Deformation Mapping and the Role of Carbides on the Microstructure and Properties of Evolved Adiabatic Shear Bands

Impacting hardenable steel such as 4340, results in the formation of adiabatic shear bands (ASBs). Previous studies have shown that the presence of carbides/second-phase particles in the pre-deformation microstructures of 4340 steel increases their susceptibility to the formation of ASBs. The current study examines the role of carbides on the microstructure and properties within evolved ASBs in 4340 steel after impact. Geometric phase analysis was used to map local deformation fields within the evolved ASBs. It was observed that carbide fragmentation due to plastic deformation of carbides produces both residual carbides and residual carbide particles in regions away from the shear bands. Extensive carbide fragmentation produces fine residual carbide particles which are redistributed within the ASBs. This is attributed to strain localization within the ASBs which result in higher local strain and strain rates within the shear bands than in regions outside the bands. In addition, it is observed that the residual carbide particles trap and pin dislocations within the shear bands and contribute to an increase in local hardening. A more homogenous distribution of narrower and shorter rotational and shear-strain fields were revealed by the local deformation maps within the evolved ASBs. Lattice deformation mapping revealed that the ferrite matrix, prior to impact, had broader and longer rotational and shear-strain fields perpendicular to the direction of impact. This is attributed to lattice-invariant deformation and shape deformation processes that occur on specific crystallographic planes during martensitic transformation. It is concluded that strain localization during high strain rate deformations does not occur on specific crystallographic planes. This results in a more regular distribution of internal lattice rotational and strain fields within the evolved ASBs.