Numerical Simulation and Process Optimization of Directional Solidification of Nb Containing High Silicon Steel

Abstract

Fe-6.5%Si alloy is an excellent soft magnetic material. However, the industrial production of this sheet was difficult, due to its room temperature brittleness. In order to improve its deformation performance, the directional solidification and inhibitor of Nb were investigated in this study. Rod samples of Φ6.8 mm×100 mm were used both for modeling and experiments. ProCAST-finite element analysis was employed for the modeling with a temperature gradient of 1150K/cm (from 1450°C to 300°C) for directional solidification and the drawing velocities of 10, 35, 60, and 100μm/s. Calculations were carried out on the concerning temperature gradient, solidification rate and grain growth. The results showed that small amount of Nb, with optimized drawing velocity of 60μm/s was helpful for the homogeneity of grain size, which could improve the ductility for subsequent deformation processes.