Abstract Materials Science and Technology Conference 2003

Microstructure Prediction in Thermo-mechanical Processing by Multi-scale Simulation

Yu, Q. & Esche, S. K. Modeling, Control and Optimization in Ferrous and Nonferrous Industry, Proceedings of the Materials Science and Technology Conference 2003, Chicago, Illinois, USA, November 9 - 12, 2003, pp. 545-560.

Abstract

This paper reports on a research project supported by NSF, which aims at developing a multi-scale methodology for systematic microstructure prediction in thermo-mechanical processing. This methodology is based on combining mesoscopic microstructure models with macroscopic process formulations and involves the following three main steps: (1) based on the given global processing conditions, the gross deformation pattern of the entire workpiece is modeled using a continuum-based algorithm (such as FEM), (2) the resulting parameters are then extracted from the continuum-based simulation, post-processed and passed on to the mesoscopic numerical module, and (3) the microstructural changes are finally modeled (for selected zones or the entire domain of the workpiece) at the mesoscopic scale. This approach is expected to overcome the disadvantages of current microstructure prediction practice employing empirical relationships between microstructural features and processing parameters. It would ultimately provide universal and accurate prediction capabilities.