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Using a Gleeble 3500 thermo‐mechanical simulator, the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behavior and mechanical properties of four low C, Nb-Ti containing micro-alloyed steels with a Mo content ranging from 0 to 0.27 wt percent were investigated. The effects of Mo content, deformation temperature and strain rate on the DRX parameters were quantified. The flow curves showed the typical signs of DRX over a wide range of deformation conditoins. However, at higher strain rates and/or lower deformation temperatures dynamic recovery was observed. It was shown that Mo has an effect on retarding DRX in micro-alloyed steels, most likely due to the solute drag.

In this work we compare and contrast the stability of retained austenite during tensile testing of Nb-Mo-Al transformation-induced plasticity steel subjected to different thermomechanical processing schedules. The obtained microstructures were characterised using optical metallography, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The transformation of retained austenite to martensite under tensile loading was observed by in-situ high energy X-ray diffraction at 1ID / APS. It has been shown that the variations in the microstructure of the steel, such as volume fractions of present phases, their morphology and dimensions, play a critical role in the strain-induced transition of retained austenite to martensite.

Achieving fine and uniform grains is the most effective way to enhance strength and toughness, which are required properties for pipeline steels. Steels microalloyed with Nb can exhibit a mixed grain structure, which can deteriorate low temperature toughness. In this work the effects of the thermomechanical processing parameters on the prior austenite grain structure before ferrite transformation have been investigated.

Dynamic recrystallization and related effects have been followed in situ and in real time while a metal undergoes rapid thermo-mechanical processing. Statistics and orientation correlations of embedded/bulk material grains were deduced from two-dimensional X-ray diffraction patterns and give deep insight into the formation of the microstructure. Applications are relevant in materials design, simulation, and in geological systems.

In rock climbing, karabiners are used to arrest falls and consequently must be able to withstand dynamic loads. The current international standard for rating karabiner strength prescribes a quasi-static tensile test, which poorly simulates the dynamic nature of an actual climbing fall. In this study, a new method was developed to measure the dynamic failure loads of climbing karabiners. Both new and heavily worn karabiners were tested open and closed, and results from static and dynamic tests were compared. We found that the dynamic failure loads of closed karabiners were up to 50% lower than the failure loads in static tests, while for open karabiners, the static and dynamic values were similar. The reason for this behaviour is unclear; it is most likely due to the combined effects of different stress concentrations and loading regimes of the two tests. Irrespective of test type, karabiner strength decreased with wear level. Based on our results, we advise frequent inspection of permanently placed karabiners for signs of excessive wear. In addition, testing of climbing karabiners in a dynamic test in addition to the standard static test might be considered when developing new karabiner models.