Experimental Investigation of Correlation of Grain Size and Mechanical Properties in 304 Stainless Steel

Chromium-Nickel steels find its use in numerous applications in resisting corrosive attacks, especially in chemical and petrochemical industries, submersible pumps used in agricultural purpose. The significant mechanical properties such as yield strength, ultimate strength, impact strength and elongation can be improved by refining the grain size. The present papers discuss the effect of micro-structural changes on mechanical behaviour of AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel. Heat treatment such as annealing is carried on material samples to vary the grain size of the material. The effect of variation of grain size on different mechanical properties is investigated by conducting various mechanical tests such as tensile, hardness and impact test. An attempt has been made to establish a correlation between the grain size and various properties of steel. It has been observed that the grain size affects the mechanical properties of material. Empirical relations are plotted; based on the test results. The study made in this paper can be useful to enhance the life of various components which are made from austenitic stainless steel.