This chapter gives a brief introduction to the compositions and uses of the various grades of
steels in the austenitic class. The phenomena of deformation-induced transformation (DIM) and
sensitisation are then covered. The underlying mechanisms causing DIM and sensitisation, together
with the factors affecting them, are discussed in detail. Mechanical stabilisation, recent research
findings on and methods for detecting DIM and sensitisation are also covered.
Keywords: Austenitic stainless steel, metastable austenitic stainless steel, deformation-induced martensite,
martensitic transformation, sensitisation, desensitisation, healing, mechanical stabilisation, phase diagram, ε
martensite, α’ martensite, EPR test, grain boundary engineering.
