Analytical and experimental investigations into microstructure evolution in hot bar stretching

Abstract

Transition in austenite grain size distribution after hot forging, which is closely related to recrystallization, is investigated. Rapid change in grain size distribution just after hot bar stretching is experimentally obtained by hot compression test with controlled rapid quenching, and experimental results are examined by microstructure analysis using incremental approach with three-dimensional finite element analysis for plastic deformation. Through investigation, it has become clear that transient change in microstructure is very rapid with higher amount of plastic deformation. Microstructure analysis using incremental approach with three-dimensional finite element analysis for plastic deformation is helpful to evaluate rapid change in cross-sectional grain size distribution after hot bar stretching.