Artificial neural network prediction of mechanical properties of hot rolled low carbon steel strip

Conventionally,direct tensile tests are employed to measure mechanical properties of industrially produced products. In mass production,the cost of sampling and labor is high,which leads to an increase of total production cost and a decrease of production efficiency. The main purpose of this paper is to develop an intelligent program based on artificial neural network(ANN) to predict the mechanical properties of a commercial grade hot rolled low carbon steel strip,SPHC. A neural network model was developed by using 7×5×1 back-propagation(BP)neural network structure to determine the multiple relationships among chemical composition,product process and mechanical properties. Industrial on-line application of the model indicated that prediction results were in good agreement with measured values. It showed that 99.2 % of the products' tensile strength was accurately predicted within an error margin of ±10 %,compared to measured values. Based on the model,the effects of chemical composition and hot rolling process on mechanical properties were derived and the relative importance of each input parameter was evaluated by sensitivity analysis. All the results demonstrate that the developed ANN models are capable of accurate predictions under real-time industrial conditions. The developed model can be used to substitute mechanical property measurement and therefore reduce cost of production. It can also be used to control and optimize mechanical properties of the investigated steel.

Effect of Hot Processing Technology on Mechanical Properties and Structure of Interface of Ti/Steel Composite Sheet

研究了热加工工艺对钛-钢复合板界面力学性能和显微组织的影响。测试了在A，B，C，D4种温度下热轧复合板界面的力学性能，用金相显微镜及扫描电镜观察了界面显微组织并分析了界面的成分。结果表明，在A，B2种温度下轧制的钛-钢复合板界面机械性能良好，延伸率高，其剪切强度不但可保持坯料原有的水平，甚至还略有增加。在C，D2种温度下轧制的钛-钢复合板界面机械性能相对较低，延伸率较高，但剪切强度要比爆炸复合坯料低，尤其是D加热温度，轧制后界面剪切强度急剧下降。热轧的终轧温度也是影响钛-钢复合板界面结合性能的重要因素。在低于相转变温度的合适温区热轧，且终轧温度合适，获得的钛-钢复合板结合界面无爆炸波纹，没有污染，生产的脆性化合物极细小，组织类同于钛材完全退火的等轴组织。

Effect of Direct Quenching and Partitioning Treatment on Mechanical Properties of a Hot Rolled Strip Steel

Three different online heat treatment processes were designed to study the effects on the mechanical properties of a 0.19C-1.6Si-1.6Mn（wt%） hot rolled strip steel.The microstructures were characterized by means of SEM,TEM,EPMA,and XRD.The mechanical properties were estimated by tensile tests.Results showed that a satisfying combination of strength and ductility could be obtained through the ferrite relaxation and direct quenching and partitioning process.Analysis was also focused on this process.The microstructure contained proeutectoid ferrite grains,martensite packets and blocky or interlath retained austenite,and also contained carbide-free bainite in the case of relatively high quench temperatures.The retained austenite fraction was increased through proeutectoid ferrite and partial bainite transformation,while the tensile strength was also consequently decreased.The most of retained austenite transformed to ferrite under deformation and the elongation was obviously improved.

Influence of Hot Deformation and Subsequent Austempering on the Mechanical Properties of Hot Rolled Multiphase Steel

Influence of hot deformation and subsequent austempering on the mechanical properties of hot rolled multiphase steel was investigated. Thermo-mechanical control processing （TMCP） was conducted by using a laboratory hot rolling mill, where three different kinds of finishing rolling reduction, and austemperings with various isothermal holding duration were applied. The results have shown that a multiphase microstructure consisting of polygonal ferrite, granular bainite and larger amount of stabilized retained austenite can be obtained by controlled rolling processes. Mechanical properties increase with increasing the amount of deformation because of the stabilization of retained austenite. Ultimate tensile strength （σb）, total elongation （σ） and the product of ultimate tensile strength and total elongation （σb-σ） reach the maximum values （791 MPa, 36% and 28476 MPa%, respectively） at optimal processes.

Repair Effect of Hot Work Tool Steel by Laser-Melting Process

Both wear and crack due to heat checking in hot work tool steel are major failure modes. It is desirable to find amethod to lengthen the tool life while reducing manufacturing cost. This paper suggests a method to improve toollife for hot work tool steel (SKD6) with crack by laser-melting process. The method has been evaluated using theimpact and fatigue test results. It is demonstrated that a repair of the crack by a laser-melting process is effectivefor life extension of the damaged tool.

Effect of hot-dip galvanizing processes on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 600-MPa hot-dip galvanized dual-phase steel

A C–Mn dual-phase steel was soaked at 800°C for 90 s and then either rapidly cooled to 450°C and held for 30 s(process A) or rapidly cooled to 350°C and then reheated to 450°C(process B) to simulate the hot-dip galvanizing process. The influence of the hot-dip galvanizing process on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 600-MPa hot-dip galvanized dual-phase steel(DP600) was investigated using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy(SEM), transmission electron microscopy(TEM), and tensile tests. The results showed that, in the case of process A, the microstructure of DP600 was composed of ferrite, martensite, and a small amount of bainite. The granular bainite was formed in the hot-dip galvanizing stage, and martensite islands were formed in the final cooling stage after hot-dip galvanizing. By contrast, in the case of process B, the microstructure of the DP600 was composed of ferrite, martensite, bainite, and cementite. In addition, compared with the yield strength(YS) of the DP600 annealed by process A, that for the DP600 annealed by process B increased by approximately 50 MPa because of the tempering of the martensite formed during rapid cooling. The work-hardening coefficient(n value) of the DP600 steel annealed by process B clearly decreased because the increase of the YS affected the computation result for the n value. However, the ultimate tensile strength(UTS) and elongation(A80) of the DP600 annealed by process B exhibited less variation compared with those of the DP600 annealed by process A. Therefore, DP600 with excellent comprehensive mechanical properties(YS = 362 MPa, UTS = 638 MPa, A_(80) = 24.3%, n = 0.17) was obtained via process A.

Effects of finishing rolling temperatures and reduction on the mechanical properties of hot rolled multiphase steel

Effects of finishing rolling temperatures and reduction on the mechanical properties of hot rolled multiphase steel were investigated. Thermo-mechanical control processing (TMCP) was conducted by using a laboratory hot rolling mill, in which three different kinds of finishing rolling temperatures and reduction and various austempering times were applied. The results showed that polygonal ferrite, granular bainite and larger amount of stabilized retained austenite can be obtained by controlled rolling processes, and that the strain-induced transformation to martensite from the retained austenite can occur gradually when the steel is deformed during tensile test. Mechanical properties increase with decreasing finishing rolling temperature and increasing amount of deformation. The most TRIP (transformation induced plasticity) effect, and ultimate tensile strength (UTS), total elongation (TEL) and the product of ultimate tensile strength and total elongation (UTS×TEL) are obtained at 20 min.

Evaluation of the Fatigue Characteristics of Laser-processed Hot Work Tool Steel Based on Reliability

It is reported that laser-processing is effective to repair the heat checks, which are fine shallow cracks on a surfaceof die-casting dies. In this study, the rotating bending fatigue tests have been carried out to evaluate the fatiguecharacteristics of laser-processed hot working tool steel. Because test results are scattered, S-N curves are decidedbased on the evaluation of fatigue strength distribution. As a result, the fatigue strength of the laser-processedspecimens decreases remarkably in comparison with that of base metal. However, it can be recovered to almostinitial value by heat treatment at secondary hardening temperature. This procedure is also effective to decrease thescatter of fatigue strength. The laser-processing can be carried out at low cost and this method is effective for theextension of the work life of dies.

Influence of Hot Rolling Conditions on the Mechanical Properties of Hot Rolled TRIP Steel

Influence of hot rolling conditions on the mechanical properties of hot rolled TRIP steel was investigated. Thermomechanical control processing （TMCP） was conducted by using a laboratory hot rolling mill, in which three different kinds of finish rolling temperatures were applied. The results show that polygonal ferrite, granular bainite and larger amount of stabilized retained austenite can be obtained by controlled rolling processes. The finer ferrite grain size is produced through the deformation induced transformation during deformation rather than after deformation, which affects the mechanical properties of hot rolled TRIP steel. Mechanical properties increase with decreasing finish rolling temperature due to the stabilization of retained austenite. Ultimate tensile strength （UTS）, total elongation （TEL） and the product of ultimate tensile strength and total elongation （UTS×TEL） reaches optimal values （791 MPa, 36% and 28 476 MPa%, respectively） when the specimen was hot rolled for 50% reduction at finish rolling temperature of 700 ℃.

Influence of Medium Used during Ferritic Nitro-Carburizing of AISI H-13 Hot Work Tool Steel

Ferritic nitro-carburizing is one of the most popular surface hardening methods used to improve lifespan of hot work tool steels.Different types of mediums like gas,liquid,plasma and fluidized bed are generally used during ferritic nitro-carburizing process.In this paper,various ferritic nitro-carburizing methods were compared where gas,salt bath and fluidized are used as mediums.AISI H-13 hot work tool steel specimens were treated by using these different methods of nitro-carburizing and their performance was evaluated by using micro-structural and mechanical analysis.Optical microscopy,micro-hardness testing and X-ray stress analyzer were used for specimen characterization.Moreover,pin on disk dry sliding wear tests were performed to compare wear performance of specimens treated with different nitro-carburizing methods.It is perceived that,medium used during nitro-carburizing has significant influence on the final surface properties that can be achieved by ferritic nitro-carburizing.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of the hot-rolled Fe16Mn0.6C steel plate

Results presented in this study contribute to investigation of the microstructure and mechanical properties of the hot-rolled Fe16Mn0.6C steel plates.The steel plates have been produced by being hot-rolled at temperatures ranging from 1100℃ to 850℃ in seven passes to 97.5% reduction in thickness and then cooled in a furnace of 650℃.Some plates have been annealed at temperatures ranging from 300℃ to 1100℃ for 5min to 60min,and then followed by water quenching.There are annealing twins in the hot-rolled Fe16Mn0.6C steel.Fe16Mn0.6C steel presents similar ductile behavior as X-IPTM steel,but much higher elongation than commercial martensitic steel (MP) 1000,dual phase (DP) 980,and transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) 980 steels.Fe16Mn0.6C steel experiences γε (-α) transformation in some local regions,but remains mostly austenite during the entire deformation process.Fe16Mn0.6C steel with special mechanical properties can be produced by using the appropriate anneal technology.Twinning induced plasticity(TWIP) effect only occurs in the Fe16Mn0.6C steel annealed at temperature higher than 900℃.

Effects of Nb on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 38MnB5 steel

The effects of the microalloying element niobium(Nb) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the hot stamped steel 38 Mn B5 were investigated. The impact of Nb addition on the microstructure was studied through scanning electron microscopy(SEM), transmission electron microscopy(TEM), and X-ray diffraction(XRD). The experimental results indicated that the microstructures of the steel containing Nb were finer than those of the steel without Nb. Moreover, Nb mainly presented as a second-phase particle in 38MnB5 steel, and the particles included Nb carbonitrides. In addition, the tensile strength and elongation of the hot rolled and hot stamped steels were also measured, and they demonstrated that the appropriate addition of Nb was beneficial to the mechanical properties of 38 MnB5. Under the same conditions, the tensile strength of 38 MnB5 Nb was higher than that of 38 MnB5, which increased from 2011 to 2179 MPa. The yield strength also increased from 1316 to 1476 MPa, and the elongation increased from 5.92% to 6.64%. Overall, Nb had a positive effect on the performance of the hot stamped steel.

Influence of original microstructure on the transformation behavior and mechanical properties of ultra-high-strength TRIP-aided steel

The transformation behavior and tensile properties of an ultra-high-strength transformation-induced plasticity （TRIP） steel （0.2C-2.0Si-I.SMn） were investigated by different heat treatments for automobile applications. The results show that F-TRIP steel, a tradi- tional TRIP steel containing as-cold-rolled ferfite and pearlite as the original microstructure, consists of equiaxed grains of intercritical ferrite surrounded by discrete particles of M/RA and B. In contrast, M-TRIP steel, a modified TRiP-aided steel with martensite as the original mi- crostlucture, containing full martensite as the original microstructure is comprised of lath-shaped grains of ferrite separated by lath-shaped martensite/retained austenite and bainite. Most of the austenite in F-TRIP steel is granular, while the austenite in M-TRIP steel is lath-shaped. The volume fraction of the retained austenite as well as its carbon content is lower in F-TRIP steel than in M-TRIP steel, and austenite grains in M-TRIP steel are much finer than those in F-TRIP steel. Therefore, M-TRIP steel was concluded to have a higher austenite stability, re- sulting in a lower transformation rate and consequently contributing to a higher elongation compared to F-TRIP steel. Work hardening be- havior is also discussed for both types of steel.

A review on the multi-scaled structures and mechanical/thermal properties of tool steels fabricated by laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing

The laser powder bed fusion(LPBF) process can integrally form geometrically complex and high-performance metallic parts that have attracted much interest,especially in the molds industry.The appearance of the LPBF makes it possible to design and produce complex conformal cooling channel systems in molds.Thus,LPBF-processed tool steels have attracted more and more attention.The complex thermal history in the LPBF process makes the microstructural characteristics and properties different from those of conventional manufactured tool steels.This paper provides an overview of LPBF-processed tool steels by describing the physical phenomena,the microstructural characteristics,and the mechanical/thermal properties,including tensile properties,wear resistance,and thermal properties.The microstructural characteristics are presented through a multiscale perspective,ranging from densification,meso-structure,microstructure,substructure in grains,to nanoprecipitates.Finally,a summary of tool steels and their challenges and outlooks are introduced.

Effect of Niobium on Microstructure of Cast AISI H13 Hot Work Tool Steel

The effect of niobium addition on the microstructure of cast AISI H13 hot work tool steel was evaluated by using EDX analyzer attached to the scanning electron microscope. The volume percent of eutectic area and eutectic cell size and also volume percent of different carbides of new steel, which is heat treated under different conditions, are also determined. The results show that the a niobium addition modifies the cast structure of Nb-alloyed hot work tool steel, and reduces the size and volume of eutectic cells, and increases the maximum hardness of the steel.

Fatigue-creep interaction based on continuum damage mechanics for AISI H13 hot work tool steel at elevated temperatures

AISI H13 （4Cr5MoSiV1） is one of the commonly used materials for extrusion tool, and it suffers from fatigue-creep damage during the hot extrusion process. Stress-controlled fatigue and creep-fatigue interaction tests were carried out at 500℃ to investigate its damage evolution. The accumulated plastic strain was selected to define the damage variable due to its clear physical meaning. A new fatigue-creep interaction damage model was proposed on the basis of continuum damage mechanics. A new equivalent impulse density for fatigue-creep tests was proposed to incorporate the holding time effect by transforming creep impulse density into fatigue impulse density. The experimental results indicated that the damage model is able to describe the damage evolution under these working conditions.

Effect of Controlled Cooling After Hot Rolling on Mechanical Properties of Hot Rolled TRIP Steel

A three-step cooling pattern on the runout table（ROT）was conducted for the hot rolled TRIP steel.Microstructural evolution during thermomechanical controlled processing（TMCP）was investigated.Processing condition of controlled cooling on a ROT in the laboratory rolling mill was discussed.The results indicated that the microstructure containing polygonal ferrite,granular bainite and a significant amount of the stable retained austenite can be obtained through three-step cooling on the ROT after hot rolling.TMCP led to ferrite grain refinement.Controlled cooling after hot rolling resulted in the stability of the remaining austenite and a satisfactory TRIP effect.Excellent mechanical properties were obtained through TMCP for the hot rolled TRIP steel.

Sprayformed Hot Work Steels for Rapid Tooling

The present work compares microstructures of hot work steels made by different processes, that is, by sprayforming,by casting, and a commercially supplied H13 steel. Material benefits are recognized by sprayforming hot working tools such as die inserts for hot forging. The sprayformed hot work steels present a fine and homogeneous microstructure,which implies that, at a similar toughness level, the sprayformed steel can be higher alloyed, so that the thermal fatigue and wear resistance at elevated temperatures can be improved. A series of steels with higher vanadium content than commercial hot work steels are developed. There are no segregation and carbide network problems usually encountered in conventional ingot/forging processed high-vanadium steels. Microstructure and hardness of the new sprayformed steels are studied under different heat treatment conditions. It is justified that these sprayformed steels can be directly used for tooling without high temperature hardening. Sprayforming the tool steels onto a precision ceramic mould is demonstrated to extend the technoeconomical benefits, so that a net shape production tool can be rapidly made.Features of the rapid tooling process are also discussed.

Interfacial microstructure and mechanical properties of stainless steel clad plate prepared by vacuum hot rolling

A stainless steel clad plate composed of stainless steel and carbon steel was prepared by vacuum hot rolling process, and its microstructure, especially the bonding interface, was evaluated using an optical microscope, a scanning electron micro- scope and a transmission electron microscope （TEM）. The corresponding mechanical properties were also assessed by means of hardness and shear tests. The results showed a bonding interface formed between stainless steel and carbon steel, which was relatively straight in macroscope but serrated in microscope. Decarburization layer and carbon-enriched layer were distinguished at the side of carbon steel and stainless steel near the interface, respectively, which should be related to diffusion of carbon and alloying elements. The carbon-enriched layer could also be identified as a recombination region, whose microstructure was mainly recognized as martensite by TEM. Consequently, the hardness was the highest at this region. Furthermore, the result of shear test at the bonding interface showed that the shear strength was 395 MPa and the fracture mode was dominated as ductile fracture, indicating the bonding interface with good quality.

Effect of Cooling Rates in Coiling Process on Microstructures and Mechanical Properties in Al-Bearing Hot-Rolled TRIP Steel

In this study, the effect of cooling rates on microstructures and mechanical properties in a Al-bearing hot-rolled transformation- induced plasticity steel was investigated. The experiments were carried out using hot simulation machine and hot rolling mill, where the samples were cooled at different cooling rates. The results showed that with the increase in cooling rates, film-like retained austenite gradually disappeared and only blocky retained austenite was retained at higher cooling rates. The volume fraction of retained austenite was 9-11% at cooling rates of 0.05-1 ℃/s and 4-6% at cooling rates of 5-10 ℃/s. In addition, martensite/austenite island was observed because of the heterogeneous carbon distribution. The samples cooled at 0.05℃/s and 0.5 ℃/s exhibited excellent mechanical properties, with tensile strengths of 712 MPa and 726 MPa, total elongations of 42% and 36% and strength and ductility balances of 29.91 GPa% and 26.15 GPa%, respectively. During plastic deformation, the instantaneous work hardening exponent of the sample cooled at 0.05 ℃/s increased continuously until it reached the maximum value, while the instantaneous work hardening exponent of the sample cooled at 0.5℃/s remained stable.