The Dynamic Recrystallization of Hot-Deformed Austenite in a Micro-Alloyed Steel

As the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behavior of hot-deformed austenite is the basis of determining controlled rolling schedule for steel, in the present work, the dynamic recrystallization behavior of austenite of a 0.22%C-1.30%Mn-0.04%Nb micro-alloyed steel was investigated by means of high temperature compression tests on the Thermecmastor-Z simulator. By the analysis of true stress-strain curves at different deformation stages, the hot deformation equation of austenite was established for the steel. As a result, the energy to induce recrystallization of austenite for the steel is 419.1 kJmol-1, as it was influenced by the drag effect of micro-alloyed element Nb in solid solution. The ratio (σc/σp) of critical stress σc (where DRX occurs) to peak stress σp is 0.93 while the ratio (εc/εp) of critical strain εc to peak stress εp is 0.52 for the steel. The austenite grain size of dynamic recrystallization of the micro-alloyed steel is refined by decreasing the deformation temperature and improving the stain rate.