Investigation of the Deformation Behavior and Microstructural Evolution in Titanium‐Steel Clad Plates Undergoing In Situ Tensile Testing

This study employs in‐situ tensile testing combined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) to investigate the deformation behavior of as‐hot‐rolled and 550 °C‐annealed TA2/Q345 clad plates. Brittle intermetallic compounds (IMCs, e.g., TiC, FeTi) at the interface act as preferential crack initiation sites, with cracks propagating from the Q345 steel side. The body‐centered cubic (BCC) structured Q345 steel deforms first, showing surface roughening and slip bands, while Plastic deformation in the hexagonal close‐packed (HCP) structured TA2 titanium is delayed, concentrating strain at grain boundaries with higher kernel average misorientation (KAM). Annealing at 550 °C promotes recrystallization and grain homogenization in the titanium layer, improving deformation compatibility (evidenced by earlier slip bands and a more uniform KAM) and elongation, though it cannot prevent interfacial failure. A strong {110} <001> deformation texture develops in the steel, whereas the titanium layer accommodate strain through grain fragmentation and deformation twins. This research provides theoretical support for optimizing interfacial design and heat treatment for titanium‐steel clad plates.