HIGH STRENGTH STEEL SHEET AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME

Abstract

A high strength steel sheet includes a specific microstructure having a specific chemical composition and satisfying the formulas (1) and (2) defined below:

[00001]$\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{KAM}\left(S\right)/\mathrm{KAM}\left(C\right)<1.& \left(1\right)\end{array}$ wherein KAM(S) is a KAM (Kernel average misorientation) value of a superficial portion of the steel sheet, and KAM(C) is a KAM value of a central portion of the steel sheet,

[00002]$\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{Hv}\left(Q\right)-\mathrm{Hv}\left(S\right)8& \left(2\right)\end{array}$ wherein Hv(Q) indicates the hardness of a portion at sheet thickness and Hv(S) indicates the hardness of a superficial portion of the steel sheet.

Claims

1. A high strength steel sheet comprising a microstructure having a chemical composition comprising, by mass %: C: 0.15% or more and 0.45% or less, Si: 0.50% or more and 2.00% or less, Mn: 1.50% or more and 3.50% or less, P: 0.100% or less, S: 0.0200% or less, Al: 0.010% or more and 1.000% or less, N: 0.0100% or less, and H: 0.0020% or less, the balance being Fe and incidental impurities; the microstructure being such that: the area fraction of tempered martensite is 80% or more, the volume fraction of retained austenite is 5% or more and 15% or less, the area fraction of the total of ferrite and bainitic ferrite is 10% or less, and the carbon concentration in retained austenite is 0.50% or more; the microstructure satisfying formulas (1) and (2) defined below: $\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{KAM}\left(S\right)/\mathrm{KAM}\left(C\right)<1.& \left(1\right)\end{array}$ wherein KAM(S) is a KAM (Kernel average misorientation) value of a superficial portion of the steel sheet, and KAM(C) is a KAM value of a central portion of the steel sheet, $\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{Hv}\left(Q\right)-\mathrm{Hv}\left(S\right)8& \left(2\right)\end{array}$ wherein Hv(Q) indicates the hardness of a portion at sheet thickness and Hv(S) indicates the hardness of a superficial portion of the steel sheet.

2. The high strength steel sheet according to claim 1, wherein the chemical composition further comprises one, or two or more elements selected from, by mass %: Ti: 0.100% or less, B: 0.0100% or less, Nb: 0.100% or less, Cu: 1.00% or less, Cr: 1.00% or less, V: 0.100% or less, Mo: 0.500% or less, Ni: 0.50% or less, Sb: 0.200% or less, Sn: 0.200% or less, As: 0.100% or less, Ta: 0.100% or less, Ca: 0.0200% or less, Mg: 0.0200% or less, Zn: 0.020% or less, Co: 0.020% or less, Zr: 0.020% or less, and REM: 0.0200% or less.

3. The high strength steel sheet according to claim 1, which has a coated layer on a surface of the steel sheet.

4. The high strength steel sheet according to claim 2, which has a coated layer on a surface of the steel sheet.

5. A method for manufacturing a high strength steel sheet described in claim 1, the method comprising: providing a cold rolled steel sheet produced by subjecting a steel slab to hot rolling, pickling, and cold rolling; annealing the steel sheet under conditions where: a temperature T1 is 850 C. or above and 1000 C. or below and a holding time t1 at T1 is 10 seconds or more and 1000 seconds or less; cooling the steel sheet to a temperature T2 of 100 C. or above and 300 C. or below; reheating the steel sheet under conditions where: a temperature T3 is equal to or higher than T2 and 450 C. or below and a holding time t3 at the temperature T3 is 1.0 second or more and 1000.0 seconds or less; cooling the steel sheet to 100 C. or below; starting working at an elapsed time t4 of 1000 seconds or less from the time when the temperature reaches 100 C., the working being performed under conditions where: a working start temperature T4 is 80 C. or below and an equivalent plastic strain is 0.10% or more and 5.00% or less; tempering the steel sheet under conditions where: a temperature T5 is 100 C. or above and 400 C. or below and a holding time t5 at the temperature T5 is 1.0 second or more and 1000.0 seconds or less; and cooling the steel sheet under conditions where a cooling rate 1 from the temperature T5 to 80 C. is 100 C./sec or less.

6. A method for manufacturing a high strength steel sheet described in claim 2, the method comprising: providing a cold rolled steel sheet produced by subjecting a steel slab to hot rolling, pickling, and cold rolling; annealing the steel sheet under conditions where: a temperature T1 is 850 C. or above and 1000 C. or below and a holding time t1 at T1 is 10 seconds or more and 1000 seconds or less; cooling the steel sheet to a temperature T2 of 100 C. or above and 300 C. or below; reheating the steel sheet under conditions where: a temperature T3 is equal to or higher than T2 and 450 C. or below and a holding time t3 at the temperature T3 is 1.0 second or more and 1000.0 seconds or less; cooling the steel sheet to 100 C. or below; starting working at an elapsed time t4 of 1000 seconds or less from the time when the temperature reaches 100 C., the working being performed under conditions where: a working start temperature T4 is 80 C. or below and an equivalent plastic strain is 0.10% or more and 5.00% or less; tempering the steel sheet under conditions where: a temperature T5 is 100 C. or above and 400 C. or below and a holding time t5 at the temperature T5 is 1.0 second or more and 1000.0 seconds or less; and cooling the steel sheet under conditions where a cooling rate 1 from the temperature T5 to 80 C. is 100 C./sec or less.

7. The method for manufacturing a high strength steel sheet according to claim 5, wherein the working before the tempering is performed under conditions where strain is applied by two or more separate working operations, and the total of the equivalent plastic strains applied in the working operations is 0.10% or more.

8. The method for manufacturing a high strength steel sheet according to claim 6, wherein the working before the tempering is performed under conditions where strain is applied by two or more separate working operations, and the total of the equivalent plastic strains applied in the working operations is 0.10% or more.

9. The method for manufacturing a high strength steel sheet according to claim 5, further comprising performing coating treatment between the annealing and the working.

10. The method for manufacturing a high strength steel sheet according to claim 6, further comprising performing coating treatment between the annealing and the working.

11. The method for manufacturing a high strength steel sheet according to claim 7, further comprising performing coating treatment between the annealing and the working.

12. The method for manufacturing a high strength steel sheet according to claim 8, further comprising performing coating treatment between the annealing and the working.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0073] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

[0074] First, appropriate ranges of the chemical composition of the high strength steel sheet and the reasons why the chemical composition is thus limited will be described. In the following description, % indicating the contents of constituent elements of steel means mass % unless otherwise specified.

C: 0.15% or More and 0.45% or Less

[0075] Carbon is one of the important basic components of steel, and, particularly in accordance with aspects of the present invention, is an important element that affects TS. If the C content is less than 0.15%, it is difficult to achieve 1320 MPa or higher TS. Thus, the C content is limited to 0.15% or more. The C content is preferably 0.16% or more. The C content is more preferably 0.17% or more. The C content is still more preferably 0.18% or more. The C content is most preferably 0.19% or more. However, if the C content is more than 0.45%, it is difficult to achieve 8.0% or higher El. Thus, the C content is limited to 0.45% or less. The C content is preferably 0.40% or less. The C content is more preferably 0.35% or less. The C content is still more preferably 0.30% or less. The C content is most preferably 0.26% or less.

Si: 0.50% or More and 2.00% or Less

[0076] Silicon is one of the important basic components of steel, and, particularly in accordance with aspects of the present invention, is an important element that affects the volume fraction of retained austenite and the carbon concentration in retained austenite. If the Si content is less than 0.50%, a large amount of carbide is precipitated during reheating treatment and tempering treatment to lower the volume fraction of retained austenite and the carbon concentration in retained austenite. As a result, 8.0% or higher El is hardly achieved and the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation is narrowed. Thus, the Si content is limited to 0.50% or more. The Si content is preferably 0.60% or more. The Si content is more preferably 0.70% or more. However, if the Si content is more than 2.00%, the amount of silicon segregation increases to make the steel sheet brittle and to narrow the range of appropriate clearances not leading to delayed fracture. Thus, the Si content is limited to 2.00% or less. The Si content is preferably 1.95% or less. The Si content is more preferably 1.80% or less. The Si content is still more preferably 1.50% or less.

Mn: 1.50% or More and 3.50% or Less

[0077] Manganese is one of the important basic components of steel, and, particularly in accordance with aspects of the present invention, is an important element that affects the fraction of ferrite and the fraction of bainite. If the Mn content is less than 1.50%, the fraction of ferrite and the fraction of bainite increase to narrow the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation. Thus, the Mn content is limited to 1.50% or more. The Mn content is preferably 1.60% or more. The Mn content is more preferably 1.80% or more. The Mn content is still more preferably 2.00% or more. However, if the Mn content is more than 3.50%, the amount of manganese segregation increases to make the steel sheet brittle and to narrow the range of appropriate clearances not leading to delayed fracture. Thus, the Mn content is limited to 3.50% or less. The Mn content is preferably 3.30% or less. The Mn content is more preferably 3.20% or less. The Mn content is still more preferably 3.00% or less.

P: 0.100% or Less

[0078] If the P content is more than 0.100%, phosphorus is segregated at grain boundaries to make the steel sheet brittle and to narrow the range of appropriate clearances not leading to delayed fracture. Thus, the P content is limited to 0.100% or less. The P content is preferably 0.080% or less. The P content is more preferably 0.060% or less. The lower limit of the P content is not particularly limited but is preferably 0.001% or more due to production technology limitations.

S: 0.0200% or Less

[0079] If the S content is more than 0.0200%, sulfides are formed making the steel sheet brittle and thereby narrow the range of appropriate clearances not leading to delayed fracture. Thus, the S content is limited to 0.0200% or less. The S content is preferably 0.0100% or less. The S content is more preferably 0.0050% or less. The lower limit of the S content is not particularly limited but is preferably 0.0001% or more due to production technology limitations.

Al: 0.010% or More and 1.000% or Less

[0080] The addition of aluminum increases the strength of the steel sheet and facilitates achieving 1320 MPa or higher TS. To obtain these effects, the Al content needs to be 0.010% or more. Thus, the Al content is limited to 0.010% or more. The Al content is preferably 0.012% or more. The Al content is more preferably 0.015% or more. The Al content is still more preferably 0.020% or more. However, if the Al content is more than 1.000%, the fraction of ferrite and the fraction of bainite increase to narrow the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation. Thus, the Al content is limited to 1.000% or less. The Al content is preferably 0.500% or less. The Al content is more preferably 0.100% or less.

N: 0.0100% or Less

[0081] If the N content is more than 0.0100%, the cast slab becomes brittle and is easily cracked to cause a significant decrease in productivity. Thus, the N content is limited to 0.0100% or less. The N content is preferably 0.0080% or less. The N content is more preferably 0.0070% or less. The N content is still more preferably 0.0060% or less. The N content is most preferably 0.0050% or less. The lower limit of the N content is not particularly limited but is preferably 0.0010% or more due to production technology limitations.

H: 0.0020% or Less

[0082] If the H content is more than 0.0020%, the steel sheet becomes brittle and the range of appropriate clearances not leading to delayed fracture is narrowed. Thus, the H content is limited to 0.0020% or less. The H content is preferably 0.0015% or less. The H content is more preferably 0.0010% or less. The lower limit of the H content is not particularly limited. The lower the H content, the wider the range of appropriate clearances not leading to delayed fracture. That is, the H content may be 0%.

[0083] In addition to the chemical composition described above, the high strength steel sheet according to aspects of the present invention preferably further contains one, or two or more elements selected from, by mass %, Ti: 0.100% or less, B: 0.0100% or less, Nb: 0.100% or less, Cu: 1.00% or less, Cr: 1.00% or less, V: 0.100% or less, Mo: 0.500% or less, Ni: 0.50% or less, Sb: 0.200% or less, Sn: 0.200% or less, As: 0.100% or less, Ta: 0.100% or less, Ca: 0.0200% or less, Mg: 0.0200% or less, Zn: 0.020% or less, Co: 0.020% or less, Zr: 0.020% or less, and REM: 0.0200% or less.

Ti: 0.100% or Less

[0084] If the Ti content is more than 0.100%, the cast slab becomes brittle and is easily cracked to cause a significant decrease in productivity. Thus, when titanium is added, the content thereof is limited to 0.100% or less. The Ti content is preferably 0.090% or less. The Ti content is more preferably 0.075% or less. The Ti content is still more preferably 0.050% or less. The Ti content is most preferably less than 0.050%. In contrast, the addition of titanium increases the strength of the steel sheet and facilitates achieving 1320 MPa or higher TS. To obtain these effects, the Ti content is preferably 0.001% or more. The Ti content is more preferably 0.005% or more. The Ti content is still more preferably 0.010% or more.

B: 0.0100% or Less

[0085] If the B content is more than 0.0100%, the cast slab becomes brittle and is easily cracked to cause a significant decrease in productivity. Thus, when boron is added, the content thereof is limited to 0.0100% or less. The B content is preferably 0.0080% or less. The B content is more preferably 0.0050% or less. In contrast, the addition of boron increases the strength of the steel sheet and facilitates achieving 1320 MPa or higher TS. To obtain these effects, the B content is preferably 0.0001% or more. The B content is more preferably 0.0002% or more.

Nb: 0.100% or Less

[0086] If the Nb content is more than 0.100%, the cast slab becomes brittle and is easily cracked to cause a significant decrease in productivity. Thus, when niobium is added, the content thereof is limited to 0.100% or less. The Nb content is preferably 0.090% or less. The Nb content is more preferably 0.050% or less. The Nb content is still more preferably 0.030% or less. In contrast, the addition of niobium increases the strength of the steel sheet and facilitates achieving 1320 MPa or higher TS. To obtain these effects, the Nb content is preferably 0.001% or more. The Nb content is more preferably 0.002% or more.

Cu: 1.00% or Less

[0087] If the Cu content is more than 1.00%, the cast slab becomes brittle and is easily cracked to cause a significant decrease in productivity. Thus, the Cu content is limited to 1.00% or less. The Cu content is preferably 0.50% or less. The Cu content is more preferably 0.30% or less. In contrast, copper suppresses the penetration of hydrogen into the steel sheet and improves the range of appropriate clearances not leading to delayed fracture. To obtain these effects, the Cu content is preferably 0.01% or more. The Cu content is more preferably 0.03% or more.

Cr: 1.00% or Less

[0088] If the Cr content is more than 1.00%, large amounts of coarse precipitates and inclusions are formed to lower the ultimate deformability of the steel, thus narrowing the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation. Thus, when chromium is added, the content thereof is limited to 1.00% or less. The Cr content is preferably 0.70% or less. The Cr content is more preferably 0.50% or less. In contrast, chromium not only serves as a solid solution strengthening element but also can stabilize austenite and suppress ferrite formation in the cooling process during continuous annealing, thus increasing the strength of the steel sheet. To obtain these effects, the Cr content is preferably 0.01% or more. The Cr content is more preferably 0.02% or more.

V: 0.100% or Less

[0089] If the V content is more than 0.100%, large amounts of coarse precipitates and inclusions are formed to lower the ultimate deformability of the steel, thus narrowing the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation. Thus, when vanadium is added, the content thereof is limited to 0.100% or less. The V content is preferably 0.060% or less. In contrast, vanadium increases the strength of the steel sheet. To obtain this effect, the V content is preferably 0.001% or more. The V content is more preferably 0.005% or more. The V content is still more preferably 0.010% or more.

Mo: 0.500% or Less

[0090] If the Mo content is more than 0.500%, large amounts of coarse precipitates and inclusions are formed to lower the ultimate deformability of the steel, thus narrowing the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation. Thus, when molybdenum is added, the content thereof is limited to 0.500% or less. The Mo content is preferably 0.450% or less, and more preferably 0.350% or less. In contrast, molybdenum not only serves as a solid solution strengthening element but also can stabilize austenite and suppress ferrite formation in the cooling process during continuous annealing, thus increasing the strength of the steel sheet. To obtain these effects, the Mo content is preferably 0.010% or more. The Mo content is more preferably 0.020% or more.

Ni: 0.50% or Less

[0091] If the Ni content is more than 0.50%, large amounts of coarse precipitates and inclusions are formed to lower the ultimate deformability of the steel, thus narrowing the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation. Thus, when nickel is added, the content thereof is limited to 0.50% or less. The Ni content is preferably 0.45% or less. The Ni content is more preferably 0.30% or less. In contrast, nickel can stabilize austenite and suppress ferrite formation in the cooling process during continuous annealing, thus increasing the strength of the steel sheet. To obtain these effects, the Ni content is preferably 0.01% or more. The Ni content is more preferably 0.02% or more.

Sb: 0.200% or Less

[0092] If the Sb content is more than 0.200%, large amounts of coarse precipitates and inclusions are formed to lower the ultimate deformability of the steel, thus narrowing the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation. Thus, when antimony is added, the content thereof is limited to 0.200% or less. The Sb content is preferably 0.100% or less. The Sb content is more preferably 0.050% or less. In contrast, antimony suppresses the formation of a soft superficial layer and increases the strength of the steel sheet. To obtain these effects, the Sb content is preferably 0.001% or more. The Sb content is more preferably 0.005% or more.

Sn: 0.200% or Less

[0093] If the Sn content is more than 0.200%, large amounts of coarse precipitates and inclusions are formed to lower the ultimate deformability of the steel, thus narrowing the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation. Thus, when tin is added, the content thereof is limited to 0.200% or less. The Sn content is preferably 0.100% or less. The Sn content is more preferably 0.050% or less. In contrast, tin suppresses the formation of a soft superficial layer and increases the strength of the steel sheet. To obtain these effects, the Sn content is preferably 0.001% or more. The Sn content is more preferably 0.005% or more.

As: 0.100% or Less

[0094] If the As content is more than 0.100%, large amounts of coarse precipitates and inclusions are formed to lower the ultimate deformability of the steel, thus narrowing the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation. Thus, when arsenic is added, the content thereof is limited to 0.100% or less. The As content is preferably 0.060% or less. The As content is more preferably 0.010% or less. Arsenic increases the strength of the steel sheet. To obtain this effect, the As content is preferably 0.001% or more. The As content is more preferably 0.005% or more.

Ta: 0.100% or Less

[0095] If the Ta content is more than 0.100%, large amounts of coarse precipitates and inclusions are formed to lower the ultimate deformability of the steel, thus narrowing the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation. Thus, when tantalum is added, the content thereof is limited to 0.100% or less. The Ta content is preferably 0.050% or less. The Ta content is more preferably 0.010% or less. In contrast, tantalum increases the strength of the steel sheet. To obtain this effect, the Ta content is preferably 0.001% or more. The Ta content is more preferably 0.005% or more.

Ca: 0.0200% or Less

[0096] If the Ca content is more than 0.0200%, large amounts of coarse precipitates and inclusions are formed to lower the ultimate deformability of the steel, thus narrowing the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation. Thus, when calcium is added, the content thereof is limited to 0.0200% or less. The Ca content is preferably 0.0100% or less. Calcium is an element used for deoxidation. Furthermore, this element is effective for controlling the shape of sulfides to spherical, enhancing the ultimate deformability of the steel sheet, and enhancing the range of appropriate clearances not leading to delayed fracture. To obtain these effects, the Ca content is preferably 0.0001% or more.

Mg: 0.0200% or Less

[0097] If the Mg content is more than 0.0200%, large amounts of coarse precipitates and inclusions are formed to lower the ultimate deformability of the steel, thus narrowing the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation. Thus, when magnesium is added, the content thereof is limited to 0.0200% or less. Magnesium is an element used for deoxidation. Furthermore, this element is effective for controlling the shape of sulfides to spherical, enhancing the ultimate deformability of the steel sheet, and enhancing the range of appropriate clearances not leading to delayed fracture. To obtain these effects, the Mg content is preferably 0.0001% or more.

Zn: 0.020% or Less, Co: 0.020% or Less, Zr: 0.020% or Less

[0098] If the contents of zinc, cobalt, and zirconium are each more than 0.020%, large amounts of coarse precipitates and inclusions are formed to lower the ultimate deformability of the steel, thus narrowing the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation. Thus, when zinc, cobalt, and zirconium are added, the contents thereof are each limited to 0.020% or less. In contrast, zinc, cobalt, and zirconium are elements effective for controlling the shape of inclusions to spherical, enhancing the ultimate deformability of the steel sheet, and enhancing the range of appropriate clearances not leading to delayed fracture. To obtain these effects, the contents of zinc, cobalt, and zirconium are preferably each 0.0001% or more.

REM: 0.0200% or Less

[0099] If the REM content is more than 0.0200%, large amounts of coarse precipitates and inclusions are formed to lower the ultimate deformability of the steel, thus narrowing the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation. Thus, when rare earth metals are added, the content thereof is limited to 0.0200% or less. In contrast, rare earth metals are elements effective for controlling the shape of inclusions to spherical, enhancing the ultimate deformability of the steel sheet, and enhancing the range of appropriate clearances not leading to delayed fracture. To obtain these effects, the REM content is preferably 0.0001% or more.

[0100] The balance of the composition is Fe and incidental impurities. When the content of any of the above optional elements is below the lower limit, the element does not impair the advantageous effects according to aspects of the present invention. Thus, such an optional element below the lower limit content is regarded as an incidental impurity.

[0101] Next, the steel microstructure of the high strength steel sheet according to aspects of the present invention will be described.

Tempered Martensite: 80% or More in Terms of Area Fraction

[0102] This requirement is a highly important claim component in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 1320 MPa or higher TS may be achieved by making martensite as the main phase. To obtain this effect, the area fraction of tempered martensite needs to be 80% or more. Thus, the area fraction of tempered martensite is limited to 80% or more. The area fraction of tempered martensite is preferably 85% or more. The area fraction of tempered martensite is more preferably 87% or more. In contrast, the upper limit of the area fraction of tempered martensite is not particularly limited but is preferably 95% or less to ensure an amount of retained austenite.

[0103] Here, tempered martensite is measured as follows. A longitudinal cross section of the steel sheet is polished and is subjected to etching in 3 vol % Nital solution. A portion at sheet thickness (a location corresponding to of the sheet thickness in the depth direction from the steel sheet surface) is observed using SEM in 10 fields of view at a magnification of 2000. In the microstructure images, tempered martensite is structures that have fine irregularities inside the structures and contain carbides within the structures. The values thus obtained are averaged to determine the area fraction of tempered martensite.

Retained Austenite: 5% or More and 15% or Less in Terms of Volume Fraction

[0104] This requirement is a highly important claim component in accordance with aspects of the present invention. If the volume fraction of retained austenite is less than 5%, it is difficult to achieve 8.0% or higher El. Thus, the volume fraction of retained austenite is limited to 5% or more. The volume fraction of retained austenite is preferably 6% or more. The volume fraction of retained austenite is more preferably 7% or more. However, if retained austenite represents more than 15%, the ultimate deformability of the steel sheet is lowered and the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation is narrowed. Thus, the volume fraction of retained austenite is limited to 15% or less. The volume fraction of retained austenite is preferably 14% or less. The volume fraction of retained austenite is more preferably 12% or less. The volume fraction of retained austenite is still more preferably 10% or less.

[0105] Here, retained austenite is measured as follows. The steel sheet was polished to expose a face 0.1 mm below sheet thickness and was thereafter further chemically polished to expose a face 0.1 mm below the face exposed above. The face was analyzed with an X-ray diffractometer using CoK radiation to determine the integral intensity ratios of the diffraction peaks of {200}, {220}, and {311} planes of fcc iron and {200}, {211}, and {220} planes of bcc iron. Nine integral intensity ratios thus obtained were averaged to determine the volume fraction of retained austenite.

Total of Ferrite and Bainitic Ferrite: 10% or Less in Terms of Area Fraction

[0106] This requirement is a highly important claim component in accordance with aspects of the present invention. If the area fraction of the total of ferrite and bainitic ferrite is more than 10%, the ultimate deformability of the steel sheet is lowered and the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation is narrowed. Thus, the area fraction of the total of ferrite and bainitic ferrite is limited to 10% or less. The area fraction of the total of ferrite and bainitic ferrite is preferably 8% or less. The area fraction of the total of ferrite and bainitic ferrite is more preferably 5% or less. The lower limit of the total of ferrite and bainitic ferrite is not particularly limited. A smaller fraction is more preferable. The lower limit of the total of ferrite and bainitic ferrite may be 0%.

[0107] Here, the total of ferrite and bainitic ferrite is measured as follows. A longitudinal cross section of the steel sheet is polished and is subjected to etching in 3 vol % Nital solution. A portion at sheet thickness (a location corresponding to of the sheet thickness in the depth direction from the steel sheet surface) is observed using SEM in 10 fields of view at a magnification of 2000. In the microstructure images, ferrite and bainitic ferrite are recessed structures with a flat interior. The values thus obtained are averaged to determine the total of the area fraction of ferrite and the area fraction of bainitic ferrite.

Carbon Concentration in Retained Austenite: 0.50% or More

[0108] This requirement is a highly important claim component in accordance with aspects of the present invention. If the carbon concentration in retained austenite is less than 0.50%, retained austenite is poorly stable and undergoes transformation into hard martensite at an early stage of deformation, thus narrowing the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation. Thus, the carbon concentration in retained austenite is limited to 0.50% or more. The carbon concentration in retained austenite is preferably 0.60% or more. The upper limit is preferably 1.00% or less due to production technology limitations.

[0109] Here, the carbon concentration Cy in retained austenite is measured as follows. First, the lattice constant of retained austenite was calculated from the amount of diffraction peak shift of {220} plane of austenite using the formula (3), and the lattice constant of retained austenite thus obtained was substituted into the formula (4) to calculate the carbon concentration in retained austenite.

[00005]$\begin{array}{cc}a=1.790212/\sin & \left(3\right)\end{array}$$\begin{array}{cc}a=3.578+0.00095\left[\mathrm{Mn}\right]+0.022\left[N\right]+0.0006\left[\mathrm{Cr}\right]+0.0031\left[\mathrm{Mo}\right]+0.0051\left[\mathrm{Nb}\right]+0.0039\left[\mathrm{Ti}\right]+0.0056\left[\mathrm{Al}\right]+0.033\left[C\right]& \left(4\right)\end{array}$

[0110] Here, a is the lattice constant () of retained austenite, is the diffraction peak angle of {220} plane divided by 2 (rad), and [M] is the mass % of the element M in retained austenite. In accordance with aspects of the present invention, mass % of the elements M in retained austenite other than carbon is mass % in the whole of the steel.

[00006]$\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{KAM}\left(S\right)/\mathrm{KAM}\left(C\right)<1.& \left(1\right)\end{array}$

KAM(S): KAM (Kernel Average Misorientation) Value of a Superficial Portion of the Steel Sheet, KAM(C): KAM Value of a Central Portion of the Steel Sheet

[0111] This requirement is a highly important claim component in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The superficial portion of the steel sheet is located 100 m below the steel sheet surface toward the center of the sheet thickness. The central portion of the steel sheet is located at of the sheet thickness. Studies by the present inventors have revealed that varied distributions of dislocations from the superficial portion to the inside, specifically, KAM(S)/KAM(C) of less than 1.00 is effective for improving the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation and the range of appropriate clearances not leading to delayed fracture. Thus, KAM(S)/KAM(C) is limited to less than 1.00. The lower limit of KAM(S)/KAM(C) is not particularly limited but is preferably 0.80 or more due to production technology limitations.

[0112] Here, the KAM values are measured as follows. First, a test specimen for microstructure observation was sampled from the cold rolled steel sheet. Next, the sampled test specimen was polished by vibration polishing with colloidal silica to expose a cross section in the rolling direction (a longitudinal cross section) for use as observation surface. The observation surface was specular. Next, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) measurement was performed. Local crystal orientation data was thus obtained. Here, the SEM magnification was 3000, the step size was 0.05 m, the measured region was 20 m square, and the WD was 15 mm. The local orientation data obtained was analyzed with analysis software: OIM Analysis 7. The analysis was performed with respect to 10 fields of view of the portion at the target sheet thickness, and the results were averaged.

[0113] Prior to the data analysis, cleanup was performed sequentially once using Grain Dilation function of the analysis software (Grain Tolerance Angle: 5, Minimum Grain Size: 2, Single Iteration: ON) and once with Grain CI Standardization function (Grain Tolerance Angle: 5, Minimum Grain Size: 5). Subsequently, measurement points with a CI value>0.1 were exclusively used for the analysis. The KAM values were displayed as a chart, and the average KAM value of the bcc phase was determined. The analysis here was performed under the following conditions: [0114] Nearest neighbor: 1st, [0115] Maximum misorientation: 5, [0116] Perimeter only, and [0117] Check Set 0-point kernels to maximum misorientation.

[00007]$\mathrm{Hv}\left(Q\right)-\mathrm{Hv}\left(S\right)8$

Hv(Q): Hardness of a Portion at Sheet Thickness, Hv(S): Hardness of a Superficial Portion of the Steel Sheet

[0118] This requirement is a highly important claim component in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The superficial portion of the steel sheet is located 100 m below the steel sheet surface toward the center of the sheet thickness. Studies by the present inventors have revealed that variations in hardness from the superficial portion to the inside, specifically, Hv(Q)Hv(S) of 8 or more is effective for improving the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation and the range of appropriate clearances not leading to delayed fracture. Thus, Hv(Q)Hv(S) is limited to 8 or more. Hv(Q)Hv(S) is preferably 9 or more. Hv(Q)Hv(S) is more preferably 10 or more. The upper limit of Hv(Q)Hv(S) is not particularly limited but is preferably 30 or less due to production technology limitations. Preferred ranges of Hv(Q) and Hv(S) are 400 to 600 and 400 to 600, respectively.

[0119] Here, the hardness is measured as follows. First, a test specimen for microstructure observation was sampled from the cold rolled steel sheet. Next, the sampled test specimen was polished to expose a cross section in the rolling direction (a longitudinal cross section) for use as observation surface. The observation surface was specular. Next, the hardness was determined using a Vickers tester with a load of 1 kg. The hardness was measured with respect to 10 points at 20 m intervals at the target sheet thickness. The values of 8 points excluding the maximum hardness and the minimum hardness were averaged.

[0120] Next, a manufacturing method according to aspects of the present invention will be described.

[0121] In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a steel material (a steel slab) may be obtained by any known steelmaking method without limitation, such as a converter or an electric arc furnace. To prevent macro-segregation, the steel slab (the slab) is preferably produced by a continuous casting method.

[0122] In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the slab heating temperature, the slab soaking holding time, and the coiling temperature in hot rolling are not particularly limited. For example, the steel slab may be hot rolled in such a manner that the slab is heated and is then rolled, that the slab is subjected to hot direct rolling after continuous casting without being heated, or that the slab is subjected to a short heat treatment after continuous casting and is then rolled. The slab heating temperature, the slab soaking holding time, the finish rolling temperature, and the coiling temperature in hot rolling are not particularly limited. The slab heating temperature is preferably 1100 C. or above. The slab heating temperature is preferably 1300 C. or below. The slab soaking holding time is preferably 30 minutes or more. The slab soaking holding time is preferably 250 minutes or less. The finish rolling temperature is preferably Ar.sub.3 transformation temperature or above. The coiling temperature is preferably 350 C. or above. The coiling temperature is preferably 650 C. or below.

[0123] The hot rolled steel sheet thus produced is pickled. Pickling can remove oxides on the steel sheet surface and is thus important to ensure good chemical convertibility and a high quality of coating in the final high strength steel sheet. Pickling may be performed at a time or several. The hot rolled sheet that has been pickled may be cold rolled directly or may be subjected to heat treatment before cold rolling.

[0124] The rolling reduction in cold rolling and the sheet thickness after rolling are not particularly limited. The rolling reduction in cold rolling is preferably 30% or more. The rolling reduction in cold rolling is preferably 80% or less. The advantageous effects according to aspects of the present invention may be obtained without limitations on the number of rolling passes and the rolling reduction in each pass.

[0125] The cold rolled steel sheet obtained as described above is annealed. Annealing conditions are as follows.

Annealing Temperature T1: 850 C. or Above and 1000 C. or Below

[0126] This requirement is a highly important claim component in accordance with aspects of the present invention. If the annealing temperature T1 is below 850 C., the area fraction of the total of ferrite and bainitic ferrite exceeds 10% and the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation is narrowed. Thus, the annealing temperature T1 is limited to 850 C. or above. The annealing temperature T1 is preferably 860 C. or above. However, if the annealing temperature T1 is higher than 1000 C., the prior-austenite grain size excessively increases and the range of appropriate clearances not leading to delayed fracture is narrowed. Thus, the annealing temperature T1 is limited to 1000 C. or below. The annealing temperature T1 is preferably 970 C. or below. The annealing temperature T1 is more preferably 950 C. or below. The annealing temperature T1 is still more preferably 900 C. or below.

Holding Time t1 at the Annealing Temperature T1: 10 Seconds or More and 1000 Seconds or Less

[0127] If the holding time t1 at the annealing temperature T1 is less than 10 seconds, austenitization is insufficient with the result that the area fraction of the total of ferrite and bainitic ferrite exceeds 10% and the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation is narrowed. Thus, the holding time t1 at the annealing temperature T1 is limited to 10 seconds or more. The holding time t1 at the annealing temperature T1 is preferably 30 seconds or more. t1 is more preferably 45 seconds or more. t1 is still more preferably 60 seconds or more. t1 is most preferably 100 seconds or more. However, if the holding time at the annealing temperature T1 is longer than 1000 seconds, the prior-austenite grain size excessively increases and the range of appropriate clearances not leading to delayed fracture is narrowed. Thus, the holding time t1 at the annealing temperature T1 is limited to 1000 seconds or less. The holding time t1 at the annealing temperature T1 is preferably 800 seconds or less. The holding time t1 at the annealing temperature T1 is more preferably 500 seconds or less. The holding time t1 at the annealing temperature T1 is still more preferably 300 seconds or less.

Finish Cooling Temperature T2: 100 C. or Above and 300 C. or Below

[0128] This requirement is a highly important claim component in accordance with aspects of the present invention. If the finish cooling temperature T2 is lower than 100 C., martensite transformation proceeds excessively with the result that retained austenite represents less than 5% and 8% or higher El is hardly achieved. Thus, the finish cooling temperature T2 is limited to 100 C. or above. The finish cooling temperature T2 is preferably 150 C. or above. The finish cooling temperature T2 is more preferably 180 C. or above. However, if the finish cooling temperature T2 is higher than 300 C., martensite transformation is insufficient with the result that retained austenite represents more than 15% and the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation is narrowed. Thus, the finish cooling temperature T2 is limited to 300 C. or below. The finish cooling temperature T2 is preferably 250 C. or below.

Reheating Temperature T3: Equal to or Higher than T2 and 450 C. or Below

[0129] This requirement is a highly important claim component in accordance with aspects of the present invention. After the cooling is finished, the steel sheet is held at the temperature or is reheated and is held at a temperature of 450 C. or below to stabilize retained austenite. If the temperature is lower than T2, desired retained austenite cannot be obtained. Thus, the reheating temperature T3 is limited to T2 or above. The reheating temperature T3 is preferably 300 C. or above. If the reheating temperature T3 is higher than 450 C., bainite transformation proceeds excessively with the result that the area fraction of the total of ferrite and bainitic ferrite exceeds 10% and the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation is narrowed. Thus, the reheating temperature T3 is limited to 450 C. or below. The reheating temperature T3 is preferably 420 C. or below. The reheating temperature T3 is more preferably 400 C. or below.

Holding Time t3 at the Reheating Temperature T3: 1.0 Second or More and 1000.0 Seconds or Less

[0130] This requirement is a highly important claim component in accordance with aspects of the present invention. After the cooling is finished, the steel sheet is held at the temperature or is reheated and is held at a temperature of 450 C. or below to stabilize retained austenite. If the holding time t3 at the reheating temperature T3 is less than 1.0 second, the stabilization of retained austenite is insufficient with the result that the amount of retained austenite decreases and 8% or higher El is hardly achieved. Thus, the holding time t3 at the reheating temperature T3 is limited to 1.0 second or more. The holding time t3 at the reheating temperature T3 is preferably 5.0 seconds or more. The holding time t3 at the reheating temperature T3 is more preferably 100.0 seconds or more. The holding time t3 at the reheating temperature T3 is still more preferably 150.0 seconds or more. However, if the holding time t3 at the reheating temperature T3 is longer than 1000.0 seconds, bainite transformation proceeds excessively with the result that the total of ferrite and bainitic ferrite exceeds 10% and the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation is narrowed. Thus, the holding time t3 during reheating, that is, at the reheating temperature T3 is limited to 1000.0 seconds or less. The holding time t3 at the reheating temperature T3 is preferably 500.0 seconds or less. The holding time t3 at the reheating temperature T3 is preferably 300.0 seconds or less.

Cooling to 100 C. or Below after Reheating

[0131] In the step of cooling to 100 C. or below, austenite is transformed into martensite. To obtain 80% or more tempered martensite, the reheated steel sheet needs to be cooled to 100 C. or below. Thus, reheating is followed by cooling to 100 C. or below. The finish cooling temperature after reheating is preferably 0 C. or above due to production technology limitations.

Elapsed Time t4 From the Time When the Temperature Reaches 100 C. Until the Start of Working: 1000 Seconds or Less

[0132] This requirement is a highly important claim component in accordance with aspects of the present invention. If the elapsed time t4 from the time when the temperature reaches 100 C. until the start of working is longer than 1000 seconds, aging of martensite microstructure proceeds excessively and varied amounts of strains are introduced by working into the superficial portion of the steel sheet and the central portion of the steel sheet with the result that KAM(S)/KAM(C) becomes 1.00 or more, and the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation and the range of appropriate clearances not leading to delayed fracture are narrowed. Thus, the elapsed time t4 from the time when the temperature reaches 100 C. until the start of working is limited to 1000 seconds or less. The elapsed time t4 from the time when the temperature reaches 100 C. until the start of working is preferably 900 seconds or less. The elapsed time t4 from the time when the temperature reaches 100 C. until the start of working is more preferably 800 seconds or less. The lower limit is not particularly limited. It is, however, preferable that the elapsed time t4 from the time when the temperature reaches 100 C. until the start of working be 5 seconds or more due to production technology limitations. Studies by the present inventors have shown that the elapsed time from the time when the temperature reaches 100 C. until the end of working does not affect the amounts of strains introduced by working into the superficial portion of the steel sheet and the central portion of the steel sheet.

Working Start Temperature T4: 80 C. or Below

[0133] This requirement is a highly important claim component in accordance with aspects of the present invention. If the working start temperature T4 is higher than 80 C., the steel sheet is soft and working introduces varied amounts of strains into the superficial portion of the steel sheet and the central portion of the steel sheet with the result that KAM(S)/KAM (C) becomes 1.00 or more, and the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation and the range of appropriate clearances not leading to delayed fracture are narrowed. Thus, the working start temperature T4 is limited to 80 C. or below. The working start temperature T4 is preferably 60 C. or below. The working start temperature T4 is more preferably 50 C. or below. The lower limit is not particularly limited but is preferably 0 C. or above due to production technology limitations.

Equivalent Plastic Strain: 0.10% or More and 5.00% or Less

[0134] This requirement is a highly important claim component in accordance with aspects of the present invention. If the equivalent plastic strain is less than 0.10%, the amount of working is small, and KAM(S)/KAM(C) becomes 1.00 or more and further the carbon concentration in retained austenite becomes less than 0.50% with the result that the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation and the range of appropriate clearances not leading to delayed fracture are narrowed. Thus, the equivalent plastic strain is limited to 0.10% or more. The equivalent plastic strain is preferably 0.15% or more. The equivalent plastic strain is more preferably 0.30% or more. However, if the equivalent plastic strain is more than 5.00%, retained austenite represents less than 5% and 8% or higher El is hardly achieved. Thus, the equivalent plastic strain is limited to 5.00% or less. The equivalent plastic strain is preferably 3.00% or less. The equivalent plastic strain is more preferably 1.00% or less.

[0135] The working step before tempering may be performed under conditions where strain is applied by two or more separate working operations, and the total of the equivalent plastic strains applied in the working operations is 0.10% or more.

[0136] When the equivalent plastic strain in the first working operation is less than 0.10%, the total of the equivalent plastic strains may be brought to 0.10% or more by the second and subsequent working operations. Even in this case, KAM(S)/KAM (C) becomes less than 1.00, and the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation and the range of appropriate clearances not leading to delayed fracture are enhanced. Thus, the working step before tempering may apply strain by two or more separate working operations as long as the total of the equivalent plastic strains applied in the working operations is 0.10% or more. If the total of the equivalent plastic strains applied in the working operations is more than 5.00%, retained austenite represents less than 5% and 8% or higher El is hardly achieved. Thus, the working step before tempering may apply strain by two or more separate working operations as long as the total of the equivalent plastic strains applied in the working operations is 5.00% or less. The upper limit of the number of working operations is not particularly limited but is preferably 30 or less due to production technology limitations. Incidentally, there is no limitation on the elapsed time from when the temperature reaches 100 C. until the start of the second and subsequent working operations, because the mobility of dislocations in martensite has been lowered by the first working operation.

[0137] Here, the working process may be typically temper rolling or tension leveling. The equivalent plastic strain in temper rolling is the ratio by which the steel sheet is elongated and may be determined from the change in the length of the steel sheet before and after the working. The equivalent plastic strain of the steel sheet in leveler processing was calculated by the method of Reference 1 below. The data inputs described below were used in the calculation. Regarding the work hardening behavior, the material was assumed to be a linear hardening elastoplastic material. Bausinger hardening and the decrease in tension due to bend loss were ignored. Misaka's formula was used as the formula of bending curvature. [0138] Sheet thickness breakdown: 31 divisions [0139] Young's modulus: 21000 kgf/mm.sup.2 [0140] Poisson's ratio: 0.3 [0141] Yield stress: 111 kgf/mm.sup.2 [0142] Plastic coefficient: 1757 kgf/mm.sup.2 [0143] [Reference 1] Yoshisuke Misaka, Takeshi Masui; Sosei to Kakou (Journal of JSTP), 17 (1976), 988.
Incidentally, the working may be any common strain imparting technique other than those described above. For example, the working may be performed with a continuous stretcher leveler or a roller leveler.

Tempering Temperature T5: 100 C. or Above and 400 C. or Below

[0144] This requirement is a highly important claim component in accordance with aspects of the present invention. If the tempering temperature T5 is lower than 100 C., the carbon diffusion distance is so short that the hardness of the steel sheet surface and the inside of the steel sheet is lowered and Hv(Q)Hv(S) becomes less than 8 with the result that the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation and the range of appropriate clearances not leading to delayed fracture are narrowed. Thus, the tempering temperature T5 is limited to 100 C. or above. The tempering temperature T5 is preferably 150 C. or above. However, if the tempering temperature T5 is higher than 400 C., tempering of martensite proceeds to make it difficult to achieve 1320 MPa or higher TS. Thus, the tempering temperature T5 is limited to 400 C. or below. The tempering temperature T5 is preferably 350 C. or below. The tempering temperature T5 is more preferably 300 C. or below.

Holding Time t5 at the Tempering Temperature T5: 1.0 Second or More and 1000.0 Seconds or Less

[0145] This requirement is a highly important claim component in accordance with aspects of the present invention. If the holding time t5 at the tempering temperature T5 is less than 1.0 second, the carbon diffusion distance is so short that the hardness of the steel sheet surface and the inside of the steel sheet is lowered and Hv(Q)Hv(S) becomes less than 8 with the result that the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation and the range of appropriate clearances not leading to delayed fracture are narrowed. Thus, the holding time t5 at the tempering temperature T5 is limited to 1.0 second or more. The holding time t5 at the tempering temperature T5 is preferably 5.0 seconds or more. The holding time t5 at the tempering temperature T5 is more preferably 100.0 seconds or more. However, if the holding time t5 at the tempering temperature T5 is longer than 1000.0 seconds, tempering of martensite proceeds to make it difficult to achieve 1320 MPa or higher TS. Thus, the holding time t5 at the tempering temperature T5 is limited to 1000.0 seconds or less. The holding time t5 at the tempering temperature T5 is preferably 800.0 seconds or less. The holding time t5 at the tempering temperature T5 is more preferably 600.0 seconds or less.

Cooling Rate 1 from the Tempering Temperature T5 to 80 C.: 100 C./Sec or Less

[0146] This requirement is a highly important claim component in accordance with aspects of the present invention. If the cooling rate 01 from the tempering temperature T5 to 80 C. is higher than 100 C./sec, the carbon diffusion distance is so short that the hardness of the steel sheet surface and the inside of the steel sheet is lowered and Hv(Q)Hv(S) becomes less than 8 with the result that the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation and the range of appropriate clearances not leading to delayed fracture are narrowed. Thus, the cooling rate 1 from the tempering temperature T5 to 80 C. is limited to 100 C./sec or less. The cooling rate 1 from the tempering temperature T5 to 80 C. is preferably 50 C./sec or less. The lower limit of the cooling rate 1 from the tempering temperature T5 to 80 C. is not particularly limited but is preferably 10 C./sec or more due to production technology limitations.

[0147] Below 80 C., cooling is not particularly limited and the steel sheet may be cooled to a desired temperature in an appropriate manner. Incidentally, the desired temperature is preferably about room temperature.

[0148] Furthermore, the high strength steel sheet described above may be worked again under conditions where the amount of equivalent plastic strain is 0.10% or more and 5.00% or less. Here, the target amount of equivalent plastic strain may be applied at a time or several.

[0149] When the high strength steel sheet is a product that is traded, the steel sheet is usually traded after being cooled to room temperature.

[0150] In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the high strength steel sheet may be subjected to coating treatment between annealing and working. The phrase between annealing and working means a period from the end of the holding time t1 at the annealing temperature T1 until when the temperature reaches the working start temperature T4. For example, the coating treatment during annealing may be hot-dip galvanizing treatment and alloying treatment following the hot-dip galvanizing treatment which are performed when the steel sheet that has been held at the annealing temperature T1 is being cooled to 300 C. or below. For example, the coating treatment between annealing and working may be Zn-Ni electrical alloying coating treatment or pure Zn electroplated coating treatment after reheating. A coated layer may be formed by electroplated coating, or hot-dip zinc-aluminum-magnesium alloy coating may be applied. In the above coating treatment, examples were described focusing on zinc coating, the types of coating metals, such as Zn coating and Al coating, are not particularly limited. Other conditions in the manufacturing method are not particularly limited. From the point of view of productivity, the series of treatments including annealing, hot-dip galvanizing, and alloying treatment of the coated zinc layer is preferably performed on hot-dip galvanizing line, that is CGL (continuous galvanizing line). To control the coating weight of the coated layer, the hot-dip galvanizing treatment may be followed by wiping. Conditions for operations, such as coating, other than those conditions described above may be determined in accordance with the usual hot-dip galvanizing technique.

[0151] After the coating treatment between annealing and working, the steel sheet may be worked under conditions where the amount of equivalent plastic strain is 0.10% or more and 5.00 or less. Here, the target amount of equivalent plastic strain may be applied at a time or several.

EXAMPLES

[0152] Steels having a chemical composition described in Table 1-1 or Table 1-2, with the balance being Fe and incidental impurities, were smelted in a converter and were continuously cast into slabs. Next, the slabs obtained were heated, hot rolled, pickled, cold rolled, and subjected to annealing treatment, cooling, reheating treatment, working, and tempering treatment described in Table 2-1, Table 2-2, and Table 2-3. High strength cold rolled steel sheets having a sheet thickness of 0.6 to 2.2 mm were thus obtained. Incidentally, some of the steel sheets were subjected to coating treatment after annealing.

[0153] In EXAMPLES Nos. 77, 82, 85, 88, and 91, the slabs fractured in the casting step and thus the test was discontinued.

[0154] The high strength cold rolled steel sheets obtained as described above were used as test steels. Tensile characteristics and delayed fracture resistance were evaluated in accordance with the following test methods.

Microstructure Observation

[0155] The area fraction of tempered martensite, the volume fraction of retained austenite, the total of the area fraction of ferrite and the area fraction of bainitic ferrite, and the carbon concentration in retained austenite were determined in accordance with the methods described hereinabove.

KAM Values

[0156] The KAM value of a superficial portion of the steel sheet and the KAM value of a central portion of the steel sheet were determined in accordance with the method described hereinabove.

Hardness Test

[0157] The hardness of a portion at sheet thickness and the hardness of a superficial portion of the steel sheet were determined in accordance with the method described hereinabove.

Tensile Test

[0158] A JIS No. 5 test specimen (gauge length: 50 mm, width of parallel portion: 25 mm) was sampled so that the longitudinal direction of the test specimen would be perpendicular to the rolling direction. A tensile test was performed in accordance with JIS Z 2241 under conditions where the crosshead speed was 1.6710.sup.1 mm/sec. TS and El were thus measured. In accordance with aspects of the present invention, 1320 MPa or higher TS was judged to be acceptable, and 8% or higher El was judged to be acceptable.

Range of Appropriate Clearances for Hole Expanding Deformation

[0159] The range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation was determined by the following method. The steel sheets obtained were each cut to give 100 mm100 mm test specimens. A hole with a diameter of 10 mm was punched in the center of the test specimens. The punching clearance was changed from 5 to 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35%. While holding the test specimen on a die having an inner diameter of 75 mm with a blank holder force of 9 tons (88.26 kN), a conical punch with an apex angle of 60 was pushed into the hole until cracking occurred. The hole expansion ratio was determined. Hole expansion ratio: (%)={(D.sub.f1-D.sub.0)/D.sub.0}100 where D.sub.f1 is the hole diameter (mm) at the occurrence of cracking, and D.sub.0 is the initial hole diameter (mm). The rating was x when the shear clearances that gave of 20% or more ranged below 10%. The rating was when the shear clearances ranged to 10% or above but below 15%. The rating was when the shear clearances ranged to 15% or above. The range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation was evaluated as excellent when the shear clearances that gave of 20% or more ranged to 10% or above.

Range of Appropriate Clearances not Leading to Delayed Fracture

[0160] The range of appropriate clearances not leading to delayed fracture was determined by the following method. Test specimens having a size of 16 mm75 mm were prepared by shearing in such a manner that the longitudinal direction would be perpendicular to the rolling direction. The rake angle in the shearing process was constant at 0, and the shear clearance was changed from 5 to 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35%. The test specimens were four-point loaded in accordance with ASTM (G39-99) so that 1000 MPa stress was applied to the bend apex. The loaded test specimens were immersed in pH 3 hydrochloric acid at 25 C. for 100 hours. The rating was x when the shear clearances that did not cause cracking ranged below 10%. The rating was when the shear clearances ranged to 10% or above but below 15%. The rating was when the shear clearances that did not cause cracking ranged to 15% or above. The range of appropriate clearances not leading to delayed fracture was evaluated as excellent when the shear clearances that did not cause cracking ranged to 10% or above.

[0161] As described in Table 3-1, Table 3-2, and Table 3-3, INVENTIVE EXAMPLES achieved 1320 MPa or higher TS, El8%, and excellent ranges of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation and of appropriate clearances not leading to delayed fracture. In contrast, COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES were unsatisfactory in one or more of TS, El, the range of appropriate clearances for hole expanding deformation, and the range of appropriate clearances not leading to delayed fracture.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1-1 Chemical composition (mass %) Steels C Si Mn P S Al N H Ti B Nb Cu Others Remarks A 0.21 1.00 2.76 0.010 0.0013 0.011 0.0027 0.0000 0.014 Compliant steel B 0.21 0.62 2.85 0.010 0.0009 0.042 0.0054 0.0000 Compliant steel C 0.20 0.86 3.02 0.015 0.0007 0.053 0.0034 0.0000 0.0028 Compliant steel D 0.20 0.93 3.09 0.005 0.0014 0.050 0.0026 0.0000 0.015 Compliant steel E 0.22 0.62 2.66 0.006 0.0008 0.046 0.0032 0.0000 Compliant steel F 0.16 0.93 2.68 0.013 0.0006 0.040 0.0064 0.0000 0.18 Compliant steel G 0.14 0.84 3.14 0.011 0.0014 0.012 0.0021 0.0000 Comparative steel H 0.44 0.89 2.86 0.008 0.0010 0.050 0.0013 0.0000 0.0018 Compliant steel I 0.46 0.65 2.62 0.013 0.0006 0.048 0.0051 0.0000 Comparative steel J 0.23 0.51 2.99 0.005 0.0012 0.046 0.0049 0.0000 0.13 Compliant steel K 0.21 0.14 2.76 0.009 0.0014 0.018 0.0053 0.0000 Comparative steel L 0.21 1.92 2.81 0.011 0.0012 0.050 0.0017 0.0000 0.015 0.0025 Compliant steel M 0.24 2.13 2.83 0.010 0.0014 0.041 0.0054 0.0000 Comparative steel N 0.21 0.65 1.58 0.015 0.0014 0.021 0.0046 0.0000 Compliant steel O 0.22 0.80 1.42 0.011 0.0007 0.054 0.0057 0.0000 Comparative steel P 0.24 0.69 3.42 0.011 0.0010 0.056 0.0056 0.0000 Compliant steel Q 0.23 0.65 3.65 0.011 0.0008 0.038 0.0037 0.0000 Comparative steel R 0.21 0.78 3.06 0.099 0.0007 0.040 0.0063 0.0000 Compliant steel S 0.23 0.88 2.80 0.121 0.0012 0.024 0.0066 0.0000 Comparative steel T 0.24 0.86 2.96 0.014 0.0182 0.059 0.0032 0.0000 Compliant steel U 0.21 0.74 2.77 0.008 0.0222 0.056 0.0058 0.0000 Comparative steel V 0.23 0.84 2.69 0.007 0.0009 0.976 0.0032 0.0000 Compliant steel W 0.20 0.91 3.07 0.006 0.0013 1.135 0.0034 0.0000 Comparative steel X 0.23 0.66 2.64 0.014 0.0006 0.047 0.0089 0.0000 Compliant steel Y 0.24 0.73 2.96 0.008 0.0009 0.011 0.0112 0.0000 Comparative steel Z 0.23 0.76 2.83 0.009 0.0007 0.018 0.0013 0.0012 Compliant steel Underlines indicate being outside of the range of the present invention. Blanks indicate that the element was not added intentionally.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1-2 Chemical composition (mass %) Steels C Si Mn P S Al N H Ti B Nb Cu Others Remarks AA 0.20 0.79 2.62 0.013 0.0012 0.050 0.0041 0.0035 Comparative steel AB 0.23 0.60 2.63 0.010 0.0014 0.049 0.0053 0.0000 0.0023 0.017 0.11 Compliant steel AC 0.22 0.60 2.62 0.006 0.0008 0.054 0.0063 0.0000 0.085 0.0016 0.017 0.18 Compliant steel AD 0.23 0.70 2.80 0.011 0.0012 0.050 0.0052 0.0000 0.125 0.0013 0.018 0.15 Comparative steel AE 0.23 0.98 2.76 0.010 0.0014 0.046 0.0041 0.0000 0.023 0.021 0.19 Compliant steel AF 0.20 0.88 2.84 0.012 0.0008 0.012 0.0022 0.0000 0.035 0.0076 0.025 0.12 Compliant steel AG 0.23 0.69 3.02 0.008 0.0005 0.057 0.0018 0.0000 0.024 0.0124 0.025 0.11 Comparative steel AH 0.20 0.66 3.14 0.011 0.0005 0.055 0.0010 0.0000 0.038 0.0015 0.14 Compliant steel AI 0.20 0.88 2.69 0.015 0.0007 0.049 0.0014 0.0000 0.020 0.0019 0.086 0.06 Compliant steel AJ 0.22 0.92 3.20 0.006 0.0012 0.051 0.0029 0.0000 0.033 0.0026 0.135 0.12 Comparative steel AK 0.20 0.81 2.70 0.007 0.0013 0.025 0.0013 0.0000 0.015 0.0022 0.019 Compliant steel AL 0.22 0.98 2.70 0.005 0.0011 0.041 0.0012 0.0000 0.026 0.0016 0.020 0.96 Compliant steel AM 0.23 0.88 2.78 0.008 0.0011 0.044 0.0061 0.0000 0.030 0.0023 0.013 1.02 Comparative steel AN 0.22 0.94 2.86 0.011 0.0008 0.011 0.0052 0.0000 Cr: 0.340 Compliant steel AO 0.23 0.92 2.88 0.006 0.0010 0.053 0.0063 0.0000 V: 0.056 Compliant steel AP 0.23 0.63 2.74 0.006 0.0015 0.014 0.0059 0.0000 Mo: 0.330 Compliant steel AQ 0.21 0.88 2.68 0.010 0.0008 0.053 0.0052 0.0000 Ni0.10 Compliant steel AR 0.22 0.83 2.75 0.007 0.0010 0.056 0.0051 0.0000 As: 0.006 Compliant steel AS 0.20 0.61 2.68 0.008 0.0012 0.017 0.0016 0.0000 Sb: 0.011 Compliant steel AT 0.24 0.80 2.79 0.014 0.0013 0.054 0.0016 0.0000 Sn: 0.009 Compliant steel AU 0.21 0.97 2.78 0.015 0.0008 0.045 0.0019 0.0000 Ta: 0.004 Compliant steel AV 0.24 0.82 3.14 0.007 0.0010 0.023 0.0014 0.0000 Ca: 0.0014, Compliant steel Mg: 0.0150, Zn: 0.006, Co: 0.013 AW 0.22 0.79 3.14 0.006 0.0013 0.056 0.0058 0.0000 Zr: 0.002 Compliant steel AX 0.22 0.83 3.15 0.013 0.0008 0.024 0.0063 0.0000 0.016 0.0023 0.013 0.16 REM: 0.0150 Compliant steel AY 0.22 0.99 2.96 0.014 0.0005 0.046 0.0017 0.0000 Compliant steel AZ 0.23 0.88 3.14 0.011 0.0005 0.018 0.0062 0.0000 Compliant steel Underlines indicate being outside of the range of the present invention. Blanks indicate that the element was not added intentionally.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 2-1 Elapsed time t4 from when the Finish Holding time t3 temp. reached Annealing Holding cooling Reheating at reheating 100 C. until Sheet thickness temp. T1 time t1 temp. T2 temp. T3 temp. T3 start of working No. Steels (mm) ( C.) (sec) ( C.) ( C.) (sec) (sec) 1 A 1.4 871 176 188 397 225.8 604 2 B 1.4 870 151 194 371 129.2 653 3 B 1.4 855 182 207 389 165.4 645 4 B 1.4 842 147 205 398 238.1 601 5 B 1.4 968 145 217 385 248.0 628 6 B 1.4 992 131 203 395 291.1 656 7 B 1.4 878 11 180 381 218.5 656 8 B 1.4 871 3 209 383 211.4 664 9 B 1.4 864 956 209 379 174.4 648 10 B 1.4 870 998 199 357 265.3 608 11 B 1.4 870 96 111 352 105.4 657 12 B 1.4 866 97 89 395 289.7 666 13 B 1.4 877 169 289 363 233.0 628 14 B 1.4 874 113 311 371 266.7 655 15 B 1.4 880 180 281 281 293.8 648 16 B 1.4 872 100 267 267 227.1 720 17 B 1.4 862 99 200 444 194.6 617 18 B 1.4 864 74 190 462 142.0 782 19 B 1.4 869 96 194 390 1.1 793 20 B 1.4 876 149 192 399 0.8 611 21 B 1.4 871 168 208 359 992.4 788 22 B 1.4 862 145 186 357 1084.5 636 23 B 1.4 863 66 197 356 295.7 22 24 B 1.4 862 158 185 388 121.7 638 25 B 1.4 864 117 194 371 141.7 986 26 B 1.4 863 57 184 395 253.6 1065 27 B 1.4 864 121 194 378 103.5 680 28 B 1.4 860 82 180 363 118.6 666 29 B 1.4 876 173 184 381 281.1 785 30 B 1.4 869 101 199 365 121.8 620 31 B 1.4 868 104 215 362 294.5 782 32 B 1.4 873 117 181 363 248.4 686 33 B 1.4 866 163 192 361 171.8 690 34 B 1.4 871 77 217 378 152.7 794 35 B 1.4 872 151 198 352 122.6 758 Cooling rate 1 from Working Equivalent tempering start plastic Working Tempering Holding temp. T3 Type of temp. T4 strain operations temp. T5 time t5 to 80 C. product No. ( C.) (%) (times) ( C.) (sec) ( C./sec) (*) Remarks 1 33 0.50 1 192 112.4 32 CR INV. EX. 2 25 0.55 1 250 62.0 34 CR INV. EX. 3 43 0.44 1 153 180.1 26 CR INV. EX. 4 44 0.31 1 217 201.0 50 CR COMP. EX. 5 35 0.57 1 200 289.4 35 CR INV. EX. 6 42 0.30 1 156 214.5 37 CR INV. EX. 7 36 0.47 1 160 135.4 48 CR INV. EX. 8 28 0.48 1 180 102.2 33 CR COMP. EX. 9 32 0.47 1 243 167.6 31 CR INV. EX. 10 38 0.37 1 205 265.1 35 CR INV. EX. 11 39 0.31 2 200 189.9 30 CR INV. EX. 12 33 0.31 3 298 299.2 33 CR COMP. EX. 13 33 0.42 4 186 263.6 28 CR INV. EX. 14 47 0.58 5 191 170.1 33 CR COMP. EX. 15 31 0.55 6 193 161.6 50 CR INV. EX. 16 45 0.37 7 256 200.9 29 CR INV. EX. 17 41 0.55 8 173 233.5 30 CR INV. EX. 18 26 0.38 9 283 176.0 50 CR COMP. EX. 19 47 0.52 10 206 255.4 27 CR INV. EX. 20 31 0.42 11 244 161.8 49 CR COMP. EX. 21 28 0.57 12 242 277.2 28 CR INV. EX. 22 40 0.32 13 238 165.9 42 CR COMP. EX. 23 33 0.53 1 245 136.7 48 CR INV. EX. 24 32 0.42 2 190 187.5 30 CR INV. EX. 25 30 0.44 1 261 274.3 27 CR INV. EX. 26 40 0.45 1 250 212.9 33 CR COMP. EX. 27 12 0.59 1 272 186.3 37 CR INV. EX. 28 33 0.36 3 194 169.5 39 CR INV. EX. 29 77 0.45 1 260 149.6 41 CR INV. EX. 30 95 0.37 1 275 182.7 47 CR COMP. EX. 31 41 0.13 1 167 182.0 35 CR INV. EX. 32 31 0.08 1 230 189.4 45 CR COMP. EX. 33 48 4.20 1 152 185.0 31 CR INV. EX. 34 27 5.10 4 215 174.5 49 CR COMP. EX. 35 44 0.47 1 106 163.4 48 CR INV. EX. Underlines indicate being outside of the range of the present invention. (*) CR: Cold rolled steel sheet (without coating)

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 2-2 Elapsed time t4 from when the Finish Holding time t3 temp. reached Sheet Annealing Holding cooling Reheating at reheating 100 C. until thickness temp. T1 time t1 temp. T2 temp. T3 temp. T3 start of working No. Steels (mm) ( C.) (sec) ( C.) ( C.) (sec) (sec) 36 B 1.4 861 114 183 367 259.8 633 37 B 0.8 871 198 189 368 221.8 764 38 B 2.0 877 78 193 390 125.5 752 39 B 1.4 862 119 213 392 145.2 725 40 B 1.4 866 89 202 358 229.3 695 41 B 1.4 873 166 182 368 250.7 690 42 B 1.4 876 105 216 385 167.9 789 43 B 1.4 867 111 211 361 105.4 695 44 B 1.4 863 139 213 353 215.3 621 45 B 1.4 880 162 200 356 247.7 778 46 B 1.4 876 112 205 386 203.6 667 47 B 1.4 871 103 199 368 277.5 717 48 B 1.4 875 65 216 364 277.0 757 49 B 1.4 876 95 108 391 115.0 638 50 B 1.4 875 125 197 442 256.8 795 51 B 1.4 868 191 217 375 266.0 996 52 B 1.4 869 59 184 399 170.8 646 53 B 1.4 879 169 200 351 129.2 793 54 B 1.4 860 61 182 395 181.0 632 55 C 1.4 870 65 274 274 280.9 667 56 D 1.4 879 84 294 294 168.3 681 57 E 1.4 875 75 181 356 134.4 726 58 F 1.2 879 182 220 384 298.1 776 59 G 1.2 867 174 214 355 141.1 602 60 H 1.2 870 183 208 379 110.6 641 61 I 1.2 875 93 193 383 222.8 782 62 J 1.2 875 102 185 360 212.3 747 63 K 1.2 861 54 183 391 156.6 773 64 L 1.2 865 144 181 390 276.9 763 65 M 1.2 878 112 193 388 125.4 705 66 N 1.2 879 148 212 387 286.5 620 67 O 1.6 872 79 202 374 175.8 754 68 P 1.6 861 194 196 379 243.0 690 69 Q 1.6 869 169 189 395 176.9 769 70 R 1.6 872 104 204 373 158.4 699 Cooling rate 1 from Working Equivalent tempering start temp. plastic Working Tempering Holding temp. T3 Type of T4 strain operations temp. T5 time t5 to 80 C. product No. ( C.) (%) (times) ( C.) (sec) ( C./sec) (*) Remarks 36 43 0.53 1 90 299.3 41 CR COMP. EX. 37 46 0.36 1 391 197.3 44 CR INV. EX. 38 45 0.31 1 393 106.3 48 CR INV. EX. 39 44 0.46 1 202 4.7 47 CR INV. EX. 40 27 0.37 1 222 2.2 33 CR INV. EX. 41 43 0.36 1 164 1.2 35 CR INV. EX. 42 40 0.57 1 298 0.8 39 CR COMP. EX. 43 38 0.51 1 204 988.0 39 CR INV. EX. 44 30 0.59 1 267 992.1 39 CR INV. EX. 45 42 0.47 1 266 200.5 5 CR INV. EX. 46 49 0.30 4 285 219.7 40 CR INV. EX. 47 34 0.57 1 287 244.9 98 CR INV. EX. 48 47 0.52 1 290 295.6 125 CR COMP. EX. 49 46 0.31 1 185 271.0 34 CR INV. EX. 50 43 0.43 1 168 199.0 45 CR INV. EX. 51 47 0.53 1 229 170.0 38 CR INV. EX. 52 31 0.13 1 197 169.9 31 CR INV. EX. 53 45 0.33 1 105 174.4 41 CR INV. EX. 54 48 0.39 1 381 210.5 28 CR INV. EX. 55 34 0.33 4 157 147.6 43 CR INV. EX. 56 44 0.46 4 264 140.9 28 CR INV. EX. 57 44 0.52 4 235 144.1 26 CR INV. EX. 58 36 0.35 1 234 224.9 26 CR INV. EX. 59 31 0.30 1 176 294.4 30 GA COMP. EX. 60 30 0.32 1 199 298.2 27 GA INV. EX. 61 41 0.49 1 209 231.9 37 GA COMP. EX. 62 48 0.39 1 258 232.8 48 GA INV. EX. 63 31 0.55 1 175 227.1 31 GA COMP. EX. 64 44 0.35 1 173 120.6 48 CR INV. EX. 65 40 0.59 1 246 102.6 26 CR COMP. EX. 66 33 0.43 1 208 201.8 32 GA INV. EX. 67 31 0.30 1 298 148.0 32 GA COMP. EX. 68 26 0.39 1 276 114.1 36 GI INV. EX. 69 45 0.42 1 244 148.4 30 GA COMP. EX. 70 42 0.55 1 228 295.2 34 GA INV. EX. Underlines indicate being outside of the range of the present invention. (*) CR: Cold rolled steel sheet (without coating), GI: Hot-dip galvanized steel sheet (without alloying treatment), GA: Galvannealed steel sheet

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 2-3 Elapsed time t4 from when the Finish Holding time t3 temp. reached Sheet Annealing Holding cooling Reheating at reheating 100 C. until thickness temp. T1 time t1 temp. T2 temp. T3 temp. T3 start of working No. Steels (mm) ( C.) (sec) ( C.) ( C.) (sec) (sec) 71 S 1.6 868 170 188 391 183.8 725 72 T 1.6 879 102 189 361 136.0 676 73 U 1.6 866 140 189 380 295.9 686 74 V 1.6 877 184 184 372 268.7 798 75 W 1.4 873 199 214 383 203.8 601 76 X 1.4 871 52 188 390 249.0 649 77 Y The slab fractured during casting and the test was discontinued. 78 Z 1.4 873 126 200 360 273.8 678 79 AA 1.4 865 130 202 375 254.7 692 80 AB 1.4 864 170 180 370 172.0 779 81 AC 1.4 877 89 196 395 117.5 672 82 AD The slab fractured during casting and the test was discontinued. 83 AE 1.4 866 143 184 382 262.5 613 84 AF 1.4 874 117 186 356 109.6 745 85 AG The slab fractured during casting and the test was discontinued. 86 AH 1.4 879 146 215 365 104.8 751 87 AI 1.4 863 189 186 369 144.3 792 88 AJ The slab fractured during casting and the test was discontinued. 89 AK 1.4 878 64 216 363 144.3 684 90 AL 1.4 875 184 199 353 291.0 745 91 AM The slab fractured during casting and the test was discontinued. 92 AN 1.4 864 131 205 397 250.7 752 93 AO 1.4 873 197 196 392 160.8 701 94 AP 1.4 865 197 184 359 208.4 628 95 AQ 1.4 862 171 187 359 147.2 673 96 AR 1.4 871 194 183 361 191.9 632 97 AS 1.4 865 193 189 355 233.7 663 98 AT 1.4 880 168 208 382 272.0 643 99 AU 1.4 860 75 192 375 124.1 648 100 AV 1.4 878 98 216 352 247.0 639 101 AW 1.4 872 85 185 377 270.4 667 102 AX 1.4 869 179 190 397 284.4 628 103 AY 0.8 861 91 197 369 191.9 682 104 AZ 2.0 864 151 202 367 287.5 674 Cooling rate 1 from Working Equivalent tempering start temp. plastic Working Tempering Holding temp. T3 Type of T4 strain operations temp. T5 time t5 to 80 C. product No. ( C.) (%) (times) ( C.) (sec) ( C./sec) (*) Remarks 71 43 0.55 1 206 181.2 37 GA COMP. EX. 72 50 0.47 1 261 193.0 47 GA INV. EX. 73 48 0.49 1 165 179.4 29 GI COMP. EX. 74 27 0.41 3 154 221.0 39 GA INV. EX. 75 41 0.41 1 241 165.1 33 GA COMP. EX. 76 44 0.56 1 163 195.7 31 GA INV. EX. 77 The slab fractured during casting and the test was discontinued. COMP. EX. 78 26 0.54 1 217 163.5 30 GA INV. EX. 79 34 0.53 1 223 176.5 35 GI COMP. EX. 80 27 0.54 1 295 196.7 28 GA INV. EX. 81 31 0.31 1 258 211.0 31 GA INV. EX. 82 The slab fractured during casting and the test was discontinued. COMP. EX. 83 43 0.54 1 292 130.6 31 GA INV. EX. 84 37 0.58 1 202 268.9 37 CR INV. EX. 85 The slab fractured during casting and the test was discontinued. COMP. EX. 86 42 0.53 2 171 121.3 35 GA INV. EX. 87 31 0.30 1 170 268.2 40 GA INV. EX. 88 The slab fractured during casting and the test was discontinued. COMP. EX. 89 45 0.33 1 273 219.2 47 GA INV. EX. 90 43 0.38 1 211 141.6 26 GA INV. EX. 91 The slab fractured during casting and the test was discontinued. COMP. EX. 92 37 0.41 1 251 184.8 49 GA INV. EX. 93 25 0.44 1 230 276.8 49 CR INV. EX. 94 45 0.32 1 215 158.5 41 CR INV. EX. 95 29 0.54 1 230 181.6 43 CR INV. EX. 96 40 0.47 4 159 188.3 39 CR INV. EX. 97 26 0.57 1 155 160.8 48 CR INV. EX. 98 32 0.51 1 220 226.6 29 CR INV. EX. 99 43 0.48 4 221 270.1 41 CR INV. EX. 100 49 0.60 1 273 137.9 47 CR INV. EX. 101 49 0.43 1 178 199.2 44 CR INV. EX. 102 37 0.51 1 176 292.4 41 CR INV. EX. 103 38 0.45 1 172 274.7 28 EG INV. EX. 104 48 0.36 1 166 226.4 39 EG INV. EX. Underlines indicate being outside of the range of the present invention. (*) CR: Cold rolled steel sheet (without coating), GI: Hot-dip galvanized steel sheet (without alloying treatment), GA: Galvannealed steel sheet, EG: Electrogalvanized steel sheet

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 3-1 Sheet Tempered Retained Total of ferrite and Carbon concentration thickness martensite austenite bainitic ferrite in retained austenite KAM(S) KAM(C) KAM(S)/ No. Steels (mm) (%) (%) (%) (%) () () KAM(C) 1 A 1.4 91 9 0 0.80 0.500 0.535 0.935 2 B 1.4 92 8 0 0.80 0.500 0.539 0.928 3 B 1.4 80 10 10 0.80 0.509 0.539 0.944 4 B 1.4 79 10 12 0.60 0.515 0.538 0.957 5 B 1.4 89 11 0 1.00 0.506 0.538 0.941 6 B 1.4 91 9 0 0.60 0.514 0.541 0.951 7 B 1.4 84 7 9 0.70 0.506 0.532 0.951 8 B 1.4 77 10 13 0.80 0.510 0.539 0.945 9 B 1.4 90 10 0 0.80 0.503 0.535 0.941 10 B 1.4 91 9 0 0.70 0.514 0.538 0.956 11 B 1.4 94 6 0 1.00 0.512 0.535 0.957 12 B 1.4 98 2 0 1.10 0.514 0.536 0.960 13 B 1.4 86 14 0 0.60 0.512 0.536 0.955 14 B 1.4 83 17 0 0.60 0.502 0.539 0.931 15 B 1.4 86 14 0 1.10 0.503 0.533 0.945 16 B 1.4 85 15 0 1.00 0.512 0.534 0.958 17 B 1.4 81 9 10 0.90 0.506 0.535 0.945 18 B 1.4 79 8 13 0.60 0.509 0.533 0.955 19 B 1.4 94 6 0 0.70 0.496 0.533 0.931 20 B 1.4 96 4 0 0.50 0.502 0.534 0.939 21 B 1.4 82 10 8 0.90 0.502 0.537 0.935 22 B 1.4 79 8 14 0.60 0.510 0.534 0.955 23 B 1.4 91 9 0 0.80 0.504 0.538 0.936 24 B 1.4 93 8 0 0.60 0.516 0.540 0.956 25 B 1.4 92 8 0 0.70 0.525 0.533 0.984 26 B 1.4 93 7 0 0.70 0.543 0.541 1.004 27 B 1.4 92 8 0 0.90 0.503 0.538 0.935 28 B 1.4 93 7 0 0.60 0.513 0.536 0.957 29 B 1.4 93 7 0 0.70 0.529 0.537 0.987 30 B 1.4 91 9 0 0.70 0.541 0.536 1.010 31 B 1.4 90 11 0 0.50 0.533 0.541 0.987 32 B 1.4 93 7 0 0.30 0.533 0.533 1.000 33 B 1.4 94 6 0 1.00 0.502 0.534 0.940 34 B 1.4 98 2 0 1.20 0.495 0.534 0.927 35 B 1.4 91 9 0 0.80 0.507 0.537 0.945 Range of appropriate Range of appropriate Hv(Q) TS EI clearances for hole clearances not leading to No. Hv(Q) Hv(S) Hv(S) (MPa) (%) expanding deformation delayed fracture Remarks 1 526 511 15 1600 10 INV. EX. 2 511 494 17 1546 10 INV. EX. 3 458 446 12 1395 13 INV. EX. 4 429 413 16 1294 14 X COMP. EX. 5 519 502 17 1571 12 INV. EX. 6 521 509 12 1593 10 INV. EX. 7 452 440 12 1378 11 INV. EX. 8 423 410 13 1284 14 X COMP. EX. 9 514 495 19 1550 11 INV. EX. 10 517 501 16 1569 11 INV. EX. 11 516 502 14 1571 9 INV. EX. 12 509 486 23 1522 6 COMP. EX. 13 519 504 15 1578 14 INV. EX. 14 520 504 16 1576 16 X COMP. EX. 15 518 503 15 1575 14 INV. EX. 16 511 493 18 1543 15 INV. EX. 17 446 432 14 1353 12 INV. EX. 18 431 411 20 1285 12 X COMP. EX. 19 519 501 18 1568 9 INV. EX. 20 514 495 19 1549 7 COMP. EX. 21 458 438 20 1370 13 INV. EX. 22 430 413 17 1294 12 X COMP. EX. 23 513 495 18 1549 11 INV. EX. 24 517 504 13 1576 10 INV. EX. 25 501 492 9 1541 10 INV. EX. 26 496 494 2 1546 9 X X COMP. EX. 27 512 490 22 1535 10 INV. EX. 28 517 503 14 1574 9 INV. EX. 29 502 492 10 1541 9 INV. EX. 30 496 490 6 1534 11 X X COMP. EX. 31 516 507 9 1588 12 INV. EX. 32 502 497 5 1556 9 X X COMP. EX. 33 522 510 12 1595 8 INV. EX. 34 518 500 18 1564 6 COMP. EX. 35 556 547 9 1711 10 INV. EX. Underlines indicate being outside of the range of the present invention.

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 3-2 Sheet Tempered Retained Total of ferrite and Carbon concentration thickness martensite austenite bainitic ferrite in retained austenite KAM(S) KAM(C) KAM(S)/ No. Steels (mm) (%) (%) (%) (%) () () KAM(C) 36 B 1.4 93 7 0 0.70 0.503 0.535 0.941 37 B 0.8 92 8 0 0.60 0.514 0.535 0.960 38 B 2.0 92 8 0 0.60 0.510 0.533 0.957 39 B 1.4 90 10 0 0.80 0.506 0.533 0.949 40 B 1.4 91 9 0 0.70 0.511 0.533 0.958 41 B 1.4 93 7 0 0.60 0.512 0.534 0.958 42 B 1.4 89 11 0 1.00 0.506 0.537 0.941 43 B 1.4 90 10 0 0.90 0.495 0.533 0.928 44 B 1.4 90 10 0 1.00 0.501 0.535 0.936 45 B 1.4 91 9 0 0.80 0.503 0.533 0.943 46 B 1.4 91 10 0 0.60 0.514 0.539 0.954 47 B 1.4 91 9 0 0.90 0.508 0.540 0.941 48 B 1.4 89 11 0 0.90 0.507 0.537 0.944 49 B 1.4 94 6 0 0.50 0.520 0.540 0.963 50 B 1.4 83 9 8 0.70 0.510 0.534 0.954 51 B 1.4 89 11 0 0.90 0.525 0.536 0.984 52 B 1.4 93 7 0 0.60 0.534 0.540 0.980 53 B 1.4 91 9 0 0.60 0.518 0.536 0.966 54 B 1.4 93 7 0 0.60 0.513 0.538 0.953 55 C 1.4 87 13 0 0.80 0.514 0.541 0.951 56 D 1.4 85 15 0 1.10 0.502 0.537 0.935 57 E 1.4 93 7 0 0.70 0.510 0.538 0.948 58 F 1.2 88 12 0 0.80 0.513 0.536 0.957 59 G 1.2 89 11 0 0.70 0.513 0.532 0.964 60 H 1.2 89 11 0 0.70 0.510 0.536 0.953 61 I 1.2 92 8 0 0.80 0.511 0.539 0.948 62 J 1.2 94 6 0 0.50 0.515 0.540 0.954 63 K 1.2 97 3 0 0.30 0.502 0.537 0.936 64 L 1.2 94 6 0 1.00 0.510 0.536 0.951 65 M 1.2 93 7 0 1.10 0.503 0.537 0.938 66 N 1.2 81 10 9 0.80 0.510 0.537 0.950 67 O 1.6 76 10 14 0.60 0.518 0.537 0.964 68 P 1.6 91 9 0 0.70 0.511 0.535 0.955 69 Q 1.6 92 8 0 0.70 0.506 0.537 0.941 70 R 1.6 90 10 0 0.90 0.506 0.539 0.938 Range of appropriate Range of appropriate Hv(Q) TS EI clearances for hole clearances not leading to No. Hv(Q) Hv(S) Hv(S) (MPa) (%) expanding deformation delayed fracture Remarks 36 584 583 1 1825 9 X X COMP. EX. 37 499 472 27 1476 11 INV. EX. 38 439 413 26 1470 12 INV. EX. 39 511 502 9 1570 11 INV. EX. 40 508 498 10 1560 11 INV. EX. 41 516 508 8 1589 9 INV. EX. 42 484 486 2 1522 12 X X COMP. EX. 43 523 501 22 1569 11 INV. EX. 44 442 415 27 1482 13 INV. EX. 45 512 491 21 1538 11 INV. EX. 46 510 488 22 1529 11 INV. EX. 47 511 488 23 1528 11 INV. EX. 48 492 488 4 1526 12 X X COMP. EX. 49 518 504 14 1579 9 INV. EX. 50 449 436 13 1365 12 INV. EX. 51 506 497 9 1557 12 INV. EX. 52 512 503 9 1573 9 INV. EX. 53 526 517 9 1619 10 INV. EX. 54 466 438 28 1372 11 INV. EX. 55 526 515 11 1611 13 INV. EX. 56 520 500 20 1564 14 INV. EX. 57 517 500 17 1565 9 INV. EX. 58 451 434 17 1357 14 INV. EX. 59 425 412 13 1290 14 COMP. EX. 60 594 578 16 1810 9 INV. EX. 61 609 593 16 1856 7 COMP. EX. 62 518 499 19 1562 9 INV. EX. 63 515 500 15 1565 7 X COMP. EX. 64 516 504 12 1578 9 INV. EX. 65 524 506 18 1584 9 X COMP. EX. 66 440 425 15 1329 13 INV. EX. 67 433 414 19 1296 14 X COMP. EX. 68 533 515 18 1612 10 INV. EX. 69 539 521 18 1630 10 X COMP. EX. 70 523 504 19 1576 11 INV. EX. Underlines indicate being outside of the range of the present invention.

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 3-3 Sheet Tempered Retained Total of ferrite and Carbon concentration thickness martensite austenite bainitic ferrite in retained austenite KAM(S) KAM(C) KAM(S)/ No. Steels (mm) (%) (%) (%) (%) () () KAM(C) 71 S 1.6 91 9 0 0.80 0.502 0.537 0.936 72 T 1.6 91 9 0 0.80 0.505 0.533 0.946 73 U 1.6 92 8 0 0.80 0.499 0.533 0.936 74 V 1.6 82 8 9 0.70 0.512 0.538 0.951 75 W 1.4 77 12 11 0.80 0.502 0.532 0.943 76 X 1.4 92 8 0 0.80 0.496 0.537 0.924 77 Y The slab fractured during casting and the test was discontinued. 78 Z 1.4 90 10 0 0.90 0.506 0.537 0.944 79 AA 1.4 90 10 0 0.90 0.506 0.537 0.944 80 AB 1.4 93 7 0 0.70 0.499 0.536 0.932 81 AC 1.4 91 9 0 0.60 0.518 0.537 0.966 82 AD The slab fractured during casting and the test was discontinued. 83 AE 1.4 91 9 0 0.80 0.502 0.537 0.935 84 AF 1.4 91 9 0 0.90 0.498 0.538 0.926 85 AG The slab fractured during casting and the test was discontinued. 86 AH 1.4 89 11 0 0.90 0.499 0.533 0.936 87 AI 1.4 91 9 0 0.60 0.523 0.541 0.968 88 AJ The slab fractured during casting and the test was discontinued. 89 AK 1.4 89 11 0 0.70 0.511 0.537 0.953 90 AL 1.4 90 10 0 0.70 0.511 0.533 0.958 91 AM The slab fractured during casting and the test was discontinued. 92 AN 1.4 89 11 0 0.80 0.506 0.538 0.939 93 AO 1.4 90 10 0 0.80 0.510 0.533 0.955 94 AP 1.4 93 7 0 0.50 0.512 0.534 0.958 95 AQ 1.4 91 9 0 0.80 0.500 0.533 0.937 96 AR 1.4 92 8 0 0.70 0.514 0.541 0.950 97 AS 1.4 92 8 0 0.80 0.504 0.540 0.934 98 AT 1.4 89 11 0 0.90 0.508 0.541 0.940 99 AU 1.4 90 10 0 0.80 0.506 0.533 0.948 100 AV 1.4 89 11 0 1.00 0.494 0.535 0.924 101 AW 1.4 92 8 0 0.70 0.507 0.535 0.948 102 AX 1.4 91 9 0 0.80 0.499 0.536 0.932 103 AY 0.8 90 10 0 0.80 0.503 0.536 0.939 104 AZ 2.0 90 10 0 0.70 0.507 0.533 0.951 Range of appropriate Range of appropriate Hv(Q) TS EI clearances for hole clearances not leading to No. Hv(Q) Hv(S) Hv(S) (MPa) (%) expanding deformation delayed fracture Remarks 71 534 518 16 1620 10 X COMP. EX. 72 534 514 20 1609 10 INV. EX. 73 526 512 14 1603 10 x COMP. EX. 74 454 442 12 1384 11 INV. EX. 75 430 412 18 1290 15 X COMP. EX. 76 534 519 15 1624 10 INV. EX. 77 The slab fractured during casting and the test was discontinued. COMP. EX. 78 527 511 16 1598 11 INV. EX. 79 513 496 17 1551 11 x COMP. EX. 80 453 430 23 1345 11 INV. EX. 81 596 578 18 1809 9 INV. EX. 82 The slab fractured during casting and the test was discontinued. COMP. EX. 83 444 422 22 1322 12 INV. EX. 84 598 580 18 1815 9 INV. EX. 85 The slab fractured during casting and the test was discontinued. COMP. EX. 86 438 425 13 1329 14 INV. EX. 87 594 582 12 1822 9 INV. EX. 88 The slab fractured during casting and the test was discontinued. COMP. EX. 89 510 490 20 1533 12 INV. EX. 90 524 510 14 1596 11 INV. EX. 91 The slab fractured during casting and the test was discontinued. COMP. EX. 92 527 507 20 1588 12 INV. EX. 93 532 515 17 1611 11 INV. EX. 94 525 510 15 1596 9 INV. EX. 95 521 502 19 1572 10 INV. EX. 96 532 519 13 1626 10 INV. EX. 97 518 504 14 1579 10 INV. EX. 98 535 517 18 1619 11 INV. EX. 99 524 506 18 1584 11 INV. EX. 100 534 513 21 1605 12 INV. EX. 101 532 518 14 1622 10 INV. EX. 102 535 519 16 1624 10 INV. EX. 103 538 523 15 1638 11 INV. EX. 104 541 528 13 1652 11 INV. EX. Underlines indicate being outside of the range of the present invention.