3D-FEM Simulation of Hot Rolling Process and Characterization of the Resultant Microstructure of a Light-Weight Mn Steel

Abstract

Computational simulation has become more important in the design of thermomechanical processing since it allows the optimization of associated parameters such as temperature, stresses, strains and phase transformations. This work presents the results of the three-dimensional Finite Element Method (FEM) simulation of the hot rolling process of a medium Mn steel using DEFORM-3D software. Temperature and effective strain distribution in the surface and center of the sheet were analyzed for different rolling passes; also the change in damage factor was evaluated. According to the hot rolling simulation results, experimental hot rolling parameters were established in order to obtain the desired microstructure avoiding the presence of ferrite precipitation during the process. The microstructural characterization of the hot rolled steel was carried out using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was found that the phases present in the steel after hot rolling are austenite and α′-martensite. Additionally, to understand the mechanical behavior, tensile tests were performed and concluded that this new steel can be catalogued in the third automotive generation.