In Situ Neutron Diffraction Study of the Influence of Microstructure on the Mechanical Response of Additively Manufactured 304L Stainless Steel

In situ neutron diffraction measurements were completed during tensile and compressive deformation of stainless steel 304L additively manufactured (AM) using a high power directed energy deposition process. Traditionally produced wrought 304L material was also studied for comparison. The AM material exhibited roughly 200 MPa higher flow stress relative to the wrought material. Crystallite size, crystallographic texture, dislocation density, and lattice strains were all characterized to understand the differences in the macroscopic mechanical behavior. The AM material’s initial dislocation density was about 10 times that of the wrought material, and the flow strength of both materials obeyed the Taylor equation, indicating that the AM material’s increased yield strength was primarily due to greater dislocation density. Also, a ~50 MPa flow strength tension/compression asymmetry was observed in the AM material, and several potential causes were examined.