Effect of magnetic field on isothermal martensitic transformation in a sensitized SUS304 austenitic stainless steel

Effect of magnetic field on isothermal martensitic transformation of a sensitized SUS304 stainless steel has been investigated. The TIT diagram of 0.5 vol.% alpha' martensite shows a double C-curve with two noses located at about 100 and 200K. As the strength of magnetic field increases, the nose temperature decreases and the incubation time shortens for the upper part of the double C-curve, that is due to the gamma ->alpha' martensitic transformation. Meanwhile, the nose temperature of the lower part of the C-curve, that is due to the gamma ->epsilon' -> alpha' transformation, does not change under the magnetic field although the incubation time shortens by the application of magnetic field. Morphology of the alpha' martensite is almost independent of the strength of magnetic field when holding is made at upper nose (200K). On the other hand, when holding is made at the lower nose (100K), the width of the alpha' martensite including alpha' martensite becomes thinner as the strength of the applied magnetic field increases. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.