Microstructure and Mechanical Behavior of Advanced High Strength Steels
A special issue of Crystals (ISSN 2073-4352).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 479
Special Issue Editor
Interests: bainite; steel; phase transformation; AHSS; austempering; martensite; medium manganese steels
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Advanced High-Strength Steels (AHSSs) represent a class of materials with exceptional potential across an extensive range of industrial applications, particularly within the automotive and manufacturing sectors. Their superior strength-to-weight ratio and excellent formability position them as key components of next-generation engineering solutions. The strategic relevance of AHSSs lies in their capacity to address critical contemporary challenges, including vehicle safety, energy efficiency, and structural performance.
It is vital to perform ongoing research into AHSSs for multiple reasons. First, AHSSs play a pivotal role in advancing the objectives of the Green Deal by facilitating the production of lightweight, fuel-efficient vehicles that contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Their favourable performance and recyclability align AHSSs with sustainable manufacturing practices and carbon neutrality goals. In this context, the development of AHSSs supports broader societal and policy-driven ambitions for a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.
Second, the continued investigation of innovative processing routes could enable the optimization of fabrication methods, improving both the performance and economic viability of AHSS components. Advances in heat treatment strategies also enable the precise tailoring of microstructures and mechanical properties, thereby expanding their application range across diverse engineering contexts.
Third, novel approaches to alloy design are enabling the development of steels with improved combinations of strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance, enhancing the versatility of AHSSs in demanding service environments. Additionally, in-depth studies of in-service performance provide valuable insights into material behaviour under real-world conditions, guiding further optimization and design.
This Special Issue aims to highlight the latest breakthroughs and state-of-the-art research in the field of AHSS. It seeks to bring together original contributions that explore innovative processing techniques, advanced characterization methods, novel alloying strategies, and performance assessments. By providing a comprehensive forum for the dissemination of recent scientific and technological developments, this Special Issue will serve as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners committed to enhancing knowledge regarding advanced high-strength steels.
Dr. Mattia Franceschi
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- AHSS
- quench and partitioning
- carbide free bainite
- medium manganese steel
- TRIP
- austenite
- bainitic transformation
- tensile properties
- fatigue
- heat treatment
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