Role of Bainitic Structure Martensitic-Austenitic Component in Pipe Steel Property Formation. 2. Austenite Deformation and Thermal Stability

Results of experimental and theoretical studies are used to extend understanding of thermal and deformation stability of untransformed austenite in the martensitic-austenitic (MA) component of low-carbon steel bainitic structure. Analysis of the effect of compressive hydrostatic stresses developing during dilatation on austenite stabilization makes it possible to obtain relationships for determining the temperature of the start of martensitic transformation in the MA-component as a function of its volume fraction in the steel structure in order to find the level of deformation due to strain-induced martensitic transformation.