A Study on the Microstructure, Tensile and Fatigue Properties of Martensitic Stainless Steel Plate

The microstructure, tensile and fatigue properties of a martensitic stainless steel (MSS) plate with a thickness of 0.152 mm are investigated in this study. The microstructural properties were initially studied using electron backscatter diffraction microscopy. High dislocation densities were observed in the microstructure, along with the rolling texture revealed by the pole figure, following an initial cold rolling process of the as-received MSS plate. Tensile tests were conducted in both the rolling and transverse directions to compare the strength of the material in both directions. The results showed that the tensile strength was relatively low in the rolling direction. This can be attributed to the microstructure and crystallographic orientation of the material along that direction. Additional tensile tests were performed at various temperatures within the operating temperature range in the rolling direction. The results indicate that the highest tensile strength and elastic modulus are observed at room temperature. A high-cycle fatigue test was performed to determine the fatigue limit of the MSS plate. Furthermore, the microstructure was analyzed by controlling the fatigue cycles within the same stress range. The results revealed a proportional relationship between the accumulated deformation within the grains and the fatigue cycles. This can be helpful in understanding the fatigue damage mechanisms of the MSS plate.