The computer modelling of microstructure evolution and final properties for C-Mn-Nb steels

The paper deals with the modelling of heat transfer, metal flow and microstructure evolution during hot rolling of steel plates. Finite-element code ELroll is used for the simulation. The code is based on the rigid-plastic flow formulation coupled with the finite-element solution of the convective diffusion equation of heat transport. Microstructural phenomena are simulated using semi-empirical closed-form equations which describe the processes of recrystallization, precipitation and grain growth. The program is applied to the modelling and design of the multi-pass reverse rolling of hot steel plates in the two-stand mill in the The Steel Plant Czestochowa in Poland. Abilities of the finite-element code ELroll, which include prediction of the no-recrystallization conditions for the niobium microalloyed steels, are presented in the paper.