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Interactions between ferrite recrystallization and austenite formation in high-strength steels

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Abstract

Using both experimental and modeling approaches, we give some clarifications regarding the mechanisms of interaction between ferrite recrystallization and austenite formation in cold-rolled high-strength steels. Using different thermal paths, we show that ferrite recrystallization and austenite formation can be strongly interdependent. The nature of the interaction (weak or strong) affects significantly the austenite formation and the resulting microstructure. We show that the kinetics of austenite formation depends intrinsically on both heating rates and the extent of ferrite recrystallization. An unexpected behavior of austenite growth was also seen at high heating rates. A possible explanation is presented based on the nature of the local equilibrium at the ferrite–austenite interface. The microstructure is more heterogeneous and anisotropic when both austenite formation and ferrite recrystallization overlap. A mechanism of microstructural formation is proposed, and this is supported by 2D simulations’ images.

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Notes

  1. The reference frame used in this work is RD: rolling direction, TD: transverse direction, and ND: direction normal to the plane of the sheet.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Arcelormittal Maizières Research SA, Voie Romaine, BP 30302, 57283, Maizières les Metz, France

    A. Chbihi & D. Barbier

  2. Laboratoire d’Étude des Microstructures et de Mécanique des Matériaux (LEM3), UMR CNRS 7239, Université de Lorraine, Île du Saulcy, 57045, METZ Cedex 1, France

    A. Chbihi, L. Germain & A. Hazotte

  3. ICMCB Bordeaux – UPR CNRS 9048I, 87 Avenue du Docteur Schweitzer, 33608, Pessac, France

    M. Gouné

  4. Laboratory of Excellence on Design of Alloy Metals for low-mAss Structures (‘LabEx DAMAS’), Université de Lorraine, METZ Cedex 1, France

    L. Germain & A. Hazotte

Authors
  1. A. Chbihi
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  2. D. Barbier
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  3. L. Germain
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  4. A. Hazotte
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  5. M. Gouné
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Correspondence to M. Gouné.

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Chbihi, A., Barbier, D., Germain, L. et al. Interactions between ferrite recrystallization and austenite formation in high-strength steels. J Mater Sci 49, 3608–3621 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-014-8029-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-014-8029-2

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