Numerical investigation of influence of the Martensite Volume Fraction on DP steels fracture behavior on the basis of digital material representation model

Development of the methodology for creating reliable digital material representation (DMR) models of dual-phase steels and investigation of influence of the martensite volume fraction on fracture behavior under tensile load are the main goals of the paper. First, an approach based on image processing algorithms for creating a DMR is described. Then, obtained digital microstructures are used as input for the numerical model of deformation, which takes into account mechanisms of ductile fracture. Ferrite and martensite material model parameters are evaluated on the basis of micropillar compression tests. Finally, the model is used to investigate the impact of the martensite volume fraction on the DP steel behavior under plastic deformation. Results of calculations are presented and discussed in the paper

Model of Residual Stresses in Hot-rolled Sheets with Taking into Account Relaxation Process and Phase Transformation

AbstractThe problem of calculations the residual stresses in hot-rolled sheets is considered in the paper. Residual stresses become of practical importance when the laser cutting of sheets is applied. The main factors influencing the residual stresses are the non uniform distribution of elastic-plastic deformations in the volume and unloading of the sheet material during cooling, phase transformation occurring during cooling and relaxation of the stresses. The goal of this paper is development of a model of residual stresses in hot-rolled sheets based on the elastic-plastic material model, taking into account the above factors. In this work the individual models for cooling of hot rolled sheets in the laminar cooling line and in the coil were developed. Elastic-plastic properties of the material were determined experimentally using tests on GLEEBLE 3800. Model of the thermal deformation during cooling was obtained on the basis of the dilatometric test. Thermal model was based on the solution for two dimensional cross-section of the sheet and the roll longitudinal section. Experimental verification of the thermal model was performed in industrial conditions

Mean field and full field modelling of microstructure evolution and phase transformations during hot forming and cooling of low carbon steels

The paper describes a critical comparison of mean field and full field approaches to modelling hot deformation/controlled cooling sequences for steels. Classification of the models, based on the balance between predictive capabilities and computing costs, is presented. Mean field models, which describe microstructure evolution and phase transformations were connected with thermomechanical finite element program and applied to simulation of the hot strip rolling process and cooling of tubes after hot rolling. Full field model described in the paper is a connection of the finite element (FE) and level set (LSM) methods. These methods were used to simulate heating/cooling sequence in the continuous annealing line. A suggestion to use a stochastic model as a bridge between mean field and full field approaches is made

Accounting for the random character of nucleation in the modelling of phase transformations in steels

In our earlier work, a stochastic model of multi-stage deformation at elevated temperatures was developed. The model was applied to calculate histograms of dislocation density and grain size at the onset of phase transformation. The histograms were used as input data for the simulation of phase transitions using the traditional deterministic model. Following this approach, microstructural inhomogeneity was predicted for different cooling conditions. The results obtained, showing the effect of dislocation density and inhomogeneity of austenite grain size on the microstructural inhomogeneity of the final product, can be considered reliable as they are based on material models determined in previous publications and validated experimentally. The aim of the present work was to extend the model by taking into account the stochastic nature of nucleation during phase transitions. The analysis of existing stochastic models of nucleation was performed, and a model for ferritic transformation in steels was proposed. Simulations for constant cooling rates as well as for industrial cooling processes of steel rods were performed. In the latter case, uncertainties in defining the boundary conditions and segregation of elements were also considered. The reduction of the computing costs is an important advantage of the model, which is much faster when compared to full field models with explicit microstructure representation

Controlling the Thermal Stability of a Bainitic Structure by Alloy Design and Isothermal Heat Treatment

The aim of this work was to develop a novel bainitic steel that will be specifically dedicated to achieving a high degree of refinement (nano- or submicron scale) along with increased thermal stability of the structure at elevated temperatures. The material was characterized by improved in-use properties, expressed as the thermal stability of the structure, compared to nanocrystalline bainitic steels with a limited fraction of carbide precipitations. Assumed criteria for the expected low martensite start temperature, bainitic hardenability level, and thermal stability are specified. The steel design process and complete characteristics of the novel steel including continuous cooling transformation and time–temperature–transformation diagrams based on dilatometry are presented. Moreover, the influence of bainite transformation temperature on the degree of structure refinement and dimensions of austenite blocks was also determined. It was assessed whether, in medium-carbon steels, it is possible to achieve a nanoscale bainitic structure. Finally, the effectiveness of the applied strategy for enhancing thermal stability at elevated temperatures was analyzed