Microstructure and texture of high manganese steel subjected to dynamic impact loading

Dynamic impact response of high Mn-steel at a strain rate of 3000 s(-1) was investigated using the Split Hopkinson Pressure bar. The investigated steel depicted continuous yielding at high strain rates. Additionally, the yield stress displayed a positive strain-rate sensitivity with an increasing strain rate. Microstructural evaluations displayed that strain-induced martensitic transformation and dislocation multiplication during slip were dominant plastic deformation mechanisms in the absence of deformation twinning which contributes to the strain hardening. Adiabatic shear band and martensite to austenite reversion or dynamic recrystallisation were also attributed to strain softening during impact deformation. The {001} R-cube, {011} R-Goss, and ({111}) E texture components were strengthened after impact loading compared with as-received condition, while the intensities of Cube, Cupper, Brass, and S texture components were decreased.