Inclusions in steel: micro–macro modelling approach to analyse the effects of inclusions on the properties of steel

• Published in: International journal of advanced manufacturing technology Vol. 77; no. 1-4; pp. 565 - 572
• Main Authors: Gupta, Akash, Goyal, Sharad, Padmanabhan, K. A., Singh, A. K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Springer London 01.03.2015; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: CAE) and Design; Computer simulation; Computer-Aided Engineering (CAD; Constitutive equations; Constitutive relationships; Engineering; Evolution; Finite element method; Forming; Hot rolling; Inclusions; Industrial and Production Engineering; Mathematical models; Mechanical Engineering; Mechanical properties; Media Management; Metal sheets; Modelling; Original Article; Parameter identification; Process parameters; Solidification; Two dimensional models; Workability; Constitutive equation; Mathematical modelling; Inclusion; Steel; Micro–macro modelling
• DOI: 10.1007/s00170-014-6464-5
• ISSN: 0268-3768

The performance requirements of steel sheets are becoming increasingly stringent. Inclusions present as non-metallic phases affect the mechanical properties and workability in the down-stream processes of the sheet production adversely. By knowing how the inclusions affect the properties, suitable process parameters can be identified to avoid the defects formation during the forming operations. A very small size of the inclusions necessitates their behavioural study at the micro-scale. This requires a micro–macro modelling approach to identify the effects of the inclusions on forming operations such as hot rolling. In this work, a comprehensive micro–macro model is presented to quantify the effects of the inclusions and their characteristics on the properties of steel during solidification and forming. A micro-model developed using 2-D Finite Element Method is used to study void formation and its evolution at the inclusion/matrix interface (interfacial damage) and stress evolution in and around the inclusions. The model is then employed to study the effects of inclusion properties (hard/soft), its size and shape on the properties of the steel matrix. The constitutive equation for the macro-scale simulation of hot rolling is updated based on the findings of the micro-model. The modified constitutive equation at the macro-scale will allow the choice of a suitable process-parameters regime that will avoid failure during hot rolling and also lead to improved final properties in steel containing inclusions.