Modelling primary recrystallization and grain growth in the AISI 316 stainless steel

A mathematical model, able to describe the recrystallisation of stainless steel has been developed. This model concerns the evolution of deformation cells (subgrains) in grains, by applying the concepts of the grain growth statistical model. It assumes that the recrystaffisation nuclei are present in the deformed matrix of the metals as areas relatively free of dislocations, and they are statistically represented by their size distribution. Taking into account the classical equations of the Taylor's theory, relating the dislocation density to the steel deformation, the model assumes only two free parameters (the dislocation density and the initial number of nuclei). Results from the model are here discussed in comparison with measurements performed on an AISI 316 stainless steel. The predictions of the model are in good agreement with experimental results. As cross check of the model predictions the independent fitting parameter "dislocation density" was found to properly correlate to the mechanical properties of the steel and to X-ray diffraction measurements.