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

Abstract

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.