Characterization and Modeling of Manganese Effect on Strength and Strain Hardening of Martensitic Carbon Steels

Carbon and manganese combined effect on the mechanical behavior of martensite was characterized and analyzed using literature and new experimental data of various carbon-manganese steels. A synergy effect of carbon and manganese on the martenstite strength and strain hardening was detected and was then taken into account in a specific way in the simplified model, based on a Continuous Composite Approach. Model was adjusted with only one fitting parameter and the obtained results are in good agreement with experimental stress-strain curves.