Influence of austenite strength on martensite start temperature M s

It is known that austenite strength determines the morphology of the new phase during martensitic transformation. As the strength of austenite influences the growth of a martensite crystal, i.e. the movement of the austenite/martensite interface, a correlation between strength of the parent phase and M s has to exist. M s depends on thermodynamical and mechanical properties of the alloys. To distinguish the individual variables, austenite strength was changed by different hardening mechanisms: solid solution hardening, plastic deformation or both.