Advanced High-Strength Steels (AHSS) Prepared as Bulk and Powder Metal

Dear Colleagues,

Advanced High Strength Steels (AHSS) are characterized by selected chemical composition, final microstructures, and physical properties that can be formed in bulk or powdered steel materials.

The steel properties in bulk form are formed via a controlled process of heating and plastic deformations in austenitic regions, with the possibility of continuing deformations in the dual phase region (γ + α), followed by controlled cooling. The processes of recrystallization, precipitation, and phase transformations are controlled by time-dependent thermal-deformation regimes, which influence the final mechanical properties.

Nowadays, trends in production are directed towards creating products by methods enabling the achievement of shapes and geometric dimensions near the final product using additive manufacturing (AM) techniques for steels prepared by powder metallurgy.

To increase the mechanical properties and minimize the density of the PM material, plastic deformations realized as SPD techniques (severe plastic deformation) or deformations realized in cryogenic temperatures with the possibility of heat treatment are used as post-processing techniques after AM. The accumulation of these techniques controls the processes of recrystallization, precipitation, and phase transformations, as well as the strengthening contributions to yield strength and optimization of plastic properties.

The yield strength, tensile strength, and area reduction depend on the control of the strengthening contributions (grain size refinement, precipitation strengthening, dislocation strengthening, and transformation strengthening).

This Special Issue aims to present the latest works in the research and development of AHSS steels. We invite you to submit a manuscript to this Special Issue. Full papers, communications, and reviews are welcome for submission.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

(a) Materials base: AHSS steels prepared in bulk and PM form (introduction and characterization);

(b) Experimental techniques: controlled rolling and cooling, additive manufacturing, SPD techniques, plastic deformations at cryogenic temperatures, and heat treatment;

(c) Strengthening mechanisms to increase mechanical properties;

(d) New trends to increase mechanical properties;

(e) Application of AHSS.

Prof. Dr. Tibor Kvačkaj
Guest Editor

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