Numerical simulation on recrystallization behavior and microstructure evolution during hot continuous rolling process of 38CrMoAl steel rod

The control of microstructure during hot rolling process of steel is of great importance and will affect the properties of the steel products. According to the production line, a three-dimensional multi-field coupled finite element model of 24-pass continuous hot rolling process of 38CrMoAl steel rod is established using the finite element software MSC.Marc. Based on the recrystallization kinetics model and the grain growth model, a subroutine written in Fortran is introduced to calculate the recrystallization behavior and microstructure evolution of 38CrMoAl steel during the entire rolling process. The distribution and evolution of variables such as strain, temperature and recrystallization fractions during the rolling process are analyzed. The temperature variations and grain sizes at both the center and surface of the tested steel are compared with the experimental results. And it is found that the simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental ones, confirming the reliability of the established model.