Papers by Keyword: Solute Drag

Abstract: A new efficient numerical solver inspired by front-tracking concepts is implemented within the DIGIMU® framework to accelerate full-field simulations of microstructural evolution. The solver is applied to AISI 304L stainless steel and compared with the conventional level-set formulation under laboratory hot-torsion tests and industrial multi-pass hot rolling conditions. After a limited recalibration of grain boundary mobility and solute drag parameters, both solvers provide comparable predictions of recrystallization kinetics, grain size evolution and final microstructures. The new solver achieves a reduction in computational cost close to two orders of magnitude, while preserving the predictive capabilities of DIGIMU®, thereby enabling more efficient industrial-scale simulations. Simulated predictions will be compared to Ugitech experimental work on lab torsion tests and industrial extrusion processes.

Abstract: Recrystallization is a major means for controlling the grain size of steel during hot deformation. Usually, small grain sizes deliver superior mechanical properties. To aid the grain size controlling effect of recrystallization, small precipitates of carbo-nitride particles can be utilized to hinder the movement of grain boundaries. Interestingly, these particles are not only effective during grain growth, but also during recrystallization. In the present work, a recently developed state-parameter based model is introduced that is capable of describing both, the individual processes of static recrystallization, dynamic and static recovery and precipitation as well as the mutual interaction of these mechanisms in the course of elevated temperature processing. The evolution of state parameters within the model is discussed and the simulation results are compared to experimental information. Within our approach, a vast amount of experimental data for microalloyed steel is reproduced on basis of a single set of input parameters

Abstract: Due to limited deformability at room temperature, high temperature forming of magnesium alloys appears as an interesting alternative. Superplastic properties can be obtained in the case of fine grained magnesium alloys and in this regime, due to significant damage sensitivity, fracture strain is mainly controlled by nucleation, growth and coalescence of cavities. Magnesium alloys with large grained alloys can also exhibit interesting deformabilities at high temperature since dislocation movements can be controlled by a solute drag effect promoting plastic stability. Examples of such situations are presented in the case of wrought magnesium alloys, the associated damage mechanisms being investigated thanks to 3D X-ray micro tomography performed in continuous mode, namely directly during high temperature deformation tests.

Abstract: In this study, the high-temperature ductility of a fine-grained, polycrystalline 5083 solid solution alloy was investigated. The composition of the alloy in mass% was Al–4.5 Mg–0.68 Mn–0.19 Fe–0.13 Si–0.11 Cr. Grain refinement was effectively achieved in the stir zone by a friction stir process, and the grain size could be reduced to 3.7 μm. Tensile tests were performed at temperatures ranging from 643 to 743 K and strain rates ranging from 0.001 to 0.1 /s. The stress–strain curves showed that the flow stress continuously decreased until it reached a maximum value of stress and fractured after the initial strain hardening occurred. The value of elongation-to-failure was more than 100% when temperatures were greater than 693 K. The high ductility observed at this point can be referred to as superplastic-like elongation. This phenomenon has been reported in some Al–Mg alloys. The experimentally determined stress exponent (n value) and activation energy for deformation were about 2.5 and 123 kJ/mol, respectively. These results suggest that the grain boundary sliding, accompanied by solute drag motion of dislocations, was a rate controlling process for deformation.

Abstract: The effect of solute niobium in retarding coarsening kinetics of austenite in upstream thermo mechanical processing of high niobium (0.1wt%Nb) low interstitial steel is analyzed. Solute drag effect of niobium in retarding boundary mobility in static recrystallization is examined in thermo-mechanical rolling of high Nb microalloyed steel. The importance of austenite grain refinement prior to pancaking in compact strip rolling of high Nb microallyed steel as a means to increase surface area to volume ratio of pancaked austenite grain is emphasized. This is to promote adequate nucleation sites for phase transformation even under conditions low total rolling reduction below temperature of no recrystallization.

Abstract: Solute drag theory is critically revisited and an alternative approach is presented to account for the effect of solute elements on grain boundary migration during annealing. A fundamental new concept is introduced in the model that, in the linear range of irreversible thermodynamics, solute atoms segregated in a grain boundary will not lag behind when the boundary migrates. While lagging behind is the very essential assumption for the solute drag theory. Instead of blaming the lagging behind, the mobility drop due to solute addition is attributed to the decrease in boundary energy as a result of boundary segregation. According to this model, grain boundary mobility is dependent on solute concentration rather than migration rate. The predictions of the model are compared with experimental results, with a good agreement.

Abstract: Grain growth processes in real polycrystalline materials are mostly characterized by the presence of restraining forces, originating, among others, from second phase particles dispersion (Zener drag) or solute atoms segregating at the grain boundaries (solute drag). Both the restraining mechanisms were introduced in the framework of the statistical theory of grain growth, showing their peculiar effects on kinetics and on grain size distribution evolution [1,2,. The present work moves from the previous results and gives a further clarification of pseudo-steady state kinetics occurring under particular solute drag inhibition intensity and will discuss it in comparison with grain growth stagnation conditions produced by Zener drag. In case of second phase particle inhibiting grain growth, the normal case in real systems is the time and temperature dependence of the inhibition intensity due to the evolution of precipitates (e.g. Ostwald ripening. Such evolutions of inhibition, which typically drops with increasing temperature, can cause microstructure instabilities like abnormal grain growth or secondary recrystallization. It is thus introduced in the model a time-temperature depending inhibition drop, which influences both kinetics and grain size distribution evolution. Conditions for the onset of particular effects like abnormal grain growth are assessed and discussed.

Abstract: We revisit grain growth and the puzzle of its stagnation in thin metallic films. We bring together a large body of experimental data that includes the size of more than 30,000 grains obtained from 23 thin film samples of Al and Cu with thicknesses in the range of 25 to 158 nm. In addition to grain size, a broad range of other metrics such as the number of sides and the average side class of nearest neighbors is used to compare the experimental results with the results of two dimensional simulations of grain growth with isotropic boundary energy. In order to identify the underlying cause of the differences between these simulations and experiments, five factors are examined. These are (i) surface energy and elastic strain energy reduction, (ii) anisotropy of grain boundary energy, and retarding and pinning forces such as (iii) solute drag, (iv) grain boundary grooving and (v) triple junction drag. No single factor provides an explanation for the observed experimental behavior.

Abstract: The relevance of the solute drag phenomenon to the hot rolling of modern steel grades is outlined. An overview of our present knowledge of solute drag in grain growth and recrystallisation in austenite is presented and recommendations for subsequent research are given.

Abstract: Based on the solute drag model, a practical model incorporating the segregation effect is proposed to calculate grain growth rates in carbon steels. The segregation effect is modeled using two factors: the difference in atomic diameter between a solvent and a substitutional element, and the solubility of a substitutional element. By including the segregation energy, the proposed model enables the simulated retardation of grain growth by the addition of microalloying elements. The calculated grain growth rate by the proposed model shows reasonable correspondence between grain growth rates for experimental and calculated results. The temperature dependence of the grain growth rate is also well simulated.