Experimental Characterization of the Strain Rate and Stress State Effects on a TRIP Assisted Multiphase Steel

The TRansformation Induced Plasticity (TRIP) phenomenon in low alloy multiphase steels has been investigated as a mechanism to improve strength and ductility. Most characterization studies performed to date on TRIP steels consider only quasi-static tensile loading, although stress-state and strain-rate are known to affect the martensitic transformation. In this paper, quasi-static and dynamic tests are performed in tension and compression to evaluate the mechanical response as well as to determine the role of strain-rate on the amount of retained austenite. The results indicate a differential response between compression and tension and show considerable rate dependency for the low alloy TRIP steel.