Characterization of Mechanical Properties, Macroscopic Deformation Behavior, and Microstructure of Functionally Graded 22MnB5 Steel

The focus of this study is on the characterization of the local plastic deformation and failure of functionally graded 22MnB5 plates after hot stamping using an in situ approach. Various forming strategies at elevated temperatures are performed using differentially tempered forming tools to locally tailor the microstructure. By controlling the cooling rate, graded as well as martensitic and ferritic–pearlitic microstructures are obtained. Experimental analysis includes evaluation of the material- and geometry-dependent local strain evolution by tensile tests coupled with digital image correlation conducted on two different sample geometries, tapered and nontapered. Experimental results reveal a much more complex deformation behavior for the functionally graded than for homogenous samples. As expected, the distribution of plastic strain of the graded sample is depending on the mixture of its constituting microstructures; however, different types of localized failure after necking are found. Obviously, failure evolution also depends on the sample geometry. Failure patterns observed include shear bands, crossed bands, or homogenous localization of strain, i.e., traditional necking. Eventually, in the case of the nontapered geometry, a lower level of local plastic strain with multiple necking sites is observed. Based on findings presented, detailed process-microstructure-property-damage relationships are established.