Enhanced Mechanical Properties Of Ultrafine-Lamella 304l Stainless Steel Processed By Multidirectional Hot Forging

In this paper, the enhanced mechanical properties and strengthening mechanism of ultrafine-lamella 304 L stainless steel prepared through multidirectional hot forging process are investigated. This ultrafine-lamella structure has an excellent combination of strength and ductility. The high yield strength origins from the ultrafine grains (fine grain strengthening mechanism) and the high density of dislocations in ultrafine grains (dislocation strengthening mechanism). The good ductility benefits from the continuous strain-induced martensitic transformation with continuous tensile deformation. During the transformation process, the martensitic transformation improves the strain hardening ability, thereby maintaining the tensile ductility of ultrafine-lamella 304 L stainless steel. Consequently, the strength and ductility during plastic deformation are effectively improved.