Phase Field Modeling of Austenite Decomposition and Formation in Steels: An Overview

Abstract

Solid-state phase transformation is one of the most effective ways to tailor microstructures and mechanical properties of steels. However, microstructure evolution during phase transformations in steels is rather complex, and it is still not fully understood. In the past decades, phase field method, as a very powerful microstructure simulation tool, has been widely used to simulate the kinetics of various phase transformations and the resulting microstructure evolution in steels. This mini review will summarize the current progress in phase field modeling of austenite decomposition and formation, which are the most important phase transformations in steels. We will also discuss the potential of phase field method in simulating the successive phase transformations in the real processing of commercial steels.