Simulation of Deformation Behavior and Microstructure Evolution during Hot Forging of TC11 Titanium Alloy

Abstract

Finite element method is the most powerful tool for development and optimization of the metal forming processes. Analysis of titanium alloy critical parts should include the prediction of microstructure since their mechanical and technological properties essentially depend on the type and parameters of the microstructure. The technological process of parts production for aerospace applications is multi-operational and consists of deformation, heating and cooling stages. Therefore, it is necessary to simulate the microstructure evolution to obtain high quality parts. In presented paper FE simulation coupled with microstructure evolution during hot forging of TC11 titanium alloy has been performed by QForm FEM code. Constitutive relationships, friction conditions and microstructure evolution model have been established using the experiments. The kinetics of phase transformations has been described by the Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov (JMAK) phenomenological model. The approach is illustrated by industrial case study that proved its practical applicability and economic advantages for technology development of titanium alloy critical parts.