Labyrinth structure and persistent slip bands in fatigued 316 stainless steel

Abstract

Transmission electron microscopy observations are presented of austenitic stainless steel type 316 L after low-cycle fatigue testing at 873 K under a total imposed strain range varying from 0·7% to 1·2%. Analysis of grains with their <001> direction close to the stress axis shows the presence of dislocation arrangements forming labyrinths. In thin foil sectioned close to the specimen surface, permanent slip bands are observed within the labyrinth dislocation substructure.