Computational simulation of thermo-mechanical field and fluid flow and their effect on the solidification process in TWIP steel welds

The primary austenitic solidification mode of Twinning Induced Plasticity (TWIP) steel weld joints is one of the most important issues limiting its weldability. In order to gain knowledge on this topic, a comprehensive study was carried out through numerical simulation of diffusive-convective phenomena of fluid flow and heat transfer of the melted material in the weld pool of TWIP steel weld joints. Weldments were performed using different heat inputs and constraint conditions. The predictions of convective motion, thermal history and cooling rates estimated by finite element (FE) and finite volume (FV) simulations were correlated with chemical species segregation (Mn, C, Al and Si) and the solidification mode in the fusion zone. The microstructural characterization of weld joints and the numerical results provided a full analysis of the weld pool solidification process. Results revealed a relationship between both the dendrite size and Mn segregation with the estimated velocity field of liquid material in the melted zone. Moreover, the presence of delta-ferrite was experimentally detected in some weld joints and associated with the convective movement of melted material and chemical segregation. The cellular dendritic growth mode found in some weld joints contributed to the formation of delta-ferrite and promoted the transition of the solidification mode from austenitic to ferritic-austenitic. As well delta-ferrite allowed to mitigate hot-cracking and interrupted the Mn-enriched liquid film migration towards the heat-affected zone, avoiding the formation of liquation cracks. The presence of delta-ferrite phase maintained a high mechanical strength providing improved elongation regarding the welded material mechanical properties.