Rationalization of the softening and recrystallization behaviour of microalloyed austenite using mechanism maps

The literature on the time evolution of the softening and recrystallized fractions in microalloyed austenite is reviewed. The various shapes of the softening and recrystallization curves are interpreted and classified based on the underlying interactions between the processes of recovery, recrystallization and strain-induced precipitation. Mechanism maps are then developed which allow the user to predict the general shape of the softening curve as well as the extent of recrystallization with minimal computations. This simple physically based approach provides a powerful tool for alloy development and process design.