The effect of cyclic deformation on the mechanical, elastic and acoustic characteristics of austenitic stainless steel

The effect of elastoplastic cyclic straining on the elastic and acoustic characteristics of austenitic stainless steel AISI 321 is investigated. A change of the elastic characteristics of austenitic stainless steel associated primarily with martensitic transformations that affect the accumulated energy density is found. The influence of the amplitude of strain cycle on development of the elastic anisotropy is analyzed. The possibility of determining the stress amplitude of the fatigue loading cycle by an acoustic method involving measuring the elastic characteristic of the material has been demonstrated. The relationship between changes of elastic characteristics and damage is suggested; it can be used for evaluation of fatigue life by the acoustic method.