Complete precipitate dissolution during adiabatic shear localisation in a Ni-based superalloy

Whereas microstructure evolution in adiabatic shear bands have been thoroughly studied, reports on the stability of hardening precipitates during shear localisation are scarce. We report an atomic scale investigation of solute distribution in adiabatic shear bands in a precipitation strengthened Ni–Fe-based superalloy, showing that the hardening particles are completely dissolved. Temperature estimations indicate that peak temperatures in the shear band above the solvus limits of the precipitates are not unrealistic, and thus diffusion-assisted transformations during the severe plastic deformation cannot be ruled out.