Overview of <i>ε</i>-Martensite-Related Damage Evolution and its Solution: Pathways for Local Stress Accommodation, Plastic Damage Retardation, and Microcrack Arrest

The γ-ε martensitic transformation in austenitic steels generally enhances work hardening capacity and fatigue resistance. However, it also induces brittle-like fracture and compromises resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. Understanding the evolution mechanisms of plasticity, stress, and damage during deformation involving γ-ε martensitic transformation is essential to mitigate these adverse effects. To facilitate this understanding, this study reviews the mechanisms of stress concentration and accommodation, identifies cracking and crack arrest sites, and analyzes fracture behaviors associated with γ-ε martensitic transformation under monotonic tensile deformation and cyclic loading conditions. Furthermore, potential strategies for enhancing damage tolerance are introduced.