Abstract Based on the K-S model of the martensitic transformation, the stress field inside and outside the martensitic plate is obtained, the plastic strain and the true stress within the martensitic plate are determined and the formation of the martensitic substructure is discussed, therefore, the relationship between the yield shear strength, τ_s, and the substructure parameter, n/N, of martensitic plate may be deduced as: τ_s=G/A′[1/2(ε_(11)~*-ε_(22)~*)+(2+β_0~2)~(1/2)(cos43.5°/U+cos34.5°sin9°/V)] According to the stress and stress intensity factor resulted, the transformation cracking by quenching is quite possible.
