Double twist torsion testing to determine the non recrystallization temperature

A double-twist torsion testing technique has been developed using a 316 stainless steel as an exemplar material to experimentally assess recrystallization behavior and determine the non-recrystallization temperature (Tnr). This new method was compared to the traditional methods of double-hit compression and multi-step hot torsion testing. The double-twist torsion test allows Tnr to be related to the extent of austenite recrystallization through measurements of fractional softening while accommodating multiple deformation and recrystallization steps with a single specimen. The double-twist torsion test resulted in average Tnr values similar to those determined with multi-step hot torsion, and a partially recrystallized microstructure was observed in the vicinity of the calculated Tnr for all three methods. The ability of the double-twist torsion test to relate the experimental Tnr to the evolution of austenite recrystallization via fractional softening measurements while incorporating effects of multiple deformation steps offers an advantage over traditional methods for quantifying changes in austenite recrystallization during thermomechanical processing.

Effect of High Ti Contents on Austenite Microstructural Evolution During Hot Deformation in Low Carbon Nb Microalloyed Steels

This work has focused on the study of hot working behavior of Ti-Nb microalloyed steels with high Ti contents (> 0.05%). The role of Nb during the hot deformation of low carbon steels is well known: it mainly retards austenite recrystallization, leading to pancaked austenite microstructures before phase transformation and to refined room temperature microstructures. However, to design rolling schedules that result in properly conditioned austenite microstructures, it is necessary to develop models that take into account the effect of high Ti concentrations on the microstructural evolution of austenite. To that end, in this work torsion tests were performed to investigate the microstructural evolution during hot deformation of steels microalloyed with 0.03% Nb and different high Ti concentrations (0.05%, 0.1%, 0.15%). It was observed that the 0.1% and 0.15% Ti additions resulted in retarded softening kinetics at all the temperatures. This retardation can be mainly attributed to the solute drag effect exerted by Ti in solid solution. The precipitation state of the steels after reheating and after deformation was characterized and the applicability of existing microstructural evolution models was also evaluated. Determined recrystallization kinetics and recrystallized grain sizes reasonably agree with those predicted by equations previously developed for Nb-Ti microalloyed steels with lower Ti concentrations (<0.05%).