Multi scale cellular automata and finite element based model for cold deformation and annealing of a ferritic–pearlitic microstructure

Numerical modelling of microstructure evolution during cold rolling and the subsequent annealing of a two phase ferritic–pearlitic sample under an α/γ phase transformation regime is the subject of the present work. The multi scale model based on the digital material representation taking into account exact representation of the microstructure morphology is used in the research to investigate inhomogeneous strain distribution during cold rolling. Obtained results are then incorporated into the discrete cellular automata model of static recrystallization. Data transfer between the finite element and cellular automata models is performed by means of the interpolation method based on the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamic. Details about the developed cellular automata model of static recrystallization are presented within the paper. The complete multi scale model is finally validated against a series of experimental cold rolling and subsequent annealing operations. Various annealing conditions were used as case studies to prove robustness of the developed numerical approach.