Mesobanded structures and stage character of deformation in high nitrogen steel polycrystals

Plastic deformation mechanisms and a stage-like character of the stress-strain curve for high nitrogen steel polycrystals at various scale levels are under consideration. Experiments were carried out on specimens of chromium-manganese steel with hyperequilibrium nitrogen content (Kh17AG18) under static tension. It is shown that the nonequilibrium state of steel promotes increasing the role of mesoscale level of plastic flow. The similarity law is found to be followed at micro- and mesoscale levels. The nature of stage-like plastic flow and fracture in high-nitrogen steels is clarified.