCCS) alloy has been determined under external compression stress applied at 300°C and 700°C.
The solidification path and the microstructure have been studied, including the nature and the critical temperature ranges for carbides formation, while using Differential Thermal Analysis and both Optical and Scanning Electron Microscopes. The microstructure has been characterized towards both Optical and SEM analyses. Differential Thermal Analysis and Dilatometry were used to study the solid state phase transformations on the one hand, and precipitation and dissolution reactions on the other hand, especially during heating from room temperature up to austenitization, and subsequent cooling down to room temperature. Dilatometry also helps setting the parameters for the preliminary thermal treatments to perform prior to compression tests, in order to allow more or less transition carbides within the stressed microstructure, the other carbides remaining undissolved. Flow stress curves and related work hardening rates were determined for both temperatures.
From the compression tests, various strengthening phenomena, such as precipitation hardening and stress induced bainite transformation, and one softening mechanism such as recovery, have been highlighted, while enhancing at the same time the influence of the temperature and the carbide type on the mechanical behavior of the HCCS material.
Cracks observed on grain boundaries primary carbides allow establishing a rough damage model. The crack initiation within the HCCS alloy seems to be strongly dependent on the temperature, the external applied stress and the matrix toughness.