The recrystallization technique for local plastic-zone observation in type 304 stainless steel in the temperature range of −196° to 950° C

The recrystallization technique has been extended for direct observation of plastic zone in Type 304 stainless steel in the temperature range of ?196° to 950°C. It can reveal plastic deformation with plastic strain above 0.02 in the range of ?196° to 850° C and that with plastic strain above 0.06 at 950°C. Results of plastic-zone observation in notched specimen in the range of ?196° to 950° C are presented to illustrate the technique's capability.