Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) steel'

TRansformation Induced Plasticity (TRIP) is an important phenomenon during which metastable retained austenite transforms to martensite as a result of imposed stress or strain. This phenomenon was highlighted in fully austenitic stainless steels during the 1970s and thoroughly studied for two decades to understand its complexity. More recently the same strengthening phenomenon has been used in low alloy TRIP assisted multiphase steels resulting in a simultaneous increase in strength and ductility. The full potential of this class of steels is yet to be uncovered due to the complexity of the TRIP transformation and its dependence on various physical conditions and their interactions. In this work, the metallurgical and mechanical properties of four TRIP assisted multiphase steels are characterised under physical conditions emulating those faced during automotive crash. This is done by studying the effects of the strain, strain rate, stress state and temperature on the transformation kinetics and mechanical properties of these steels. A phenomenological constitutive model for predicting the quasi-static and high strain rate mechanical response of these steels is proposed. The model incorporates the effects of strain, strain rate, stress state and temperature, and is based on the Perzyna type viscoplastic model. The viscoplastic function is a coupling of two proposed hardening functions accounting for the strain hardening and the effect of the martensitic transformation. The model successfully represents the four TRIP steels under the prescribed conditions using the determined parameters.<br>La transformation martensitique induite par déformation plastique (TRIP) est un important phénomène durant lequel la phase austénitique résiduelle métastable se transforme en martensite sous l’effet de contrainte ou de l’écoulent plastique. Ce phénomène a été mis en relief pour les aciers austénitique durant les années 70 et a été étudié en large pendant deux décennies pour comprendre sa complexité. Plus récemment, le même phénomène a été utilisé pour les aciers faiblement allié contribuant à une dualité d'augmentation de la résistance mécanique et de la ductilité. Le potentiel complet de ce genre d’acier est à découvrir dû à la complexité du matériel et du phénomène de sa transformation et sa dépendance sur plusieurs facteurs et conditions physiques ainsi que sur leurs réactions entre eux.Dans cette thèse, les caractéristiques métallurgiques et mécaniques de quatre acier, faiblement allié, multiphasé avec effet TRIP ont été étudies dans des circonstances imitant ceux constates lors d'un accident de véhicule. Ceci est accompli durant des essais de laboratoire où on varie la quantité et la vitesse de déformation, le taux de contrainte et la température qui sont des facteurs affectant la transformation et les caractéristiques mécaniques de ce métal.Un modèle constitutif phénoménologique pour la prédiction de la réaction de ces quatre aciers aux déformations de basse et haute vitesse est propose. Ce modèle viscoplastic, basé sur celui de Perzyna, prévoit les réactions dû au changement de la quantité et de la vitesse de déformation, le taux de contrainte, ainsi que le changement de la température. Le modèle prévoie avec succès les quatre types d’aciers TRIP sous les conditions décrites en utilisant les paramètres constitutifs déterminés.

Au cours de processus thermomécaniques engendrant une transformation de phase dans les aciers, une déformation plastique importante peut se produire sous l’effet d’une contrainte appliquée, même si celle-ci est plus faible que la limite d’élasticité de la phase la plus molle. Ce phénomène s’appelle plasticité de transformation ou TRansformation Induced Plasticity (TRIP), et peut jouer un rôle important sur le contrôle des procédés de transformation industriels. Par exemple, au cours du refroidissement par trempe de produits semi-finis ou finis (plaques, tôles, roues, ...), ce phénomène peut affecter la planéité des produits plats et engendrer des contraintes résiduelles qui vont affecter la qualité finale de produits finis. Il s’avère donc important de prévoir cette plasticité de transformation induite par un chargement thermomécanique donné. Dans cette thèse, un modèle micromécanique de plasticité cristalline avec transformation de phase a été développé. Il s’appuie sur l’utilisation de la transformée de Fourier rapide (TFR) développée pour des milieux périodiques. L’expansion volumique induite par une transformation de phase de type diffusive (« Greewood-Johnson effet ») est prise en compte dans le modèle afin d’estimer la plasticité de transformation et le comportement mécanique pendant la transformation de phase. Les résultats obtenus par TFR ont confirmé l’existence d’une relation linéaire entre contrainte appliquée et déformation plastique induite par la transformation, lorsque la contrainte appliquée faible (c’est-à-dire inférieure à la moitié de la limite d’élasticité de la phase la plus molle). Lorsque la contrainte appliquée est plus élevée, le modèle prévoit que cette relation linéaire n’est plus valable, même si la déformation plastique de transformation augmente toujours avec la contrainte ; ceci est bon accord avec des observations expérimentales. L’interaction entre paramètres microstructuraux (tels que texture, morphologie et taille de grains, ...) et mécaniques (contrainte de rappel, sensibilité à la vitesse de déformation, ...) a été analysée. Il a été montré que tous ces paramètres doivent être pris en compte dans l’estimation de la plasticité de transformation. L’effet de l’écrouissage cinématique de la phase mère sur l’anisotropie de déformation induite a égalament été discuté. Par ailleurs, les résultats numériques obtenus par TFR ont été comparés à des résultats issus de modèles analytiques existants et à des mesures expérimentales. Compte tenu du bon accord entre résultats numériques et expérimentaux, les résultats obtenus par TFR ont servi référence pour améliorer les modèles analytiques existants ; ces nouveaux modèles simplifiés s’avèrent plus précis que ceux proposés auparavant<br>During phase transformation in steels, when stress is applied, significant large strain can be observed even though the applied stress is much smaller than the yield stress of the softest phase. The phenomenon is called Transformation Plasticity or TRansformation Induced Plasticity (TRIP). Transformation plasticity is known to play an important role during steel producing processes. For example, during quenching process of plates, sheets, wheels and gear products, the phenomenon affects their shape and residual stresses which determines the quality of products. In this PhD thesis, a micromechanical model of crystal plasticity with phase transformation is developed. It takes advantage of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) numerical scheme for periodic media. Volume expansion along with phase transformation (Greenwood-Johnson effect) is taken into account in the model in order to evaluate the transformation plasticity and mechanical behaviour during phase transformation. The FFT results confirm linear relation between applied stress and transformation plastic strain, if the applied stress does not exceed a half the value of yield stress of the parent phase. For relatively large applied stresses, transformation plastic strain increases nonlinearly with respect to the applied stress. These results agree well with experimental ones. The metallurgical and mechanical interactions during phase transformation are also analysed, such as texture, grain morphology, grain size, back stress effect and viscoplastic deformation effect. It is shown that they cannot be neglected for estimating transformation plasticity. Among others, the role of kinematic hardening of the parent phase on the resulting strain anisotropy is discussed. Finally, the FFT numerical results have been compared with existing analytical models as well as experimental results. Moreover, these FFT computations have been used as references to develop new approximate analytical models. They are shown to improve on previous proposals. These new models were confirmed that they estimate well the transformation plasticity than other analytical models which have been treated in this PhD thesis

<p align='justify'>This thesis is devoted to the micromechanical study of the size-dependent strengthening in Transformation Induced Plasticity (TRIP) steels. Such grades of advanced high-strength steels are compelling for the automotive industry, due to their improved mechanical properties. Among others, they combine a good strength versus ductility balance. In this context, many research works have been carried out to study these grades of steels. In particular, from a numerical point of view, earlier studies within the framework of classical plasticity do not properly reproduce the strengthening levels characterizing TRIP steels and obtained experimentally.</p> <p><p align='justify'>In this study, the strain gradient plasticity theory presented by Fleck and Hutchinson (2001) is chosen to account for the strengthening effect resulting from the phase transformation. A two-dimensional embedded cell model of a simplified microstructure composed of small cylindrical metastable austenitic inclusions, partially undergoing the phase transformation, within a ferritic matrix is used.</p><p><p align='justify'>First, the single-parameter version of the strain gradient plasticity theory under small strain assumption is used for the simulations. The impact of the higher order boundary conditions is assessed. It is shown that, when the plastic flow is unconstrained at the elasto-plastic boundaries, the transformation strain has no significant impact on the overall strengthening. The strengthening is essentially coming from the composite effect with a marked inclusion size effect resulting from the appearance during deformation of new boundaries (at the interface between parent and product phases) constraining the plastic flow.</p><p><p align='justify'>Second, the multi-parameter version of the strain gradient plasticity theory, incorporating separately the rotational and extensional gradients in the formulation, is employed under small strain assumption. The effect of the plastic strain gradients resulting from the transformation strain is better captured. In particular, the results show a significant influence of the shear component of the transformation strain. An implicit confinement effect is revealed at the elasto-plastic boundaries which is partly responsible for the transformation strain effect. Size effects on the overall strengthening are also revealed, due to a combined size dependent effect of the transformation strain and of the evolving composite structure.</p><p align='justify'>Third, the extension of the strain gradient plasticity theory to a finite strain description is applied. A significant effect of the transformation strain is obtained with the multi-parameter version of the theory as well as an optimal austenite grain size improving the damage resistance of the martensite, in agreement with the typical grain size of the current TRIP-assisted steels (Jacques et al. 2007).</p><br>Doctorat en Sciences de l'ingénieur<br>info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Cette thèse porte sur l'analyse d'un phénomène particulièrement important dérivant des conséquences mécaniques des transformations de phases solide-solide dans les aciers : la plasticité de transformation ou TRIP (Transformation Induced Plasticity) et son interaction avec la plasticité classique. Ce sujet est abordé à la fois par des investigations expérimentales et par une approche de modélisation numérique, pour les transformations martensitiques.

Formable Advanced High-Strength Steels (AHSS) have a unique combination of strength and ductility, making them ideal in the effort to lightweight vehicles. The AHSS in this study, Quenched and Partitioned 1180, rely on the Transformation Induced Plasticity (TRIP) effect, in which retained austenite (RA) grains transform to martensite during plastic deformation, providing extra ductility via the transformation event. Understanding the factors involved in RA transformation, such as local strain and grain attributes, is therefore key to optimizing the microstructure of these steels. This research seeks to increase understanding of those attributes and the correlations between microstructure and RA transformation in TRIP steels. To measure local strain, the viability of using forescatter detector (FSD) images as the basis for DIC study is investigated. Standard FSD techniques, along with an integrated EBSD / FSD approach (Pattern Region of Interest Analysis System), are both analyzed. Simultaneous strain and microstructure maps are obtained for tensile deformation up to around 6% strain. The method does not give sub-grain resolution, and surface feature evolution prevents DIC analysis across large strain steps; however, the data is easy to obtain and provides a natural set of complementary information for the EBSD analysis. In-situ tensile tests combined with EBSD allow RA grain and neighboring attributes to be characterized and corresponding transformation data to be obtained. However, pseudo-symmetry of the ferrite (BCC) and martensite (BCT) phases prevents EBSD from accurately identifying all phases. Measuring the relative distortion of the crystal lattice, tetragonality, is one approach to identifying the phases. Unfortunately, small errors in the pattern center can cause significant errors in tetragonality measurement. Therefore, this research utilizes a new approach for accurate pattern center determination using a strain minimization routine and applies it to tetragonality maps for phase identification. Tetragonality maps based on dynamically simulated patterns result in the most accurate maps and can also be used to predict approximate local carbon content. Machine learning is then used on the collected data to isolate key attributes of RA grains and provide a decision tree model to predict transformation based on those attributes. Among the most relevant attributes found, RA grain area, RA grain shape aspect ratio, a “hardness” factor, and major axis orientation are included. Possible correlations between these factors and transformation improve understanding of relevant attributes and show the advantage that machine learning can have in unravelling complex material behavior.

Lors d’un recuit inter-critique d’un acier dit « Medium Manganèse », dont la teneur en Mn est située entre 4 et 12 %, avec une microstructure initiale complètement martensitique, la formation de l’austénite obéit à un mécanisme spécifique qui porte le nom d'ART - « Austenite Reverted Transformation » (transformation inverse de l’austénite). L’objectif de ce travail de thèse était d’étudier et de modéliser les évolutions microstructurales en lien avec les propriétés mécaniques lors d’un recuit ART. Il a été déterminé que la microstructure finale se compose de phases de nature (ferrite, austénite résiduelle et martensite de trempe) et morphologie (en forme d’aiguille et polygonale) différentes. Une attention particulière a été accordée aux cinétiques de dissolution des carbures et de formation de l’austénite. Une vision complète de ces processus a été construite. En outre, le mécanisme de stabilisation de l’austénite résiduelle à la température ambiante a été étudié et discuté. Enfin, des essais de traction ont été réalisés afin d’évaluer le comportement mécanique de l’acier après différents recuits ART et établir le lien avec la microstructure. Une analyse plus détaillée du comportement de chaque constituant de la microstructure a été effectuée. A l'issue de cette thèse, un modèle complet est disponible pour calculer les courbes de contrainte vraie - déformation vraie d’un acier Medium Mn<br>During the intercritical annealing of fully martensitic Medium Mn steel, containing from 4 to 12 wt.% Mn, the formation of austenite happens through the so-called “Austenite Reverted Transformation” (ART) mechanism. In this PhD work, the evolution of both microstructure and tensile properties was studied as a function of holding time in the intercritical domain. The microstructure evolution was studied using a double experimental and modeling approach. The final microstructure contained phases of different natures (ferrite (annealed martensite), retained austenite and fresh martensite) and of different morphologies (lath-like and polygonal). A particular attention was paid to the kinetics of austenite formation in connection with cementite dissolution and to the morphology of the phases. A mechanism was proposed to describe the formation of such microstructure. The critical factors controlling thermal austenite stability, including both chemical and size effects, were determined and discussed, based on the analysis of the retained austenite time-evolution. At last, tensile properties of the steel were measured as a function of holding time and the relation between microstructure and mechanical behavior was analyzed. Advanced analysis of the individual behavior of the three major constituents was performed. As a final output of this work, a complete model for predicting the true-stress versus true-strain curves of medium Mn steels was proposed

Les aciers inoxydables duplex présentent une combinaison intéressante entre des propriétés mécaniques élevées, une faible conductivité thermique et un coût relativement faible. Ils sont couramment employés dans le domaine du bâtiment comme rond à béton, application qui requière notamment une résistance élevée (Rm &gt; 950 MPa) et une ductilité importante (A% &gt; 15). Cette thèse a pour objectif d’améliorer le compromis résistance / allongement, en développant de nouvelles nuances duplex présentant une transformation martensitique induite par la plasticité (effet TRIP) aux caractéristiques contrôlées. L’optimisation de ce compromis a nécessité en particulier une compréhension détaillée des mécanismes de transformation et de déformation plastique associés à chaque phase : la ferrite (BCC), l’austénite (FCC) et la martensite (BCC).L’influence de la transformation martensitique sur le comportement mécanique est étudiée pour quatre alliages duplex de stabilité variable de la phase austénitique en fonction de leur composition chimique. L’influence d’une microstructure multiphasée sur la cinétique de transformation est déterminée grâce à l’élaboration de trois nuances modèles représentant respectivement une nuance duplex et es deux compositions représentatives de ses constituants austénite et ferrite. L’utilisation de plusieurs techniques de caractérisation à différentes échelles a permis de décrire à la fois les mécanismes de transformation de phase et leur cinétique en fonction de la déformation, donnant ainsi accès à leur influence sur le comportement mécanique. L’étude des champs cinématiques a mis en évidence l’impact de la phase martensitique sur la répartition des déformations dans la microstructure multi-phasée. Finalement l’utilisation d’un modèle mécanique prenant en compte explicitement la transformation martensitique a permis de reproduire le comportement mécanique d’un alliage duplex<br>Duplex stainless steels offer an attractive combination of high mechanical properties, low thermalconductivity and a relatively low cost. They are increasingly used as structural materials such as inthe construction sector as concrete reinforcement bars, where both high strength (Rm &gt; 900 MPa)and high elongation to failure (A% &gt; 15 %) are required. This thesis aims at improving the strength/ elongation compromise by developing new duplex stainless steel compositions experiencing a wellcontrolledmartensitic transformation induced by plasticity (TRIP effect). The optimisation of thiscompromise has required a good understanding of the transformation mechanisms and of plasticdeformation associated with each phase : ferrite (BCC), austenite (FCC) and martensite (BCC).The influence of martensitic transformation on mechanical behavior has been studied in four duplexgrades of variable austenite stability as a function of their chemical composition. The influence ofmultiphase microstructure on martensitic transformation kinetics has been determined by makingthree alloys respectively representative of a duplex grade and its two constituents (austenite andferrite). Using multiple characterization techniques at different scales has allowed determiningboth the transformation mechanisms and its kinetics as a function of strain, giving thus accessto the influence of transformation on the mechanical behavior. The study of kinematic fields hashighlighted the impact of the martensitic phase on the distribution of deformations. Finally, theuse of a mechanical model taking explicitly into account the phase transformation has allowed theduplication of the mechanical behavior of a duplex stainless steel

Sheet metal forming processes are an important part of many manufacturing operations today. The numerical simulation of these processes has become an important aspect in the design of the processes and in the understanding of the material forming itself. This thesis document describes the development and formulation of a material model which was used in the numerical simulation of deep drawing problems. The purpose of the material model was to predict the formation of martensite during the plastic straining of metastable austenitic stainless steel and the effect of the martensite formation on the plasticity of the steel. The model was developed from existing work as a modified von Mises isotropic hardening elastic-plastic algorithm. The algorithm was implemented as the subroutine UMAT in the finite element program ABAQUS. Finite element simulations employing the material model were performed on two axisymmetric deep drawing examples. The finite element analysis was performed as a coupled displacement-temperature analysis. The simulations produced results which predicted the distribution of various material state variables such as the volume fraction of martensite, plastic strain, yield stress and temperature in the formed component. The results were consistent with what is intuitively expected from the physics of the problem. They were able to explain phenomena observed in physical tests such as the location of failures in the formed components and the occurrence of delayed cracking. It is concluded that the model was successful in providing qualitative information on the distribution of martensite in components formed by deep drawing. These predictions were for a broad range of stainless steel behaviour. However, extensions to the model are required to be able to make accurate quantitative predictions on the formation of martensite in specific materials.

Cette thèse caractérise un acier Moyen Mn à 0.2C-5Mn-2.5Al qui montre un écrouissage très fort au cours de la déformation plastique dû à l’effet TRIP. Pendant TRIP, l’austénite résiduelle paramagnétique se transforme en martensite ferromagnétique sous déformation plastique, ce qui conduit à un fort écrouissage. Le taux de cet écrouissage dépend des paramètres de fabrication et surtout la température de recuit intercritique. Ces aciers ont aussi des fois le tendance de se déformer de façon hétérogène par des bandes de Lüders ou PLC.Dans cette thèse, une méthode de caractérisation de la cinétique de transformation de phase est développée sur la base des mesures de l’aimantation saturée de l’acier. La méthode magnétique est unique dans son implémentation in-situ sans aucun effet sur l’essai de traction. Une correction pour les effets de la contrainte appliquée sur l’aimantation est aussi introduite pour la première fois avec une base physique. Les résultats des mesures magnétiques ont été comparés contre des caractérisations des bandes de déformation pour montrer que la transformation de phase coïncide avec le passage des bandes de déformation. La sensibilité à la vitesse de déformation est analysée et une caractérisation de la présence et type de bande PLC est présentée en fonction de la cinétique de transformation de phase<br>This thesis studies the mechanical behavior of a 0.2C-5Mn-2.5Al Medium Mn steel that exhibits a very high degree of work hardening due to transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) during plastic deformation. During TRIP, paramagnetic retained austenite is transformed to ferromagnetic martensite with the application of plastic strain and generates a significant amount of work hardening. The rate of work hardening is seen to vary greatly depending on processing parameters—notably the intercritical annealing temperature. These steels also often deform heterogeneously through the propagation of Lüders or PLC strain bands.This research develops a method to characterize the kinetics of the TRIP effect through measurements of the samples magnetic properties. The method is novel in that it is performed in-situ with no effect on the tensile test and is able to correct for the effects of the applied stress on the magnetic properties. The results of these experiments were compared to characterizations of the strain bands to demonstrate that TRIP coincides with the passage of a Lüders or PLC band. The strain rate sensitivity of the steels is analyzed and the presence and type of PLC bands are characterized with respect to the transformation kinetics

Metastable austenitic and duplex stainless steels are widely used materials in industrial anddomestic applications, owing to their attractive characteristics such as good corrosion resistanceand favorable mechanical properties. Both types of steel experience enhanced mechanicalproperties during plastic deformation due to the formation of the martensite phase from theparent austenite phase, this is called deformation-induced martensitic transformation (DIMT).It is therefore of technical interest to study the transformation mechanism and its impact onmechanical properties for a better understanding and ultimately for developing new materialswith improved performance in certain applications. In the present thesis, two austenitic stainless steels (201Cu, HyTens® 301) and two duplexstainless steels (FDX25®, FDX27®) were investigated. Samples were tensile tested during insitusynchrotron radiation experiments performed at the Cornell High Energy SynchrotronSource (CHESS), Ithaca, USA. Tests were performed at both room temperature and at elevatedtemperatures. The collected diffraction data were then processed by software such as Fit2D andMATLAB. Quantitative phase fraction analysis based on the direct comparison method wasperformed successfully. Microstructural analysis of samples before deformation and after thefull tensile testing was also performed using electron microscopy. The deformation induced martensitic transformation took place in HyTens 301, FDX25 andFDX27, but in 201Cu the austenite was stable during the tensile tests conducted here. The a’-martensite formed in a significantly higher fraction than the ε-martensite in all alloys. At roomtemperature, the critical stress levels for martensitic transformation were 490 MPa, 700 MPaand 700MPa for HyTens 301, FDX25 and FDX27, respectively.

Dans cette étude, nous analysons les conséquences mécaniques des transformations de phase diffusives, particulièrement la plasticité de transformation ou TRIP (TRansformation Induced Plasticity) ainsi que le comportement élasto-viscoplastique. Cette plasticité de transformation, explicable par le mécanisme de Greenwood-Johnson, est souvent décrite avec le modèle de Leblond qui fait l'hypothèse d'un comportement élastoplastique. Dans ce modèle comme dans la majorité des analyses expérimentales et des modélisations (analytiques, par éléments finis, FFT ou encore champ de phase), une des hypothèses principales est de ne pas prendre en compte le caractère visqueux du comportement. Or plusieurs études récentes montrent que le comportement des deux phases (parente et produite) peut être très sensible au taux de déformation imposé, particulièrement à haute température. D'où l'intérêt de développer une modélisation rendant compte des effets visqueux présents lors de certaines transformations. Pour ce faire, nous adoptons une modélisation numérique où le comportement de chaque phase est décrit par une loi élasto-viscoplastique à écrouissage mixte associée à la loi de Norton ; la cinétique de transformation est imposée et le problème d'interactions mécaniques entre phases est traité par la méthode des éléments finis. D'une part, la contribution de la viscosité au TRIP est quantifiée pour différents taux de déformation imposés durant la transformation de phase. D'autre part, l'effet du taux de transformation (configuration arbitraire) sur la prédiction du TRIP est évalué et caractérisé. Une extension des modèles existants (à cinétique périodique et aléatoire) est proposée. Elle consiste d'abord à étudier et évaluer l'effet de la morphologie de germe ainsi que l'anisotropie de croissance sur la prédiction du TRIP. Ensuite, une amélioration avec un modèle anisotherme, basé sur des mesures expérimentales existantes, a été introduite. Elle consiste principalement à tenir compte de la variation des propriétés mécaniques en fonction de la température. Les analyses montrent que la prise en compte de la viscosité peut conduire à des effets importants sur la prédiction du TRIP par rapport aux résultats obtenus avec un modèle élastoplastique classique. Elles montrent en particulier, en configuration anisotherme, une amélioration de la prédiction du TRIP mesuré expérimentalement lors de la transformation perlitique d'un acier 100Cr6 [Tahimi, 2012]. Cette étude permet par ailleurs de dégager des tendances évidentes dans les relations entre le TRIP et l'histoire de la transformation : chargement mécanique et cinétique de transformation, morphologie des germes et anisotropie de croissance. Ces résultats pourront contribuer à l'élaboration d'un modèle analytique simple prenant en compte la viscosité<br>In this study, the mechanical consequences of phase transformations in steel, particularly, the TRansformation Induced Plasticity TRIP as well as the elasto-viscoplastic behavior has been analyzed. This transformation plasticity, due to the Greenwood-Johnson mechanism, is often described with the model of Leblond with the assumption of an elastoplastic behavior. Moreover, in the majority of experimental analysis or numerical finite elements modeling FEM or phase field modeling PFM, the viscous criteria were not considered. However, several recent studies have demonstrated that both phases (parent and product) show high strain-rate sensitivity at elevated temperatures. Hence, the principal interests using the FEM modeling to extend these main reference models of [Leblond, 89] and [Taleb-Sidoroff, 2003], with taking into account the viscous effects, which are present during some phase transformations, especially at high temperatures. To do this, the behavior of each phase is described by an elasto-viscoplastic law with mixed hardening associated to the Norton law. The transformation kinetics is imposed and the problem of mechanical interactions between phases is processed by the finite element method. On the one hand, the contribution from viscosity to TRIP was quantified for different strain-rate during phase transformation. On the other hand, the effect of an arbitrarily-set of transformation-rate in the FEM simulations was evaluated and characterized. An extension of the existing models (for periodic and random kinetics) is proposed. It consists at first in studying and in evaluating the effect of both the morphology of nuclei and the growth anisotropy, on the prediction of TRIP. Then, an improvement with non-isothermal model, based on existing experimental measures, was introduced. It consists mainly in taking into account the variation of the mechanical properties of the mixture of both phases, according to the temperature. The predictions show that in such cases, the consideration of the viscosity can lead to major changes of the estimated TRIP compared with results obtained from a classic plastic model. Also, the prediction of TRIP can be significantly influenced by the choice of the morphology of germs and by the type of growth: isotropic or anisotropic. These improvements, particularly with the non-isothermal configuration, show a good agreement with experimental measures of TRIP on the 10006 steel during pearlite phase transformation [Tahimi, 2012]. This study allows besides, releasing obvious trends in the relations between the TRIP and the history of the phase transformation: mechanical loading and kinetics of transformation, morphology of nuclei and growth anisotropy. These results can contribute to the elaboration of a simple analytical model taking into account the viscous criteria

Transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) steels are a class of steels with exceptional formability properties, due mainly to the presence of meta-stable retained austenite which transforms to martensite under loading, locally hardening the steel. The volume fraction and mechanical stability of the retained austenite play an important role in producing the high formabilities of TRIP steels. In this thesis, two separate morphologies of retained austenite, equiaxed versus lamellar, have been produced through thermo-mechanical processing of a single common TRIP steel chemistry. The sheet formability characteristics of these two microstructures were examined, with varying volume fractions of retained austenite, through uniaxial tensile and in-plane plane-strain (IPPS) testing. It was found that higher levels of retained austenite produced better formability properties for both microstructures and strain paths. In uniaxial tension it was seen that the the lamellar microstructure attained higher strains at maximum load, and exhibited more sustained instantaneous n values than the equiaxed structure, despite having a lower volume fraction of retained austenite. IPPS testing was performed using an optical measurement of local strain and a comparative forming limit based on differences in strain rate between a developing neck and the surrounding material. It was found that the lamellar microstructure performed better than the equiaxed microstructure for this strain path, achieving higher strains before reaching the comparative forming limit.<br>Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2010-01-25 16:36:07.598

Transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) steels have excellent strength, ductility and work hardening behaviour, which can be attributed to a phenomenon known as the TRIP effect. The TRIP effect involves a metastable phase, retained austenite (RA), transforming into martensite as a result of applied stress or strain. This transformation absorbs energy and improves the work hardening rate of the steel, delaying the onset of necking. This work describes two distinct TRIP steel microstructures and focuses on how microstructure affects the RA-to-martensite transformation and the uniaxial tensile behaviour. A two-step heat treatment was applied to an aluminum-alloyed TRIP steel to obtain a microstructure consisting of equiaxed grains of ferrite surrounded by bainite, martensite and RA -- the equiaxed microstructure. The second microstructure was produced by first austenitizing and quenching the steel to produce martensite, followed by the two-step heat treatment. The resulting microstructure (labelled the lamellar microstructure) consisted of elongated grains of ferrite with bainite, martensite and RA grains. Both microstructural variants had similar initial volume fractions of RA. A series of interrupted tensile tests and ex-situ magnetic measurements were conducted to examine the RA transformation during uniform elongation. Similar tests were also conducted on an equiaxed microstructure and a lamellar microstructure with similar ultimate tensile strengths. Results show that the work hardening rate is directly related to the RA transformation rate. The slower transformation rate, or higher RA stability, that was observed in the lamellar microstructure enables sustained work hardening at high strains. In contrast, the equiaxed microstructure has a lower RA stability and thus exhibits high values of work hardening at low strains, but the effect is quickly exhausted. Several microstructural factors that affect RA stability were examined, including RA grain size, aspect ratio, carbon content and spatial distribution of the phases. Two of these factors were characteristic of only the lamellar microstructures and led to higher RA stabilities: elongated RA grains and RA grains being primarily surrounded by bainite. The results were also compared with previous work on a silicon-alloyed TRIP steel to show that the aluminum-alloyed compositions could achieve similar, if not better, combinations of strength and ductility.<br>Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-24 16:52:28.032

Efforts to reduce vehicle weight and improve crash performance have resulted in increased application of advanced high strength steels (AHSS) and a recent focus on the weldability of these alloys. Resistance spot welding (RSW) is the primary sheet metal welding process in the manufacture of automotive assemblies. Integration of AHSS into the automotive architecture has brought renewed challenges for achieving acceptable welds. The varying alloying content and processing techniques has further complicated this initiative. The current study examines resistance spot welding of high strength and advance high strength steels including high strength low alloy (HSLA), dual phase (DP) and a ferritic-bainitic steel (590R). The mechanical properties and microstructure of these RSW welded steel alloys are detailed. Furthermore a relationship between chemistries and hardness is produced. The effect of strain rate on the joint strength and failure mode is also an important consideration in the design of welded structures. Current literature, however, does not explain the effects of weld microstructure and there are no comprehensive comparisons of steels. This work details the relationship between the joint microstructure and impact performance of spot welded AHSS. Quasi-static and impact tests were conducted using a universal tensile tester and an instrumented drop tower, respectively. Results for elongation, failure load and energy absorption for each material are presented. Failure modes are detailed by observing weld fracture surfaces. In addition, cross-sections of partially fractured weldments were examined to detail fracture paths during static loading. Correlations between the fracture path and mechanical properties are developed using observed microstructures in the fusion zone and heat-affected-zone. Friction stir spot welding (FSSW) has proven to be a potential candidate for spot welding AHSS. A comparative study of RSW and FSSW on spot welding AHSS has also been completed. The objective of this work is to compare the microstructure and mechanical properties of Zn-coated DP600 AHSS (1.2mm thick) spot welds conducted using both processes. This was accomplished by examining the metallurgical cross-sections and local hardnesses of various spot weld regions. High speed data acquisition was also used to monitor process parameters and attain energy outputs for each process.