Analysis of the Static Recrystallization Behavior of Nb-Ti Microalloyed Steels Including Low Strain Levels

Abstract

Semi-empirical models for predicting the austenite static recrystallization behavior are widely used in designing thermomechanical treatments to improve final mechanical properties. However, a problem with these models is that their utility can be limited to the range of deformation conditions and chemical compositions they were developed for. This work focuses on the study of the applicability of current recrystallization models to the range of low strain conditions and/or high Nb microalloying additions (≈0.1%). To do so, the recrystallization behavior of two low carbon Nb-Ti microalloyed steels (0.04 and 0.11% Nb and ≈0.01% Ti) has been investigated by torsion tests. Experimental results for recrystallization time and recrystallized grain size have been compared to previously developed equations. It has been observed that at low strains (ε = 0.1) the predictions fail. A dependence of the n Avrami exponent both on temperature and applied strain was also found.