The effect of plastic deformation of austenite on the kinetics of subsequent ferrite formation

A modeling approach to account for the effect of deformation on the austenite to ferrite transformation is described. In this approach the stored energy of deformation resulting from the formation of a dislocation substructure is considered to result in an elevation of the driving force for transformation. A scheme which accounts for the competition between softening and transformation processes is also described. Model data illustrating the effects of discrete dislocations and cell structures, with and without concurrent recovery are presented. Comparison of modeled and experimental transformation curves indicates that deformation affects the transformation principally via a reduction in the undercooling required for nucleation rather than via an acceleration of the growth kinetics.