The Physical and Computer Modeling of Plastic Deformation of Low Carbon Steel in Semisolid State

Abstract

This paper reports the results of theoretical and experimental work leading to the construction of a dedicated finite element method (FEM) system allowing the computer simulation of physical phenomena accompanying the steel sample testing at temperatures that are characteristic for integrated casting and rolling of steel processes, which was equipped with graphical, database oriented pre- and postprocessing. The kernel of the system is a numerical FEM solver based on a coupled thermomechanical model with changing density and mass conservation condition given in analytical form. The system was also equipped with an inverse analysis module having crucial significance for interpretation of results of compression tests at temperatures close to the solidus level. One of the advantages of the solution is the negligible volume loss of the deformation zone due to the analytical form of mass conservation conditions. This prevents FEM variational solution from unintentional specimen volume loss caused by numerical errors, which is inevitable in cases where the condition is written in its numerical form. It is very important for the computer simulation of deformation processes to be running at temperatures characteristic of the last stage of solidification. The still existing density change in mushy steel causes volume changes comparable to those caused by numerical errors. This paper reports work concerning the adaptation of the model to simulation of plastic behavior of axial-symmetrical steel samples subjected to compression at temperature levels higher than 1400°C. The emphasis is placed on the computer aided testing procedure leading to the determination of mechanical properties of steels at temperatures that are very close to the solidus line. Example results of computer simulation using the developed system are presented as well.