Experimental and numerical study of the effects of the reversal hot rolling conditions on the recrystallization behavior of austenite model alloys

The experimental and numerical study of the effects of the recrystallization behavior of austenite model alloys during hot plate rolling on reverse rolling is the main goal of the paper. The computer models that are currently applied for simulation of reverse rolling are not strain-path-sensitive, thus leading to overestimation of the processing parameters outside the accepted process window (e.g., deformation in the partial austenite recrystallization region). Therefore, in this work, a particular focus is put on the investigation of strain path effects that occur during hot rolling and their influence on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of microalloyed austenite. Both experimental and numerical techniques are employed in this study, taking advantage of the integrated computational material engineering concept. The combined isotropic–kinematic hardening model is used for the macroscale predictions to take into account softening effects due to strain reversal. The macroscale model is additionally enriched with the full-field microstructure evolution model within the cellular automata framework. Examples of obtained results, highlighting the role of the strain reversal on the microstructural response, are presented within the paper. The combination of the physical simulation of austenitic model alloys and computer modeling provided new insights into optimization of the processing routes of advanced high-strength steels (AHSS).