Effects of Temperature and Strain Rate on Strength and Ductility in 316L(N) Stainless Steel

The effects of temperature and strain rate on the material strengths and ductility of 316L(N) stainless steel, which is used as a heat resistant Generation IV nuclear material, were investigated using tension tests over a range of temperatures and strain rates. Serrations in the stress–strain curves and abnormal behaviors in terms of strength and ductility were observed over a specific range of temperature and strain rates, and these were analyzed to be parts of dynamic strain aging. Because these abnormal behaviors of 316L(N) stainless steel influence not only material strengths but also fracture toughness, the effects of temperature and strain rate on material properties need to be investigated. These investigations are useful when selecting properties for design guidelines because the design evaluation of components made from the material can be conducted reliably.