Austenite Grain Refinement in Direct Charging Based Thermomechanical Processes

Abstract

Thermomechanical processes based on direct charging routes combined with near net shape technologies have become one of the main industrial production routes. The singularity of the coarse as cast initial austenite grain size, combined with the limited total applied strain during hot working, requires a tailored design of the composition and deformation schedules in order to achieve the required mechanical properties. This becomes more and more complex as higher steel grades combined with thicker sections are incorporated into production. This paper reviews the role played by the interaction of dynamic-metadynamic-static recrystallisation and strain induced precipitation on achieving the finest and most homogeneous austenite microstructures as possible, prior to transformation in the case of Nb, Nb-Mo and Ti microalloyed steels. Special emphasis will be put on the relevance of the kinetics of combined postdynamic softening mechanisms before a complete stop of recrystallisation due to precipitation occurs.